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Autism v trauma

Snookiebookie

Hi 

I'm exploring whether I may be autistic.  

I'm a 54 year old woman who has had a LOT of emotional trauma and subsequently a LOT of therapy.  Despite that I still struggle on an existential level.  I've recently wondered about Autism as a cause of some of my issues.

I have spoken to my therapist and explained about my thoughts.  She hasn't dismissed it. But she thinks it's going to be impossible to tell trauma from Autism. 

I don't want or need a full diagnosis.   I just would like a small confirmation.  I'm in UK so, subject to NHS.  I am considering an initial assessment via a private company (circa £100).  

My concern is if I go to GP I'll get 'filtered out'.  

The traits I chime with are 

1 parasocial bonds

2 rich inner world/fantasy

3 monotropic/deep dives/hobbies

4 tomboy/nor jiving with girls and girly things

5 never knowing the right thing. Having to learn social cues

6 difficult in change of script/situations

7 intensity and disproportionate emotions

8 perfectionism. Dislike of open loops

9 difficulty and high cost of loads

10 stims - lip chewing

11 test scores - see below

12 dislike of social norms - illicit internal reaction

My scores

EQ 38

CAT-Q 122

RAADS-R 80 (social relatedness 41)

AQ 22

SQ 63

ASRS 9

Aspie 84(85%NT)

RSD 104 high. Anticipatory anxiety of rejection 29

ACE-Q 5

Any thoughts?

Parents

  • Hi  

    I’m glad that you are getting support from your therapist.

    The tests that you have taken with scores can give people an indication if it would be worth seeking an autism assessment, but they cannot give people a diagnosis. Certainly your traits show similarity with some traits people with autism might have but then again there could be other reasons and conditions for your traits. I’m not qualified to say anything more than that.

    Snookiebookie said:
    My concern is if I go to GP I'll get 'filtered out'.

    You are saying you don’t want an assessment. Is that because you are reluctant to ask your GP for a referral? I don’t understand what you mean by filtered out.

    If you are in doubt about whether or not you might be autistic, it would be worth speaking to your GP. Most private referrals from clinics that adhere to NICE guidelines charge more than £1200 for a full assessment and medical report. If you seek this route and want the diagnosis in your NHS medical record, just check with your GP that they will accept the diagnosis from your clinic of choice.

  • in reply to ArchaeC

    I'm sorry, I don't think I explained myself very well.  I am concerned that as soon as I mention my history and emotional trauma, any GP (and clinician) will just see that, and jump to the conclusion that is the only problem.   And they will filter me out. I feel my GP wouldn't refer me in the first place too.My therapist also thought this might happen. 

    I'm not looking for a full diagnostic work up. Just an initial assessment. More for my peace of mind. To understand if this was why, despite all the therapy, I still struggle.   Even an initial assessment, saying that autism was possible would help. That would be enough 

  • in reply to Snookiebookie

    OK I understand. I hope you get the answers you are seeking.

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