I am a 20 year old female, I have suffered with severe anxiety since I was around 13/14 but have only contemplated that I may be autistic in the last year or two.
I have been dealing with serious panic attacks or ‘outbursts’ for as long as I can remember, in school I was always a shy kid and wouldn’t talk in class unless someone or something agitated me. For example, my teacher kept picking on me to answer a question I didn’t know the answer to, this resulted in me throwing a chair across the classroom, just missing the teacher.
My anxiety and panic attacks only got worse in college, to the point where it was happening every day. Most of these outbursts were caused by loud noises, eg the canteen, or new situations. I would pull my hair out, scream or harm myself. A teacher I was close to at the time first brought up Aspergers/autism, since then I have done my research and a lot makes sense.
A lot of things trigger me/make me anxious, these could either be busy environments,meeting new people,certain smells or when plans change. The list is endless!
Me,my dad and sister were all talking one night and they both mentioned how they thought I was autistic when I was young but they never got me tested. I have also spoken to a close friend who has known me for years and she agrees.
I still struggle daily with my anxiety but I do feel like I am on the spectrum and have for a while. I want to get tested but feel so embarrassed and misunderstood. Any advice is appreciated.
