Published on 12, July, 2020
My family had no previous awareness of ASD until our Daughter was referred to CAMHS, due to severe anxiety and school refusal. She has been assessed and is now diagnosed with Asperger's amongst other things.
The thing is I am diagnosed with BPD, GAD and Depression, yet the more my daughter and I learn about Asperger's in females, the more convinced we are that I actually have Asperger's and not BPD. Is this possible?
I doubt MH team would take me seriously in any case. But I can't help thinking about what my daughter said to me after her Psych and psychologist explained the traits of Asperger's to us in a meeting one day. We were walking out from the meeting and she said......"Mum I think you qualify as having ASD more than I do". I didn't tell her that I was already thinking the same thing.
My daughter reminds me so much of me from an early age, the crippling anxiety, learning to mimick and mask, amongst all other ASD traits.
I have finally recognisd most of my overload triggers just through learning more about ASD. I actually don't feel like such a stranger in a world of people who i could never fit in with. For once in my whole 38 years of life I feel as though can relate to other people, those who have ASD
Hello
It is possible and I think quite common in females.
I was initially misdiagnosed with BPD on the basis of self-harm, and was later diagnosed with ASD but have recently had the BPD reversed by a psychiatrist who recognised that self-harm can be a way to cope with ASD and he could not see any other evidence of BPD.
It can have an impact on which services you can access so might be worth getting it checked out if you do ever need mental health help. Before I was blocked from mental health support because of the BPD diagnosis, but now I can access support when I need it.
Hi, I'm going to my GP to ask for a referral for assessment because frustratingly I have given up on my local CMHT.
I would appreciate any advice of how to approach the subject of referral for assessments to my GP?
The problem is I usuall become so overwhelmed by anxiety in appointments that I just go completely blank, have trouble communicating my symptoms verbally, then can think of nothing else than how the professional who is sitting in front of me with glaring eyes, are making me feel more uncomfortable and I just want to get out of the room asap!
I also often find myself a bit tongue-tied in appointments due to anxiety, even if I was entirely clear on what I wished to discuss beforehand!
I have found that the most useful thing for myself is to write my points down also and then if I get stuck explain that I’m feeling anxious and pass my written notes over instead. I then find it easier to discuss points raised from what I have written.
What you describe in your last paragraph sounds like ASD symptoms to me, and if you could explain this to the GP (in writing or otherwise), it may help to make you feel more comfortable and also back up your request for an assessment. I would also highlight the importance of having the correct diagnosis in terms of treatment with the GP.
Finally, you could ask when booking your appointment if there is a GP who has some understanding of ASD or familiarity in referring for it.
Mind I'm the same with any type of social interaction which is another reasons I avoid social situations as much as possible.
I also find social chit chat a real struggle unless I have had a glass of wine or two beforehand. And even then, unless the other person is talking about something I can relate too, i really struggle to keep engaged and have to remind myself that it is ignorant not to pretend to be interested in what the other person is saying! Social situations are hard work and very exhausting. Does anyone else find this?