Published on 12, July, 2020
Are there any other people out there diagnosed late in life?
How has it affected your perception of yourself and the life you've led?
My ASD diagnosis has made me feel a lot calmer, and that my likes and dislikes have a justification.
It's also put many of my life experiences and difficulties into a context.
I now know why I have seemed different all my life, with the exception of a few people I know who are maybe odder than me ..
Hi Debbie,
I got my diagnosis at age 56. I had pretty much figured out that I was autistic by the age of 25, the only reason I got a formal diagnosis was as a part of my retirement plan, it got me a full pension and social housing. (Australia) I'm a high function polymath so I knew from a very early age that I wasn't "normal".
My diagnosis did surprise me though, when they listed me as Level 2. I said "I didn't think I was that bad." and they all just smirked at me. Like you though, I did feel a sense of vindication when I got that diagnosis.
Cheers,
Andrew.
Thank you Andrew. That is very interesting. Two things have really surprised me in what you write:
1. That you got a full pension and social housing. As far as I know, here in the England, unless a person is registered disabled (which I believe would be tested on ability to cope, not just a diagnosis) there is nothing like that available or actually, anything at all, even a bus pass? (I am talking though about a state pension, not a private company one).
2. I didn't realise that there are levels that are actually given to us. I thought it was just going to be 'on the spectrum' but maybe here that is the case? I'd be interested to find that out if anyone knows.
I was told in my final online assessment by the psychiatrist that I am on the spectrum and he just used the word 'moderate'. I am still waiting for a letter from them with all that I was told in writing.
Thank you for sharing your story (and everyone else who has).