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Diagnosis journey lady over 50

MimiLexis

Hi all, not sure where to start but I'm here and I feel it's a start for answers to how difficult my life has been and is more so as I get older.

I am 52 and always knew I was 'different' to my peers. I was always a loner, playing happily on my own and now I can't think of anything better than being on my own.

I've had 2 sons, by 2 different short lived relationships. I have not lived with anyone for 22 years and been single for 9 years. I have no interest in trying again because I struggle to maintain a relationship. I also struggle to maintain friendships, I have made friends over the years but keeping them has been very difficult and I would rather do without.

I have suffered with anxiety and depression for most of my adult life and today I broke down after a difficult year of trying to hold it together. I saw my GP and said I feel like I'm losing my mind and I cannot focus at work, I'm crying and struggling to cope with life in many ways.

I often feel like people are talking about me, so instead of being in social settings I would much prefer to be in my own company where I feel safe and happy.

I don't drive as the thought of driving a car among other cars scares me to death. I don't use buses as I cannot tolerate strangers sitting next to me so I will walk, even if I need to walk for miles, I refuse to put myself on a bus with strangers and smells I cannot tolerate.

I spoke with my GP approximately 3 months ago and I asked him to refer me for suspected Autism, he agreed and I have an initial meeting on the 2nd July. This is to see if I'm worthy of an assessment. I so scared they will fob me off but I know in my heart of hearts I am on the spectrum. My youngest son aged 24 has Aspergers and my late father was classic Autistic without a diagnosis and he didn't speak until he was 8. My granddaughter aged 5 is non-verval Autistic and now attends a special school. 

It runs in my immediate family and I know it stems down from my father, God rest his soul.

Any help and support would be greatly appreciated... thanks in advance

Mimi

Parents

  • Hi, I had a lot of questions from the clinicians about family members, you are more likely to be autistic if other family members are. I was very anxious and thought I might be a fraud. They identified strong traits in both my parents.

    Once you start answering their questions,  you will realise just how much evidence you have. I’m 57 and  had no family informant, they relied totally on my recollections. The clinicians aren’t there to catch you out.

    Good luck and just stick at it.

  • in reply to Roy

    Hi Roy

    Thank you, for your kind words. I do have one medical note from when I was aged approximately 6 and I would stopped breathing, selective and I would not make eye contact nor talk at times. Unfortunately they never followed this up and of course ASDs were not out there in the 70s as they are now.

    I will definitely keep at it because I know I'm struggling more than ever right now.

    Thanks again

    Mimi

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  • in reply to Roy

    Hi Roy

    Thank you, for your kind words. I do have one medical note from when I was aged approximately 6 and I would stopped breathing, selective and I would not make eye contact nor talk at times. Unfortunately they never followed this up and of course ASDs were not out there in the 70s as they are now.

    I will definitely keep at it because I know I'm struggling more than ever right now.

    Thanks again

    Mimi

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