Autism diagnosis and the change it may have

Hello there, I am new to this forum, really just posting out there to get some different opinions and ideas on what I am experiencing on a day to day basis. I’m a 37 year old male, left secondary school in year 7 due to bullying and not had any real education since. It wasn’t all the bullying that made me come to the decision that me and school were incompatible but it went a long way in that choice, I refused to go back. I was put on anti depressants ect but every time I tried to attend the school I would freak and withdraw from those trying to help. Anyway, that’s the rough background but in my adult life up until the last few years I never considered myself autistic until I read about it. I’m very social avoidant, dislike change unless I decide to, have a strong dislike for people making plans that involve me because I probably don’t want to go, avoid eye contact, that’s way too personal. I thrive on routine because it makes me feel safe like nothing bad will happen and it makes me feel good about myself also because I can repeat those good days where it’s just routine. I’m told I’m also very righteous? I mean I did want to be Batman of that helps but people said it wouldn’t really be possible which kinda made me have to grow up a bit. I suffer from anxiety and depression pretty much daily, I mean it’s always there really, no cure. Even at my work which is in an office environment I feel seriously overwhelmed, I’ve been there almost 20 years but my colleagues are still strangers to me and I’m almost frozen to my chair at times thinking that if I don’t put 110% in I’m gonna be looked down upon or looked at badly even though I know I work hard. I think I will seek out a diagnosis . Thank you for reading and look forward to the replies, 

Parents
  • Being righteous is a good thing! And who said you can't be batman?!? ;) 

    A few years ago I used to do a lot of charity work so I can kinda relate - always been the kind of person who (trying anyway) stands up for causes... 

    I think I have been fortunate to work for myself for a while, which made some things easier but in many ways also helped disguise my situation, which makes my current process even more refreshing.

    Sometimes when I am in social / work situations I genuinely start to question what I am doing - so although I am (extremely) new to the community I think it seems like a normal reaction... whatever normal means eh...

    It was helpful to read your introduction, hope we stay in touch - I think one of the worst potential aspects is isolation, which is why I feel I am quite lucky with my partner! She is very understanding of things and my quirky (or I'm sure at times just plain frustrating) tendencies - if I have learnt anything in the last couple of weeks it is to (try) and be happy in my own skin.

Reply
  • Being righteous is a good thing! And who said you can't be batman?!? ;) 

    A few years ago I used to do a lot of charity work so I can kinda relate - always been the kind of person who (trying anyway) stands up for causes... 

    I think I have been fortunate to work for myself for a while, which made some things easier but in many ways also helped disguise my situation, which makes my current process even more refreshing.

    Sometimes when I am in social / work situations I genuinely start to question what I am doing - so although I am (extremely) new to the community I think it seems like a normal reaction... whatever normal means eh...

    It was helpful to read your introduction, hope we stay in touch - I think one of the worst potential aspects is isolation, which is why I feel I am quite lucky with my partner! She is very understanding of things and my quirky (or I'm sure at times just plain frustrating) tendencies - if I have learnt anything in the last couple of weeks it is to (try) and be happy in my own skin.

Children
  • Thank you very much X_Force, it’s important to have loved ones around us and people we are comfortable with definitely. My partner also has to put up with my rigid approach to life, no sudden ideas to go places because I haven’t had a chance to think about it etc my dislike for parties and social situations which involve a perceived natural ability to blend in and mimic others subconsciously, I can’t do that either way because frankly it’s that forced I feel a little sick and not true to myself who is then ashamed of having to try to “fit in” because I’ve been reminded of what l lack. And wow working for yourself must be quite the safety net at times, it’s something I wish I could also do, it’s good to know you’ve made the choice to start to accept yourself!