• Replies 24 replies
  • Subscribers 90 subscribers
  • Views 3585 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Getting diagnosis (adult) - yes or no

NAS77223

Hello,  

I am in my late 30s and considering looking into an Autism diagnosis for myself. My son has recently been diagnosed, he is 8 years old. I have suffered mental health since being a teenager although I manage it on the whole well now. I have identified many traits in myself through learning about Autism through my son.  I have also completed the NAS quiz which resulted in a score indicating "significant Autistic traits". I have spoke to my local GP practice who advised against it saying "we are all on the spectrum somewhere and as an adult there is no benefit to getting one". If I'm really honest I felt really sad about these comments as I feel getting a diagnosis will help me understand myself and accept myself more. It may also help my son which is the most important thing to me. Has anyone else felt this way or could give me advice/opinions?

Kind Regards. 

Parents

  • There are ASD traits, and there is trying to navigate life with those traits. The GP isn’t even bothering to acknowledge your ideas.
    if it doesn’t bother you within your daily life and functioning, then no, a diagnosis would be pointless.

    If you know somethings up and can identify these traits in yourself, are hindered in life, are not living a fully rounded existence, coupled with mental health issues, I think an assessment would be worthwhile. There will be much to learn about yourself, and I think you might only actually accept it, if you hear it from a professional. There’s a lot to be said for ‘labels’. Some people fare much better once they get one.

Reply

  • There are ASD traits, and there is trying to navigate life with those traits. The GP isn’t even bothering to acknowledge your ideas.
    if it doesn’t bother you within your daily life and functioning, then no, a diagnosis would be pointless.

    If you know somethings up and can identify these traits in yourself, are hindered in life, are not living a fully rounded existence, coupled with mental health issues, I think an assessment would be worthwhile. There will be much to learn about yourself, and I think you might only actually accept it, if you hear it from a professional. There’s a lot to be said for ‘labels’. Some people fare much better once they get one.

Children
  • in reply to Catlover

    Agree with this, that's ultimately what diagnosis is for.

    The GP is "right" in the sense that everyone is in some capacity mentally and physically unwell. I highly doubt there's a person alive that is 100% healthy in every possible way. Diagnosis is all about quality of life. Someone could have very mild autistic-like traits, but be completely unhindered and happy with their life. Maybe even have a higher quality of life than the average, in ways that an autistic person may never, without help.

    That's the real, most meaningful difference. Being diagnosed can help to improve quality of live for those who need it, by letting those around them know what their specific needs and limitations are. I think  would benefit from a diagnosis considering their mental health, and considering the fact that their son has autism, since autism does have a genetic component to it.