Female, diagnosed at 60

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).

Hi Debbie,

In Australia it's called the Disability Support Pension, a lot of people whinge about how impoverished our pensions are but I find it to be quite a tidy sum of money. But then I don't go out and socialize very much so I spend very little.

Different countries run different systems, in Aust. they rate you as being on one of three different levels. Level 1 is most people that would describe themselves as Aspergic, as I did until I got my diagnosis. Level 2 is severe but not needing full time care, level 3 is for people that need supervision and assistance.

I was surprised reading through this forum that they do an online diagnosis in Britain, my diagnosis was by a panel of 3 sociologists and psychiatrists face to face, it took a couple of hours. I wouldn't be able to do an online diagnosis, I struggle to parse information in video and audio, I'm fine talking to people in real life.

Perhaps that's part of their perception of me being disadvantaged, I don't use mobile phones or watch TV or listen to the radio. I also don't go to GPs, there's very few times I have that I found them to be of any use, most of them are just glorified drug dealers. When I wanted an autism diagnosis I went to the recognised body in my state, AutismSA, in person, and told them what I wanted. I had to wait for a year and it cost me $500 but it was worth it.

I might be autistic but I have never seen myself as being disadvantaged.

I cheated the system a bit to get social housing, simply by being homeless and living on the streets for a while.

Cheers,

Andrew.

Hi Debbie,

In Australia it's called the Disability Support Pension, a lot of people whinge about how impoverished our pensions are but I find it to be quite a tidy sum of money. But then I don't go out and socialize very much so I spend very little.

Different countries run different systems, in Aust. they rate you as being on one of three different levels. Level 1 is most people that would describe themselves as Aspergic, as I did until I got my diagnosis. Level 2 is severe but not needing full time care, level 3 is for people that need supervision and assistance.

I was surprised reading through this forum that they do an online diagnosis in Britain, my diagnosis was by a panel of 3 sociologists and psychiatrists face to face, it took a couple of hours. I wouldn't be able to do an online diagnosis, I struggle to parse information in video and audio, I'm fine talking to people in real life.

Perhaps that's part of their perception of me being disadvantaged, I don't use mobile phones or watch TV or listen to the radio. I also don't go to GPs, there's very few times I have that I found them to be of any use, most of them are just glorified drug dealers. When I wanted an autism diagnosis I went to the recognised body in my state, AutismSA, in person, and told them what I wanted. I had to wait for a year and it cost me $500 but it was worth it.

I might be autistic but I have never seen myself as being disadvantaged.

I cheated the system a bit to get social housing, simply by being homeless and living on the streets for a while.

Cheers,

Andrew.

Happy Sunday to you too

Weirdly connected to all animals, almost always preferred than humans.  Found my true love human/angel at 19 and been blessed as swans ever since.  Never read novels.  I read a huge amount of daily news.  Omnific thinking and propensity for obsessive research into ANYTHING that grips me by whatever means necessary.

God bless your visiting cats - your little angel guardians for a while, AI would imagine.

Happy Sunday.

I actually did do that. I was involved with a 5 year study on autism in adults and the constant questioning of many aspects of my life stirred up all the old ghosts. Writing it all in a book exorcised a lot of those ghosts and made answering questions a lot easier, I could just copy and paste from my book.

It sounds to me as though you could write a very good book about your interesting life.

I've been an avid reader since the age of 5, mostly science fiction and fantasy novels, these days I download them all from the net.

I almost got married many years ago. When we split up she told me "All men always think they're right, the trouble with you is that you actally are.".

I spent a decade living in remote tropical rainforests southwest of Darwin after a massive burn out, and some one gave me a dog, a hunting hound I called Ruby. I taught her to hunt and she fed me for a few years, until she broke a leg. She passed away last year, I'd like another one but where I live now just isn't appropriate for an such active animal.

Hi.  I read novels. I find it hard to read factual books as they seem to overload my brain with information.

Since the internet I read a lot online and rather obsessively, the BBC site.

I am married now, having met my husband in my 40's, and he is quite a lively talker, which overwhelmes me quite often.  I like silence the best.

I love animals and would happily live in a Zoo (although that would be far from silent). 

Our cat sadly recently died but we have visiting cats.

How about you?

Personal perceptions are a funny thing, many people find my life's stories terrifying and traumatising but I reckon I've had a far better life than most people. There's been a few rough patches here and there but overall I think things have turned out pretty good.

Cheers,

Andrew.

So you are just a reader for your sustainance?  And spoken conversation?  And companion animal perhaps?

Thank you for the explanation Andrew and for sharing some of your story.

I do find it fascinating (and sometimes sad) to read the stories of others on this forum and how they got to where they are now in life.  I can see how many are still struggling with getting a diagnosis and support.

My online assessment was because the NHS in England simply isn't coping with face to face assessments and waiting lists can be for several years.  I would have had to wait several years if I hadn't had the online one.

I am much better talking to a computer than a real life person so it was easier for me.  It consisted of 2 or 3 written assessments (online) and then 2 sessions with 2 different psychiatrists, both around an hour, via Zoom.

I don't watch TV + haven't for 20+ years.  I have given up on radio as well, more or less.

All the best.