Unsure about diagnosis

Hi, I am aged 50 and was only diagnosed in July 2016.

For me it was essential as I couldn't fully even begin to accept myself or that I might be on the autistic spectrum until I was formally diagnosed. When I first met someone from the team who do the diagnostic tests I really didn't want to be on the spectrum at all but other therapy hadn't worked and I had to find out if the reason was because I didn't have the condition that i was being treated for. I was then invited to go to a support group whilst waiting for formal testing but although i recognised myself in the things others in the group said i just didn't want it. I thought going for testing would tell me that I wasn't on the spectrum and if I was I wanted a cure and immediately.

Diagnosis came and with that the need to understand before i could accept it, there was period of bereavement for the person that i had never known. Since diagnosis I feel changed and others comment on it. I feel more free, I don't have to fit into other peoples ideas of who i am or what i should be doing - i don't have to go to join groups or meet new people if all i really want is to sit at home and read or watch tv or not see anyone for days. I feel free to question things eg - I would think ' I should get dressed and go out and do something'. Now if i think this i ask myself ' who said so?'' Why must you? Is it really what I want to do today?' = and i can say yes or no or whatever and it's ok.

I finally feel like I have found where I belong, I have found my 'tribe' and I am starting to say - this is me - I've never known who i am = and it's ok to be me.

The few people I have told have been supportive and are now happy to let me talk to the dog or cat at a party after an hour or so of mixing as they know i am happier that way. Right now i am more content with my life and feel more condident than i have every felt.

Diagnosis has also helped me to get support and feel supported.

Do what is right for you - i agree, if the benefits outweigh the risks then go for diagnosis and if not then don't, many people don't are happy with that. It's also helpful if you are studying as you may get help such as a quiet room to take an exam and extra time to think and process things or help with visual and audio media - i am going to get transcripts of dvds on my open university course.

Good luck in your journey, i hope it goes well for you.

Hi, I am aged 50 and was only diagnosed in July 2016.

For me it was essential as I couldn't fully even begin to accept myself or that I might be on the autistic spectrum until I was formally diagnosed. When I first met someone from the team who do the diagnostic tests I really didn't want to be on the spectrum at all but other therapy hadn't worked and I had to find out if the reason was because I didn't have the condition that i was being treated for. I was then invited to go to a support group whilst waiting for formal testing but although i recognised myself in the things others in the group said i just didn't want it. I thought going for testing would tell me that I wasn't on the spectrum and if I was I wanted a cure and immediately.

Diagnosis came and with that the need to understand before i could accept it, there was period of bereavement for the person that i had never known. Since diagnosis I feel changed and others comment on it. I feel more free, I don't have to fit into other peoples ideas of who i am or what i should be doing - i don't have to go to join groups or meet new people if all i really want is to sit at home and read or watch tv or not see anyone for days. I feel free to question things eg - I would think ' I should get dressed and go out and do something'. Now if i think this i ask myself ' who said so?'' Why must you? Is it really what I want to do today?' = and i can say yes or no or whatever and it's ok.

I finally feel like I have found where I belong, I have found my 'tribe' and I am starting to say - this is me - I've never known who i am = and it's ok to be me.

The few people I have told have been supportive and are now happy to let me talk to the dog or cat at a party after an hour or so of mixing as they know i am happier that way. Right now i am more content with my life and feel more condident than i have every felt.

Diagnosis has also helped me to get support and feel supported.

Do what is right for you - i agree, if the benefits outweigh the risks then go for diagnosis and if not then don't, many people don't are happy with that. It's also helpful if you are studying as you may get help such as a quiet room to take an exam and extra time to think and process things or help with visual and audio media - i am going to get transcripts of dvds on my open university course.

Good luck in your journey, i hope it goes well for you.