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An assessment quandary

Wordsmith

Having decided that, at my age (71), there was no point in seeking a formal assessment, I find myself questioning that decision. As far as as I can see, the main argument for is to do away with any uncertainty (I’m fairly sure I’m autistic but I have enough self-doubt to be inclined to refer to myself as neurodivergent). My main arguments against are the impact of a diagnosis on insurance (particularly, travel insurance) and the implications for future interactions with the NHS (which will only become more frequent as my body falls apart from overuse).

So, I’m wondering how others that resolved that quandary. What do you see as the main arguments for and against assessment for someone of my age?

  • in reply to Wordsmith

    we'll I've got to get both renewed soon - will let you know if i see anything - but I can't remember anything previously, so maybe will see what comes up on the online forms.

    I was only diagnosed in Jan, that did mention inform the dvla (or whatever its called now) - but I think that's only if my driving is impacted, which for me it isn't.

  • in reply to TheCatWoman

      That’s a good point about the possible impact of autism on dementia tests etc.

  • in reply to Lotus

       Thanks for this reassurance. I was having a bit of a wobble when I started this discussion.

  • in reply to Jalapeno

      Some older posts on this site suggest that it can have an impact on health and car insurance. And elsewhere I have come across people complaining that it had affected their travel insurance.

  • I was diagnosed at 50, I'm 63 now, I think that diagnosis could be important for us as we age, because some of the diagnostic criteria for things like dementia could get confused with ASC. Some of the tests could be for things you've never been able to do due to being ASC and could give false results.There are some things which people with ASC seem more prone too, like auto-immune diseases. Although, from what I've found out looking for help for myself as an older person with ASC there's not a lot around and groups like AgeUK are woefully unprepared for a cohort of aging people with ASC. There seems to be a similar cliff edge to older people with ASC going from adult to geriatric services as there is from child and adolscent to adult services.

  • I was diagnosed in my 60s, six months ago, and it was the best decision I ever made, even though I am retired.

    I would never have trusted self diagnosis as autistic because I would question my motives and would wonder if I had authentically assessed my difficulties. I think I would have got assessed even if I was in my 90s, because diagnosis has been a life changer in removing much of the guilt and self condemnation I have had since childhood. Diagnosis would be worth it even if I had only one more day to live. To die without guilt is a wonderful thing.

    I received a detailed medical report following assessment and it has been helpful in showing my challenges and strengths. This has given me a better understanding of myself, and I can pace my day without feeling bad about it. 

    The autism assessors referred me onto the NHS autism support services, although I am still waiting to see them.

    The only negative thing I have experienced, although not directly related to diagnosis, was telling some people I was autistic. I got the usual “we’re all a little bit autistic” and “autistic people are very clever”. 

    I am unaware of autism affecting travel insurance and I don’t believe it would affect future NHS interactions.

    I can’t list arguments for or against diagnosis for someone your age, because everyone is different, with different backgrounds, experiences and expectations, but it is good you are getting other’s views about it so you can come to a decision.

  • never heard Autism diagnosis adds to any insurance premiums - is this real ?

  • If you mostly want it for academic reasons then maybe there is little advantage other than just to be sure.

    If you are having therapy or are struggling it may be useful to know as it can inform the way forwards.

  • I'm in my sixties and realised I was on the spectrum about 9 years ago. I haven't pursued a diagnosis because I wouldn't get any support, it would just be a label. Some people find a diagnosis a comfort as it confirms what they thought, others like me decide to go with our own knowledge of ourselves. There is no right or wrong, it's purely a personal decision.