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Autism diagnosis as older adult (60+)

NAS93630

Hello. I have a family member who is over 60 who has struggled with their mental health for a long time. In the last few years they and our family have suspected that these struggles are related to undiagnosed autism. They have been seen by various mental health professionals who agree that they have very strong autistic traits, but we've really struggled to get a diagnosis for them. The local NHS service has a 10 year (!) waiting list and the Right to Choose providers don't seem to know what to do with someone of their age (their parents and anyone who knew them as a child is no longer with us). We do not have the means to pay for a private diagnosis so we're not really sure what to do, as it is difficult to access local support and ask their employer to make appropriate reasonable adjustments without a formal diagnosis. In the meantime they just get slapped with various mental health labels that we all know deep down inside don't really fit or explain what is going on, and do not help inform appropriate support. 

Does anyone have any suggestions for how to seek diagnosis when you are over 60? It would be really great to hear people's experiences. If anyone has any suggestions of people who are experts in autism assessments for older adults, then I am all ears. I have done a lot of searching online and struggled to find information. 

Thank you everyone so much in advance.

  • NAS93630 said:
    The local NHS service has a 10 year (!) waiting list and the Right to Choose providers don't seem to know what to do with someone of their age (their parents and anyone who knew them as a child is no longer with us).

    Lack of parents is not a issue.

    The specialists have a version of the questions to ask that is based on the persons own recallections of their childhood and will place emphasis on the early years as memory if often inaccurate.

    I would get onto your GP, push them for the Right To Choose and point out you have spoken with others in their 50s and 60s who have had diagnoses (ie people on this site) and any diagnostic specialist who has any experience knows how to do the assessment based on current behaviours etc.

    It sounds like they are trying to fob you off so getting someone who will not take no for an answer to chase on their behalf is an effective way to urge the GP into action.

    For reference I was in my 50s when I had my diagnosis and had no parents to provide input.