Were you diagnosed as an adult?

I have explained my concerns at work, they have been great and have said if that is the case then there are things that can be put in place. So I dont have any concerns regarding work, but I guess others may.

Thats what worries me, that I wont be taken seriously. But I think I will bite the bullet and speak to the GP tomorrow. I have also asked work to refer me to occupational health, to see if they can help in any way.

Really sorry this is a short reply, but I did write a longer one only to submit it and realised I had been signed out so I lost what I had written. Aargh!

I really do appreciate you sharing your experiences.

I am in my 40s too and on the waiting list. Went through similar feelings, should I or shouldn't I, and pondering how best to approach the doctor. It took me several months to get the courage together.

Went armed with an AQ, with examples written next to any relevant questions, and highlighted the issues that are causing me the most problems.  In the end my wonderful GP didn't even look at it though, just ticked the referral box and said "ooh how interesting!" 

One issue that has come up is how would I deal with a negative diagnosis? If it turns out I am just a neurotic neurotypical having a mid life crisis, I am going to have to put all the painful stuff I have dredged up, back in its box.

Good luck, whatever you choose to do! 

Hi life aint easy. I remain undiagnosed and in my 60s. I began to think about aspergers about 2 years ago, and approached my gp and community mental health team about 16 months ago. I did not say specifically that I thought I had aspergers, more took the approach that , as I was now drug free, I thought my orriginal diagnosis of paranoia was incorrect, and that I had difficulties communicating when unwell, so wanted to discuss my ongoing difficulties with social interaction etc. I did eventually write to them to explain my issues and mentioned aspergers.

They interviewed me with my husband and offered me a "statement of wishes form" re future treatment. 

Their final response was that I was well at the moment and did not need any help from them. I did not feel able to challenge this further. I know that my local mental health services are sparse, and their premises have been swallowed up by other departments. I gave up.

Perhaps I should have been more assertive.

Thankyou for your honesty. I feel a bit silly asking but I know its something I need to do. All my life I have struggled and hidden things, but I feel I have to do something or I cant move on.

Hi,

I was diagnosed just over a year ago at the age of 51. I was a bit apprehensive but I am glad I understand why I have had such difficulties, all my life. However I only wish my family were more understanding.

There are no support services in my city, for adults on the spectrum, so I have had no help whatsoever. I do get extremely depressed by the isolation but on balance: it is better to know than not to know.

--Pete

I was diagnosed at the age of 28 am now 30. I'm glad I was diagnosed as I always knew something wasn't quite rite. Although now I still struggle at times to accept the diagnosis I am now able to get support and at least I know why in was like I was