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Christmas is a struggle

NAS83894

Hello

I have not been diagnosed with autism, but have always felt I don't fit in and am wondering now in later life if it is worth or even possible to try and get a formal diagnosis?  What are your experiences please?  I am a scientist who has no real friendships outside of work and I find it difficult to feel part of any groups and my own family.  I am OK with one on one relationships, but I always need a time limit/exit strategy, so am wondering if this is a recognised sign?  I find Christmas hard every year since I hate family gatherings and know that I will probably upset someone at some point.  I suppose I was hoping that a formal diagnosis might make it easier to explain to people why I don't want to participate - but is that just me looking for excuses?  Is there a reliable way I could self-assess before considering whether to waste anyone's time?

Thank you for listening.

K

Parents

  • It's definitely not making an excuse!  It's definitely worth seeking a diagnosis.  For me discovering the autistic experience was like discovering the habdbook for my entire life.  It explained everything. It does take a lot of effort to get other people to understand it too, but at least it's a place to start.

    Go to embrace-autism.com/.../ and note your results.  The AQ is a good starter and is often used in the diagnostic process.  None of the tests are perfect, but they should give you a better idea of whether you need to investigate more.  There are lots of notes about each test including evaluation.  The RAADS is another one that can be helpful to give you a no or a maybe, and the Aspie quiz is fun (if complicated) because it rates you in the different areas of the spectrum.

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  • It's definitely not making an excuse!  It's definitely worth seeking a diagnosis.  For me discovering the autistic experience was like discovering the habdbook for my entire life.  It explained everything. It does take a lot of effort to get other people to understand it too, but at least it's a place to start.

    Go to embrace-autism.com/.../ and note your results.  The AQ is a good starter and is often used in the diagnostic process.  None of the tests are perfect, but they should give you a better idea of whether you need to investigate more.  There are lots of notes about each test including evaluation.  The RAADS is another one that can be helpful to give you a no or a maybe, and the Aspie quiz is fun (if complicated) because it rates you in the different areas of the spectrum.

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