Is it worth a diagnosis

Hi,

so, brief history of me - I have a job, reasonably successful but struggle with social and relationships. I confuse what people are saying with what I think they mean, I hide in a corner or with very familiar people at any social function, I get very upset when what I think the 'rule am are get broken - lateness for example. In relationships I struggle to talk and communicate and arguments never start, I simply stop talking and try and hide. If I get pushed/pressed it makesme worse. I have one friend who I talk to every day but he knows me well and ignores or looks over some of my oddities and is always ready to switch topics or talk over my silence when needed.

what I'm trying to decide is whether there's value in a diagnosis... Reading a book recently made me think ' yes - they're describing me. Someone who finally thinks like I do' but do i need someone to confirm it or do I just work on the assumption that I am ? My job won't change, I don't need financial support, I'm high functioning ... But would it help socially and relationship wise to be able to tell people I'm a little different? Would it help me understand me better if it was confirmed ? 

Im not sure I can cope with NHS waiting lairs and a private diagnosis seems to be £2,500 ... I would just appreciate people's thoughts or if there's a cheaper option if I want a 'non-formal' diagnosis as its not like i need to convince the goverment I need support?

please - I'd appreciate the thoughts of others who have been making this journey longer than me ?

Parents
  • I was diagnosed as an adult.  If you feel you need this to answer your own questions about your behaviour or past experiences it's fine.

     My Son is Autistic I wanted to know if I was also.

    when I got the result I was relieved that there were,reasons behind some of my behaviour growing up that I wasn't able to explain as a Child/teenager.

    It doesn't mean that others will always be so understandimg so please be realistic about what you expect if you are Autistic.

    Only tell people who have proved themselves trustworthy in your life.

     If they love & respect you this will not change their opinions of you.

    I'm high functioning but if you tell everyone there May be those who try to insult your intelligence & take advantage.

    I originally went to my GP who said I wasn't Autistic.

    I asked to be seen by a specialist via Adult Social Services. I'm Atypical Autistic. 

    No one noticed my whole life. Been diagnosed since 2012 now I'm 40.

    Has it made a positive difference yes.  I understand me better.

    Hope this was useful ?

Reply
  • I was diagnosed as an adult.  If you feel you need this to answer your own questions about your behaviour or past experiences it's fine.

     My Son is Autistic I wanted to know if I was also.

    when I got the result I was relieved that there were,reasons behind some of my behaviour growing up that I wasn't able to explain as a Child/teenager.

    It doesn't mean that others will always be so understandimg so please be realistic about what you expect if you are Autistic.

    Only tell people who have proved themselves trustworthy in your life.

     If they love & respect you this will not change their opinions of you.

    I'm high functioning but if you tell everyone there May be those who try to insult your intelligence & take advantage.

    I originally went to my GP who said I wasn't Autistic.

    I asked to be seen by a specialist via Adult Social Services. I'm Atypical Autistic. 

    No one noticed my whole life. Been diagnosed since 2012 now I'm 40.

    Has it made a positive difference yes.  I understand me better.

    Hope this was useful ?

Children
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