50 years old - is Aspergers diagnosis worth it?

It is worth getting a diagnosis.

Technophobe's experience is sadly repeated by others, but it's an absolute falsehood to say that you can't be diagnosed without parental input - it may be helpful to have some, but a good diagnostician won't need it. Any diagnostician who says it is essential is not a good diagnostician for autism spectrum conditions as they are only admitting to their own limitations. In this case, you can say so and ask for a second opinion, hopefuly from somebody who actually knows what they're talking about.

What does a diagnosis lead to? There isn't a 'single' answer to that because diagnosis, like life, is what you make of it. What it has lead to for me is that I finally have an answer to who I am, why my life has been mostly poo, what my difficulties are, but mostly it lead me to this website and a 'family', at last, who 'get' me. I love it when we squabble, because it's just like a real family, but I don't doubt for a moment that if I was having a bad time (they are still going to happen) that I'll get anything but understanding, care and support from the others on here.

I get loads of support from my local services and I have come to understand just how vulnerable an adult I am, and how much they also understand that. I don't tell them enough how much I appreciate their support, but I'm certain that without their help I'd be a crumbled wreck once more. My diagnosis got me that support.

I don't know anyone who regrets getting their diagnosis, but there are several people who regret their choices in sharing it. It is private medical information and I would advise extreme caution before you tell anyone, but this question doesn't arise for you at the moment. So, other than that, is it worth getting a diagnosis? I give you a very firm 'Yes' to that question, no doubt in my mind whatsoever.

It is worth getting a diagnosis.

Technophobe's experience is sadly repeated by others, but it's an absolute falsehood to say that you can't be diagnosed without parental input - it may be helpful to have some, but a good diagnostician won't need it. Any diagnostician who says it is essential is not a good diagnostician for autism spectrum conditions as they are only admitting to their own limitations. In this case, you can say so and ask for a second opinion, hopefuly from somebody who actually knows what they're talking about.

What does a diagnosis lead to? There isn't a 'single' answer to that because diagnosis, like life, is what you make of it. What it has lead to for me is that I finally have an answer to who I am, why my life has been mostly poo, what my difficulties are, but mostly it lead me to this website and a 'family', at last, who 'get' me. I love it when we squabble, because it's just like a real family, but I don't doubt for a moment that if I was having a bad time (they are still going to happen) that I'll get anything but understanding, care and support from the others on here.

I get loads of support from my local services and I have come to understand just how vulnerable an adult I am, and how much they also understand that. I don't tell them enough how much I appreciate their support, but I'm certain that without their help I'd be a crumbled wreck once more. My diagnosis got me that support.

I don't know anyone who regrets getting their diagnosis, but there are several people who regret their choices in sharing it. It is private medical information and I would advise extreme caution before you tell anyone, but this question doesn't arise for you at the moment. So, other than that, is it worth getting a diagnosis? I give you a very firm 'Yes' to that question, no doubt in my mind whatsoever.