• Replies 4 replies
  • Subscribers 85 subscribers
  • Views 1022 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

Introducing myself

Elfin

I've just joined and am feeling really lonely and isolated with my undiagnosed autism. I'm a 51 year old woman and, despite both my brothers having autism, have never had anyone notice or realise that I have it too. Now I know (scored 36 on the AQ50) everything makes sense!

The doctor has told me that I most likely have autism after a brief chat but I can't access services to get an official diagnosis as, with a 'good job etc', I was told that I don't qualify as being needy enough. I get that, but it leaves me feeling like an outsider as usual. Not normal enough to be normal but not autistic enough to be autistic. 

I guess I'm just looking for some validation after all these years.

Parents

  • Hi Elfin and welcome!

    I am in a similar limbo, although in my case haven't braved the GP yet. 52, female, score 35 on AQ and 129 on Raads-r so looking likely however I honestly suspect I would get the same response as I've 'managed' all these years, albeit barely at times!

    I think deep down I would like to know for definite, but I'm not sure I have the mental strength to go through the process at this point, especially if that involves trying to convince someone to even consider referral!

    As Dogtooth says, private assessment might be something to consider if finances allow. Just make sure they are well experienced with diagnosing female presentation of autism - I'm sure others on here would know more about that than myself.

    Whatever you decide you are definitely not alone, and have come to the right place here, it's certainly helped me over the past few months.

Reply

  • Hi Elfin and welcome!

    I am in a similar limbo, although in my case haven't braved the GP yet. 52, female, score 35 on AQ and 129 on Raads-r so looking likely however I honestly suspect I would get the same response as I've 'managed' all these years, albeit barely at times!

    I think deep down I would like to know for definite, but I'm not sure I have the mental strength to go through the process at this point, especially if that involves trying to convince someone to even consider referral!

    As Dogtooth says, private assessment might be something to consider if finances allow. Just make sure they are well experienced with diagnosing female presentation of autism - I'm sure others on here would know more about that than myself.

    Whatever you decide you are definitely not alone, and have come to the right place here, it's certainly helped me over the past few months.

Children
No Data