Published on 12, July, 2020
It was suggested to me by my psychotherapist in the summer that I might be autistic. I have since done a lot of research and can identify with some of the signs but not all of them. Although my GP has agreed to refer me for an assessment, I sense that he has not taken it that seriously and doesn't believe that I'm actually autistic. I have learnt that girls and women are good at hiding their difficulties and, being in my late 40s now, I will have learnt to adapt to survive so far. Does anyone have any advice they can give me about what it's like for a woman in her forties to pursue a diagnosis? Also, does anyone share my sense that they can really identify with some symptoms of being on the spectrum but not all of them? I feel I would benefit from talking to someone who has already been through the experience and any help or advice they can give me.
Since doing research for my son who has some autistic behaviours, I realised that I had some of the traits too. I have suffered with depression and anxiety, and after being bullied at work for a long time finally got to the stage where I could not pretend I was ok any more. I was on long term sick leave a s then left my job. After feeling a bit better, I asked my GP to refer me for an ASC assessment. I waited 9 months then had a screening apt locally. I was so anxious they would not offer me an assessment. I was told I was entitled to a 2nd opinion so I asked my GP to refer me to the Lorna Wing Centre. He obtained out of county funding, this was agreed in Feb 2020. It all went quiet, then I chased them up recently and found out I am at the top of the waiting list! Hopefully it will be worth the wait.
Great, I hope your assessment goes well!