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Possible autism

NAS74830

Hi. I’m a 42 year old man, and I took an online autism Test recently, and scored pretty high. On further research I display about 70% of the symptoms associated with autism. It was eerie seeing all my weird and unusual problems listed like that. 
Struggle with eye contact, making friends, need to be alone. Fixating on things, I was told I had anxiety, depression, and social phobias in my teens. I also realised at a young age that fluorescent lights caused me to experience panic attacks. I actually left one job because of them. I had no idea that all these symptoms come under the umbrella of one condition. 
I haven’t yet gone to the doctors as I’ve only been looking into it the past few days. Any advice? Is it even worth me pursuing medical advice at 42 years old? 
I do seem to be a functioning autistic anyway, but I’ve never progressed in employment, and I’ve always stuck to low level jobs as I didn’t feel like I had it in me, even though my employers always try to promoted me. Plus i refuse to drive as stress makes me flustered, and I don’t want to put people at risk. Also, I’ve not had a romantic relationship in over 10 years, as that seems to be futile. 
any advice from a fairly high functioning adult with similar issues?

thanks 

  • I am 51 and have been awaiting disgnosis after being refered by my GP in January 2020. If you do go down that route be prepared for  along wait. 

    Although I have mostly always been employed , like you I have never had a career and earnt much money. Driving is part of my job but I do feel that I am getting worse at that as I get older. I was diagnosed with depression long before I looked into autism. 

    I had a total lack of relationships until I was 30 then internet dating was invented, it was a much kinder enviroment when it first came out. Have now been married for 15 years and our marriage works because we both have our obessions. My wife is not autistic but has a horse that takes all her time so I don't feel guilty following my obsession either. Finding her was just a matter of luck, as it always is. 

    Personally I would look at the many resources out there, particually you tube where the are some great channels made by people just like us. I think it is important to learn your limits, learn what it at the heart of some of your bigger problems. For instance I have always slept alot. Everybody thought I was just lazy but that is my autistic escape, I don't have to face the world when asleep. Learn to live within what you feel you can do.

    Good luck

  • There are lots of people on this forum who got diagnosed in their 40s or 50s. It could be worth getting diagnosed.

    If you are high-functioning then there probably won't be much help available to you, but sometimes just knowing can be a relief. It gives you an explanation of why you are the way you are, and maybe allow you to stop blaming yourself (which is what I and others struggled with). When you understand your autism you can try to work with it instead of against it and develop coping mechanisms to make your life less of a struggle.