• Replies 9 replies
  • Subscribers 84 subscribers
  • Views 586 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

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?

Parents

  • 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.

Reply

  • 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.

Children
No Data