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Should I bother with a diagnosis?

maidstonian

Hi, I'm new here but have a question.

                                                                        My youngest son was diagnosed with ASD about 18 months ago at age 7. We were told it was only mild, which made sense. Since his diagnosis I have noticed more and more similarities between him and myself including how he behves when his brother is winding up, very much like my brother used to do to me.I've never been able to cope with frustration and can get frustrated very easily. My parents just think it's stress, but I have no more stress than  the average person

                            I have always felt unconnected from the crowd as such, struggling socially and have been told i am too blunt by friends and colleagues on many occasions for example. I ahve also recently thought and realised I have become more dependant on alcohol to socialise with people at parties etc. with people I don't know or not overly fond of. There are more things obviously but I don't want to type all day. 

                               I am mostly convinced I have a mild form of ASD like my son does, but I'm not sure whether it is worth me getting a diagnosis? I am 40 years old so I'm assuming it's not going to change my life now, but would help explain past and some current behaviours (and perhaps make the in-laws realise I'm not an a-hole) The main point I'm making is that younger people would be more understandable such as my partners family, but my parents and those older than me would be dismissive. To me it's a bit like ADHD, 20 years ago you never heard of it, but now it seems to be everywhere.20 years ago I didn't really hear of autism or if I did, they had very apparent learning difficulties. It's a good thing I'm sure that these things are better  understood and noticed, just for me I don't know whether it's worth pursuing something that probably won't change anything and half the people I know won't believe me or think im attention seeking or something. Does anyone have any thoughts on this or perhaps similar experience?  Thanks

Sory, I got a bit carried away with my thoughts and probably typed too much to read.

Parents

  • Yes. seek a diagnosis - that would be my recommendation.

    You are but-a-pup at 40 years old.  As you mature, if you are autistic, the challenges and delights of being so may start to manifest in ways that they have not previously.  This can be confusing and discombobulating so it is best to know what you ARE so that you can address any feelings and behaviours within a proper context.

    Ask any 55+ human if they feel the same as they did when they were 40, and most will laugh, knowingly!

    Good luck with your decision making.

Reply

  • Yes. seek a diagnosis - that would be my recommendation.

    You are but-a-pup at 40 years old.  As you mature, if you are autistic, the challenges and delights of being so may start to manifest in ways that they have not previously.  This can be confusing and discombobulating so it is best to know what you ARE so that you can address any feelings and behaviours within a proper context.

    Ask any 55+ human if they feel the same as they did when they were 40, and most will laugh, knowingly!

    Good luck with your decision making.

Children
  • in reply to Deleted User

    Thanks for your reply. I hadn't considered what it may mean in the future. I don't know what it will bring, no-one knows thier future, but I take your point on board! I had just been thinking of it affecting childrenand young adults the most and when you get older you somehow learn to live with it or care less about what others think of your behaviour. But as with life, I'm still learning.

    I think deep down a diagnosis is what I really want, and would be best to have a definite yes or no. I can choose who I tell of the outcome, but I appreciate  and expect it won't be a quick process.