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Very-late-diagnosis

Clarissa

Hello everyone. I’m in the process of getting assessed at the age of 71. I’m pretty sure, from what the assessor has said, that I’ll get an official diagnosis, and even if I don’t, I’m happy to self-diagnose. Understanding where I fit has come so late in life, but it’s wonderful. I’d love to know about any others on here who have come to this understanding as late in life as I have. Anyone out there???

Parents

  • Hi Clarissa, I was diagnosed at 21 (three years ago) but wanted to welcome you to the online community. It's really wonderful to have someone brave, open, and curious enough to undertake this journey so late. I hope you find what you need here, if you choose to stay. 

  • in reply to Sphynx

    Thankyou. I don’t know about brave. I was just lucky enough this summer to start sessions with a new therapist for my depression - after only two sessions with me he broached the topic of autism. No one had ever seen it in me before, or at least not told me. I was overcome with excitementRofl. Could wait to have it confirmed. It takes the shame away from having problems all my life. So no, not brave , just lucky

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  • in reply to Sphynx

    Thankyou. I don’t know about brave. I was just lucky enough this summer to start sessions with a new therapist for my depression - after only two sessions with me he broached the topic of autism. No one had ever seen it in me before, or at least not told me. I was overcome with excitementRofl. Could wait to have it confirmed. It takes the shame away from having problems all my life. So no, not brave , just lucky

Children
  • in reply to SpikeyMark

    Yes I think I may have to go through all those things. I’m in cloud cuckoo land at the moment. Imposter syndrome in particular!

  • in reply to Sphynx

    Yes! I have finally plucked up the courage to ask him how he comes to know and understand so much about it. I thought he might possibly be autistic himself, as he told me up front he was dyslexic. HBlushs not autistic but both his children are. He is obviously a very committed father. So it was completely serendipitous for me - his website says nothing about autism, I just liked the sound of himBlush

    i can give details if anyone wants. He is in N Ireland but will work on Zoom

  • in reply to Clarissa

    I'm very glad you found a therapist who could see such an important part of you so quickly. Sounds very powerful.

  • in reply to Clarissa

    It is nice to finally know that one's brain type is just different. Diagnosed or not, if it answers life-long questions then it's wonderful. As someone a few months post-diagnosis, prepare to go through some grief stages like anger, denial etc. (or even imposter syndrome "am I autistic enough?"). If you stay around on here you will get validation and understanding. Be sure to check out other threads too like "3 Good Things". I think that there are a few older women experiences that have been bumped up to the first or second page, so check those out too.