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Female Diagnosis - Chances? Helpful?

Glutenfreefruitcake

I am 25 years old and for the past 5 years my mother has argued with me, convinced that I have some ASD. I ignored it was convinced I was fine however after stating a full time permanent job and leaving university I have really started to struggle in my personal life.

I notice the problems now more than ever and feel exhausted after work because I am in a public facing job I find my self very stressed, anxious and emotional in the time I have off at the weekends. I really see more and more that these lists of female traits seem to describe my problems and at times give me a way to express how I feel. If that makes any sense. 

Is there much chance in trying to get diagnosed by my doctor? In the past I had issues with 'fits' and it took them 10 years, 2 different doctors, a diagnosis of possible bipolar that was rubbished and changed to anxiety issues then a trip to A&E after banging my head to finally get a referral to neurology. I was referred for the first time last year and I feel no further forward. I used to be at the doctor all the time due to exhaustion and I worry they think I am a hypochondriac. 

Is there much support out there for female adults with an ASD? It is just a label to add and then move one? Is this just going to cause me embarrassment when my doctor throws his or her eyes to ceiling thinking 'not you again, what's wrong now'

I am just worried because I am feeling more and more like I don't need or want to be around people but I also know that that seems really weird and I don't want that. My husband had been really helpful and he agreed with my mum but neither of them are doctors. I know it frustrates him when I have a tantrum over going out or changing plans at the last minute.

Parents

  • It is always worth getting an assessment and diagnosis.  There may not be a huge amount of support and help out there at the moment but the Autism Act and the Autism Strategy is trying to change that.  If you have the diagnosis under your belt then you will be able to access help as it is provided.

    You can also apply for DLA and have a legally recognised disability with a diagnosis.

    It can give you a sense of self, vindication, emotional relief, understanding (hopefully) from others, validation and an answer - which should never be underestimated.

    I would go to your GP and ask to be referred for an ASC assessment.

    BTW, I had fits as a child too. Also, many females are misdiagnosed and we need to get diagnosed so that the correct research is done and the correct statistics are in evidence.  The belief is that there are about 4:1 males to females but I believe it's 1:1 and it's just that the diagnostic criteria are based on research done on males - which needs changing.

Reply

  • It is always worth getting an assessment and diagnosis.  There may not be a huge amount of support and help out there at the moment but the Autism Act and the Autism Strategy is trying to change that.  If you have the diagnosis under your belt then you will be able to access help as it is provided.

    You can also apply for DLA and have a legally recognised disability with a diagnosis.

    It can give you a sense of self, vindication, emotional relief, understanding (hopefully) from others, validation and an answer - which should never be underestimated.

    I would go to your GP and ask to be referred for an ASC assessment.

    BTW, I had fits as a child too. Also, many females are misdiagnosed and we need to get diagnosed so that the correct research is done and the correct statistics are in evidence.  The belief is that there are about 4:1 males to females but I believe it's 1:1 and it's just that the diagnostic criteria are based on research done on males - which needs changing.

Children
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