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Diagnosis at 34

WR
over 2 years ago

Hi all,

I am 34, dyslexic but no diagnosis of autism.

Two close family members of mine have been diagnosed with autism in the past 2 years.

After some time off work with Mental Health issues and subsequently leaving, I am starting to think I may be autistic too.

I often struggle with social situations (not servery but noticeably). I struggle a lot with change and disorganization (a large part of my leaving my job). I also struggle a lot with particular noise stimuli (particularly road noise/traffic) to the point where I just have to leave / go somewhere without noise.

These things haven't held me back too much (I am a reasonably successful product designer) but after leaving 2 good jobs because of Mental Health / burnout, deteriorating professional relationships (Which in my opinion have arisen from poor management. Possibly due my me need to be managed differently?) I am starting to wonder if there is more too my mental Health issues and my inability to stay in a job for 2-3 years.

Has anyone else had a similar experience? Does this sound like it could be autism / related to autism?
And if so, does anyone have any advice on how to move forward / get assessed?

Thanks,

WR

Parents
  • over 2 years ago

    Hi WR,

    I’m very much at the same stage as you, I am 54. I’ve always managed to do a job that allows me to work totally alone, all day, every day in the same surroundings. 
    I have an appointment next week with my GP for a referral. 
    It is a face to face appointment as telephones make me very anxious.

    I’m not sure if there is asd in other family members but my mother has been sectioned five times after breakdowns.

    Unfortunately the waiting list in my area for diagnosis is about two years. I am lucky enough to go private. The cost of the full package is £1500. 
    I feel that waiting another two years just to start diagnosis would be not beneficial to my well-being.

    Im using a clinic called Autism Oxford as they are local to me and specialise only in autism.

    This is not a recommendation, it could just be good to have a look online.

    I would recommend diagnosis as once you have a definite answer as to what you are,it finally answers the question of why do I always feel different to others and feel like I do.

    Hope your journey goes well for you.

Reply
  • over 2 years ago

    Hi WR,

    I’m very much at the same stage as you, I am 54. I’ve always managed to do a job that allows me to work totally alone, all day, every day in the same surroundings. 
    I have an appointment next week with my GP for a referral. 
    It is a face to face appointment as telephones make me very anxious.

    I’m not sure if there is asd in other family members but my mother has been sectioned five times after breakdowns.

    Unfortunately the waiting list in my area for diagnosis is about two years. I am lucky enough to go private. The cost of the full package is £1500. 
    I feel that waiting another two years just to start diagnosis would be not beneficial to my well-being.

    Im using a clinic called Autism Oxford as they are local to me and specialise only in autism.

    This is not a recommendation, it could just be good to have a look online.

    I would recommend diagnosis as once you have a definite answer as to what you are,it finally answers the question of why do I always feel different to others and feel like I do.

    Hope your journey goes well for you.

Children
  • over 2 years ago in reply to Roy

    Hi Roy,

    Good to get an idea of cost for private. I will need to see what waiting lists are like in my area but if they are 2 years then I might have to (reluctantly) go private.

    I have "call GP" on my to do list for today. May as well get the ball rolling.

    Thank you for your reply and likewise, I hope your journey goes well too.

    WR