Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi, all. I'm new here.
I have a five year old daughter and we're fairly certain she has Asperger's, currently going through the diagnostic process with her.
The thing is I've suspected I have it (much more mild than my daughter) since I was a teenager and learned what it was...possibly even sooner than that, I knew I was "different" but didn't have a name for it. I've never thought too deeply about it, once or twice I've read up on Asperger's and though, "Oh, that applies to me." but have seen other things that don't apply to me. However, since learning more about Asperger's through my daughter and learning that there are many differences in girls with Asperger's and boys with it I've become fairly certain that I do have it. I've read a fair amount of literature about females with autism and it mostly all rings true with me.
My dilemma now is, is it worth getting diagnosed as an adult? If I'm honest it barely affects my day-to-day life. I do have trouble coping with certain emotions and can have meltdowns over silly things from time to time (not very often though). When I'm not feeling "hett up" I can be very rational and logical and have explained to my husband precisely what goes through my head when I'm in that mood and over the years he's learned how to calm me down. I feel guilty that he has to "manage" me like I'm a toddler, but it is very rare these days and I'm mostly good at self control....it's usually only when I'm on my period and hormonal that it happens now. I doubt therapy could help with that anyway.
Would a diagnosis in adulthood do anything, or is it not worth the hassle? Would me being diagnosed help with my daughter's diagnosis? Would it hinder it? Would they feel it necessary to suddenly get social services involved with my family because there's concerns over my mental health? Feeling a bit confused over what to do right now. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.
Thanks for your reply. :) I'll have a chat with my GP and let them know what I suspect but that I am coping fine for now just so there's a note of it.
I was diagnosed with depression a few years ago when my family was going through a rough patch and I was having pretty much continous meltdowns and really struggling to cope with life. I got back on track fairly quickly though once the problem was sorted.