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Possibly on the spectrum?

Forrest123

Hello everyone,

I’ve only  just joined this community chat today, so please forgive me if I’m asking any questions that have been asked a thousand times before? But very recently I’ve been seriously considering asking my GP for a referral to be assessed for autism. But I’ve got this worry about being assessed, then they say I haven’t got autism at all. Then I’ll be confused as to what my issues really are. So I’m looking for a bit of advice I guess. Let me give some details as to what makes me think I could be on the spectrum.

I’m a 41 year old man, and I’m in full time employment. I’ve always thought I was different from a lot of other people. I’ve never liked social engagement. I don’t feel comfortable at parties etc... I find conversations hard work, and unless a topic comes up that I’m interested in, then I usually just stay quiet and let others do the talking. Also, I struggle to keep eye contact with others, sometimes I actually start smiling when someone is talking to me, which is annoying because it makes me look like I’m not taking them seriously. Does anyone else do this? Apart from the social issues I have, I’m also someone that spends a lot of time in deep thought about things, I tend to overthink a lot, but that could be due to my OCD. 

I’ve been reading up on autism, and I’ve recently done an online test, which I scored high at. But I don’t think online tests are a reason for self diagnosing. I’ve always preferred routine, and I stick to doing the same things. I find I get obsessed by a certain subject, and I go into it in great depth, until suddenly I completely lose interest in it. I seem to get annoyed by loud sounds more than most others around me. I’ve never been touchy-feely, maybe this sounds odd? But it feels awkward if I cuddle someone. But one of the main reasons for my post today, regards stimming and flapping. Now, all I’ve heard on stimming is, some people do rocking back and forward, things like that. But what I’d really like to know is, does anyone else tap things with their fingers? Because that’s what I do.

This is embarrassing for me to say, as I’ve never said this to anyone before. But for as long as I can remember, probably from the age of 4 or 5, I’ve always played with my fingers, tapped things, and rub my hands together quickly, it’s usually when I’m excited, but it’s also a calming thing. It’s difficult to explain over text, but usually when I get excited I rub my hands quickly, and flap my fingers, or tap things with my fingers. I also twiddle with objects like pens and pencils, and I twiddle them for long periods sometimes. I always do this out of sight of others, I even tap things with my fingers when I’m at work and in my car. Like I say, it’s hard to explain, but it’s something I’ve always done, and I was wondering if anyone else does a similar thing? And could this be a sign of autism? I hope I’ve not just made a fool of myself, but it would be nice to hear from people that are in the same boat. Sorry if I went on a bit. 

Thank you

Parents

  • I think I am Autistic too. I tried the GP route and it was terrible. The GP did refer me on, but said he thought they would not see me as I made such good eye contact with him and could express myself too well. At the referral I had the same problem the lady reading out the questions would not refer me to a psychologist. It really brought me down. I am now going private with the Autistic Society who have agreed to see me. I suffer every day with high Anxiety, and big round abouts or new places when driving get me in a right state. I would suggest keeping a diary of things that are tricky, how that makes you feel etc. Look up Autism info which might trigger you to think "I do that to" and write it down. I also got people who knew me to write down some of my difficulties. Family, friends, I was luck as my boss is a SENCO at the pre-school I work at she wrote something too. I should have done all this before I saw the GP, in hindsight, no good looking back though. Wish you lots of luck.

  • in reply to NAS67032

    Thank you. Yes before I go to the GP, I will make sure I have a list with me explaining as many different traits as I can think of. Also good idea about getting a friend or family member to write a couple of things as well. It’s good to get the view of someone that sees from the outside. I can actually look people in the eyes sometimes, but it seems to depend on the day, and how confident I feel on a particular day. But usually I don’t tend to like looking directly into people’s eyes when I talk to them. And that’s not just strangers, I have trouble doing it with people I know really well. As I think I mentioned in my opening post, sometimes I start to smile if I try to look into someone’s when talking to them. It’s very annoying, and I don’t know why that happens. Anyway, thanks for your message Slight smile

  • in reply to Forrest123

    Hi Forrest123

    you can also self refer. It you go onto this website https://www.norfolkcommunityhealthandcare.nhs.uk/home/service/autism-service-norfolk-60/

    This is for Autism Service Norfolk which is an NHS service at the community hospital in Bowthorpe. They also have a clinic in Dereham Norfolk. There is a  self referral form on the above webpage. I believe that they then send the relevant paperwork to you direct. There is also a phone and email address if you want to contact them first. 
    I was referred by a clinical psychologist at the QEH in Kings Lynn from a mental health referral originally but I know you can use this form to self refer. 

    I waited 3yrs but they told me in March that the waiting list is a lot shorter now as they have just employed more staff. It’s worth just taking action and getting on the list so it relieves some of the stress in your head thinking about it. 

Reply
  • in reply to Forrest123

    Hi Forrest123

    you can also self refer. It you go onto this website https://www.norfolkcommunityhealthandcare.nhs.uk/home/service/autism-service-norfolk-60/

    This is for Autism Service Norfolk which is an NHS service at the community hospital in Bowthorpe. They also have a clinic in Dereham Norfolk. There is a  self referral form on the above webpage. I believe that they then send the relevant paperwork to you direct. There is also a phone and email address if you want to contact them first. 
    I was referred by a clinical psychologist at the QEH in Kings Lynn from a mental health referral originally but I know you can use this form to self refer. 

    I waited 3yrs but they told me in March that the waiting list is a lot shorter now as they have just employed more staff. It’s worth just taking action and getting on the list so it relieves some of the stress in your head thinking about it. 

Children