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Getting diagnosed as an adult female

NAS73342

Hi.

I'm struggling a little bit. I've struggled with a lot of issues all of my life (in late 30s now) and someone close to me has now suggested it might be autism. I read the link she sent me, and I identify a lot with what she has said.

However, I have also had issues with getting help and support for other problems and I dont know if I need a diagnosis, what it will change and how it will help 

I feel like it won't change the fact that I struggle socially and it won't help me make (and keep) meaningful friendships. It won't change who I am.

I guess I am looking for support from others who have attempted to get a diagnosis at an older age, and what difference it made to them. 

Thanks. 

Parents

  • Going through it now. I'm 56. My assessment is a few months away.

    With respect to support, you don't say what with, but I know for my issues, the problem is I've had the wrong support or no support. I further think the support has been absent or the wrong kind because I am highly probably autistic and the support hasn't been geared to that.

    It is possible (I hope and pray) that a diagnosis might be the difference between getting what is no help to me and something which actually helps.

    No, a diagnosis can't and shouldn't change who any of us are, but it seems to make a lot of people feel they understand themselves better and more comfortable with who they are. I suspect it will do that for me too. I think it might also empower me to say to others, 'look, I'm working hard to accomodate you because you experience the world differently from me,  could you please also do a few things I need for the same reason - I don't experience the world quite like you'. That way maybe crossed wires might be avoided and harmony might reign... that'll be goal, anyway.

    Do you know how to go about getting an assessment?

    Whatever you decide, good luck.

Reply

  • Going through it now. I'm 56. My assessment is a few months away.

    With respect to support, you don't say what with, but I know for my issues, the problem is I've had the wrong support or no support. I further think the support has been absent or the wrong kind because I am highly probably autistic and the support hasn't been geared to that.

    It is possible (I hope and pray) that a diagnosis might be the difference between getting what is no help to me and something which actually helps.

    No, a diagnosis can't and shouldn't change who any of us are, but it seems to make a lot of people feel they understand themselves better and more comfortable with who they are. I suspect it will do that for me too. I think it might also empower me to say to others, 'look, I'm working hard to accomodate you because you experience the world differently from me,  could you please also do a few things I need for the same reason - I don't experience the world quite like you'. That way maybe crossed wires might be avoided and harmony might reign... that'll be goal, anyway.

    Do you know how to go about getting an assessment?

    Whatever you decide, good luck.

Children
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