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Feeling like an imposter/doubting diagnosis

dccwal_90

As a new member and as I browse around the discussion board it's the first discussion point I wish to enquire make a contribution about. 

Is this a common experience particularly of those who have been diagnosed later as an adult?

I haven't been diagnosed yet but I have periods of thought which say well I am able to speak articulately, I can make some eye contact with people and just from looking at me as I present there are no immediate signs of autism. I probably wouldn't appear autistic to neurotypical people and those not as knowledgeable and I don't satisfy the stereotypical perception of an autistic person. A lot of it with me feels like it is hidden or comes from evidence from my childhood. They wouldn't be able to ascertain it from sitting in a room sitting opposite me.  

Edit: I am an overthinker so this is probably contributing to the above thoughts. So my overthinking also is making me doubt what I'm doing in seeking a diagnosis so later on in life. .  

I guess I am concerned for the diagnostic process and hope that it is thorough. 

Thanks in advance

Parents

  • Hi. Id have described myself exactly the same way, but my autism was still very discernible to two independent assessors when i got my late in life diagnosis in January. Dont worry about conforming to a stereotype, its tgat interior experience thats most crucial. You wouldnt be here, seeking answers, if you hadnt been missing a crucial puzzle piece for a long time. I hope all goes well with getting more clarity if and when you do seek an assessment. 

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  • Hi. Id have described myself exactly the same way, but my autism was still very discernible to two independent assessors when i got my late in life diagnosis in January. Dont worry about conforming to a stereotype, its tgat interior experience thats most crucial. You wouldnt be here, seeking answers, if you hadnt been missing a crucial puzzle piece for a long time. I hope all goes well with getting more clarity if and when you do seek an assessment. 

Children
  • in reply to Shardovan

    Hello thank you for the reply. A lady I'm befriending said they might even spot things which help them with their diagnosing that not even you might have noticed or considered. I think I need to try and worry less about conforming or that I'm putting it all on. Your last but one sentence has definitely hit the nail on the head.

    Thankfully I am on the list to be assessed but I face a 18/19 month wait. It's disappointing and even though my mental health is ok at the moment I do wonder how I will be a year from now.