Published on 12, July, 2020
I have now received my diagnosis and received my report.
I am 46 and perimenopausal so it has been very complex emotionally.
It has been recommended that I am assessed now for ADHD and have been referred to Psychiatry UK which is a 6 month wait.
I wondered where to start now other than what was recommended in the report such as reading biographies from women with autism and this organisation/forum to read up on female autism.
I have a mixture of emotions and have been enjoying some volunteer work helping in a charity shop and dog walking. The social element is difficult some days, others not depending on my mood (if it is low).
I am looking for some guidance on what to do next? I am under the CMHT and meeting them again in 2 weeks.
Hi DA.
I’m female and late diagnosed too, aged 64 at the time. For me it has been incredibly illuminating and practically helpful. It has for example revolutionised my relationship with the nhs and I’m now accessing treatments I’ve needed for years (eg: fibromyalgia diagnosed and am accessing treatments, access at last to a sleep specialist and psychological therapy underway now with two different teams). Many of my problems with them were related to their intractable communication systems but with the official diagnosis I requested and was granted reasonable adjustments which enabled me to communicate with them in ways I could use as opposed to their straightjacket telephone systems which I found impossible and impenetrable. I’m fortunate too that my ASC assessor has continued to support me in all sorts of practical ways which are making life so much easier.
Good luck
Emma