We have an adult daughter, aged 44. We are in our late seventies. She lives with us and we are, in effect, her carers. She has for many years absolutely refused to see any doctors.
She has had serious mental problems since age 17, when she became anorexic and self-harmed. She left school. Though she obtained a BA and an MA, she had to work at home with much support from us. She continues to have no circle of friends, avoids people, and does not engage socially. She seems very poor at grasping other people's (often kind) intentions, and constantly complains of 'bullying'. In her early thirties she was 'sectioned' twice. One psychiatrists diagnose her as BPD and as schizophrenic. A third, diagnosed numerous comorbid conditions, but did not include autism. She was at one stage given cognitive therapy for OCD: the effects were positive but did not last.
However, with the relatively recent advances in the understanding of autism/Asperer's and the adoption of the ASD concept, my wife and I have researched the issue as extensively as we were able. Our guess -- with no medical qualifications, Im afraid -- is that she actually suffers from autism, quite likely comorbid with schizophrenia. This obviously is not a professional diagnosis.
We've learned to gice her space and endure frequent anger outbursts without challenging or arguing with her. She leads an isolated life, though she drives a car and can ssometims do shopping. The rare moments of happy interaction with us are few and far between.
We are worried about her future, and our ability cope. I know we are probably not alone in this. Any help or advice available? What might be a way forward?
Paul [Removed by Moderator due to breaking rule number 2 of the Online Community]
