Published on 12, July, 2020
I am 42 years Old and working as a researcher in a multi-national company.
I have a 10 years Old son who is not-speaking autistic. my daughter, 12 years Old recently got diagnosed with autism, She has mild autism and ADD. I can relate my childhood with her. I had social anxiety and still to some extent, I get very emotional with other people behavior. I am also good at remembering number and small details and can find a solution that other people cannot think. Few traits that really hinders me but few traits really helps me at my work.
Should I get a diagnose for autism at this stage of my life? Do you think it would be helpful to confirm that I have autism.
Thanks!
Welcome to the community!
I recommend reading through the NAS's (recently updated) advice about the pros and cons of seeking a diagnosis:
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/before-diagnosis/deciding-whether-to-seek-an-autism-assessment
It includes links to screening tools that are commonly used within the NHS and by autism assessors (I suggested starting with the AQ-10, which was used by my GP - for example - to confirm suitability for referral), along with plenty of links to related guidance and support.
Thanks for sharing the article it’s really helpful. As for hearing that it’s “trendy” to be autistic, sadly I heard sort of such comment from a professional… and it made me even more unwilling to seek such a diagnosis. I felt very much misunderstood and invalidated and also gaslit. So it’s also crucial to find a good therapist.