Do i go for an assessment?

Hi. I am also going through the same thing. I am 32 and have struggled for as long as I can remember with most of the things you have said. I am been diagnosed with OCD, general anxiety disorder and social anxiety. My therapist thinks I am probably autistic but can't offer a formal diagnosis. I think there are more women questioning of they are autistic now that more is being talked about autistic women in the media. 

That makes a lot of sense. Thank you for your reply.

Part of my thinking - do I / do I not - go for formal assessment: was even if it the outcome might not greatly directly impact "now" would it be helpful in my service provision an safeguarding in the future?

I am older than you and I would say that the ability to put up with the World without reasonable adjustments etc. may well become less so with age.

Ultimately, there is only one person who can make and be happy with the decision (i e. yourself) - however, it is worth thinking about the different settings and environments you navigate in life and at different age groups too.

There are some workplaces where, historically, being disclosed as an Autistic person could have been a barrier to entering or progressing in that sector - but that is becoming less likely these days.

The other way to consider it involves setting to one side you on "your best day" and thinking about you "on your worst day" ...and thinking whether having a formal diagnosis, in your area of your Country, would offer you access to adjustments or services which might assist you on your worst days - which would be barred to you without a formal diagnosis.  Again, you (or other people in your area) are best placed to judge that correctly - as service provision does vary quite a bit from place to place.

Another thought might be - if the formal diagnosis route were to cease to be available to me - would that be to my current or long term detriment?

Maybe another consideration might be: If I have now (or in the future were to develop or have diagnosed) another condition too - physical health related or mental health related - would knowing my Autism / ND status potentially have any relevance or influence on my treatment considerations for those other conditions?

Hi John1973,

Thanks for sharing your experience. could you please name or recommend a trusted private clinic for assessment?

I’m not a professional, but it might be worth considering an assessment to get some clarity. Sometimes talking to someone who understands can really help sort things out, and you might find it useful in planning your next steps. It’s all about what feels right for you, so take your time and do what you feel is best.

I was on the NHS waiting list for 3 years before I found out about it. I was told that I could wait another 3 years for the NHS so I took the option.

I was assessed and diagnosed within a matter of a few months. 

Thank you. I'll look into the right to choose. 

Thank you. You're right, I'm definitely the forner type! 

Thank you. It's good to read your experience. 

I think a diagnosis would help me to know that it's not my fault but then on the flip side, if an assessment said I'm not autistic then I'd have to face up to the fact that I am just not meant to fit in.

Evening Kool Kat,

I was reading your list and I think I could just copy and paste it for my own :) I'm 52 and have now been diagnosed with ASD and ADHD. The NHS test was going to take ages so I decided to go private to speed things up. For me I was pleased that I got the diagnosis as it seemed to explain all my lifetime issues, and also that it stopped me blaming myself for failing socially.

As to whether you should have the test, I think it's up to you as to whether you feel it will help you or not. I agree with what Herge said, for me it was a relief, but also it didn't necessarily help me with everything. I'm about to do a new post asking for some advice which may be interesting to you.

Dear Kool_kat,

Thank you for sharing this with our community. 

Our website has a lot of useful information about diagnosis, including a pre-diagnosis guide for adults who think they might be autistic.    

You can also browse our website for lots of other advice and guidance on a wide range of information about autism, including what autism is, socialising and relationships, employment, benefits and social care.  
     
To find diagnostic services in your local area, you can try searching on our Autism Services Directory, which can be found here.  The Directory also includes listings for support and social groups for autistic people, their families and friends. 

Thank you, Kool_kat. I hope this helps!

With all good wishes,

Eunice Mod

We can't give a medical opinion here, and although the online tests are fairly accurate, there's an obvious margin of error that is reduced when you take a regular assessment.  There's several reasons for this.

I'd say that there's a +/- 5 margin on the online test.  

So, speaking hypothetically, lets say you've done a test and scored at least 28/50.   When the score popped up did you feel some sense of validation?   Would it help you to make this result official? 

There's no bonus prize that comes with a diagnosis.  In fact, to some, it poses more questions.  Some feel they need more help and quite often go looking for therapy options and the like that are rarely available on the NHS.  

On the other hand, some view it as the missing piece in the jigsaw.  

You are essentially asking us - how would you feel post diagnosis, and we don't know.   Are you the sort of person that needs definitive answers in their life generally?  Or are you content with the balance of probabilities?  

My opinion - from reading your post - is you are the former type - but I am willing to be corrected.  

A visit to the GP may be on the cards. The NHS waiting list is horrendously long, if you are in England you have the option of the right to choose. Being diagnosed didn't bring closure but did bring answers and pointed me in the right direction.

I was assessed and diagnosed with ASD at the tender age of 53 with the recommendation that I'm assessed for ADHD.

That feeling of being a square peg is difficult and then finally finding the reason behind it is liberating, it also brings further questions.

Welcome and good luck.