Wanting to get an assessment at 40

I'm really sorry to hear the doctor didn't take you seriously - mine didn't either and it was so frustrating. Hopefully, Deepthought's advice will help. You can also speak to your mental health assessor about getting a referral for autism; mine was able to refer me for an autism diagnosis as well as getting me on the waiting list for counselling.

Doodles14 said:

After a few months of deliberation I finally took my Husband along for support to see my GP. Unfortunately he immediately dismissed my anxiety and all the examples I gave as being down to being emotionally neglected as a child. Whilst I did suffer emotional abuse by my parents I do not think this explains my hyper sensory issues, and anxiety and executive function issues. He told me I needed anti depressants and counselling. I refused the anti depressants as this is not what the problem is. I now am waiting for counselling but I dont really want to drag up all my painful memories , I want to work on how I am now and manage life better. I just knew I'd not be taken seriously 

Normally in the first instance I advise people to get the adult autism diagnosis information pack from the NAS (by telephoning 0808 800 4104, then following the recorded instructions to leave one's name and address, with the pack being delivered in about a couple of weeks) which is what I did (back in 2013) and many others have done as it tells you what  you need to know and do in terms of seeking for an autism assessment; legal rights and all that. 

In my case once the information pack had been received ~ I prepared a written document with an introductory letter asking for an assessment involving the supporting evidence underlined (1.), ticked and scored (2.), and left accordingly (3.) as follows:

1.) The sensory world of autism

2.) WIRED Take The AQ Test

3.) Diagnosis: the process for adults

For further evidence as seems more perhaps these days to be required, consider everything that applies also from this lot:

Autism Research Center Downloadable Tests

In my case when I first tried to see about getting an assessment for Asperger's Syndrome (AS)~ it was in 2007 with a psychologist who just did one of those 'Oh my life not another one!' eye rolls and ignored me whilst I went through the AQ50 test and nothing more was said thereafter on the topic involving that psychologist.

Then in 2012 after describing all my hypersensitivity problems with another psychologist regarding the possibility of AS ~ I was told that it was all very interesting but the treatment process being provided was a far more important consideration to follow. So I was ignored there also too.

After that I sent the assessment request document to my GP who totally agreed with me and referred me to be assessed for Asperger's Syndrome, which took a couple of goes funding wise, but eventually I got diagnosed with ASD in 2015.

So maybe try again but this time using the documentational approach with your GP, and if that fails go for a second opinion session perhaps with another GP or even also other mental health professionals too possibly ~ given that you have been referred to them regarding the generalzsed anxiety, which is normally treated on the NHS as follows:

www.nhs.uk/.../

After a few months of deliberation I finally took my Husband along for support to see my GP. Unfortunately he immediately dismissed my anxiety and all the examples I gave as being down to being emotionally neglected as a child. Whilst I did suffer emotional abuse by my parents I do not think this explains my hyper sensory issues, and anxiety and executive function issues. He told me I needed anti depressants and counselling. I refused the anti depressants as this is not what the problem is. I now am waiting for counselling but I dont really want to drag up all my painful memories , I want to work on how I am now and manage life better. I just knew I'd not be taken seriously 

Glad you found the videos useful  Hope your GP appointment goes well.

Thank you I’ve been watching the Purple Ella videos since you recommended and they have a lot in them where I think, that’s happened to me. Especially about learning to drive. I could not manage to get coordination of the gears and other parts of driving so in the end I had to learn in an automatic. 

I will form a list, imdid do a long explanation of why I thought I was and examples but looking at it I’ve missed out so many things, which are to do with sensory issues so I will add them in. 

I'm seeking a diagnosis in my mid-20s. If you struggle to communicate with your GP, write down the autistic traits you have. You can either use them as prompts or hand them to the GP if you're finding it difficult to talk through your points.

My GP didn't seem to care whatsoever, but he handed me a phone number for the local mental health service (even though autism isn't a mental health condition!) and told me to self-refer. I went for my mental health assessment and the nurse was hugely understanding - he built-up a case for an autism referral based on what I'd said and he sent the referral through himself. He also got me a mental health referral for my anxiety and OCD.

I'd recommend reading 'Odd girl out', which is an autobiography about a lady who was diagnosed in adult life. Purple Ella has some great YouTube videos too, including tips for seeking a diagnosis and taking care of yourself while you wait for an assessment.

You're not overreacting or being silly - it's perfectly normal to want to get to know yourself better. Best of luck - I hope you get the answers you need.

I’m so pleased you now have that confirmation, I have spoken to my Husband this afternoon about it and talked him through a test I was taking and the penny has dropped with him how much is identical to my behaviour and quirky traits. I asked him would he come with me to my GP appointment to back up my history and experiences as I feel that it will give me more chance of being taken seriously. And he said he would as he realises how much I would benefit me on a self esteem and mental health level to understand there be an answer to why I’m this way. 

I really reasonate with this.  I got diagnosed earlier this year, at 31 :)

I very much want to know so that I can understand myself and not be so frustrated that I’m not like my peers and why seemingly simple things like socialising etc make sense. I genuinely can’t understand how I can be so accomplished or talented at some things but then things in day to day life that appear simpler I struggle massively. Would be good to know , thank you for replying 

thank you very much, I took the AQ test yesterday and my score was 35. 

I’ll print this off and think of some experiences that support my reasons for assessing. 

Thank you for your advice and the links. I’ll take a look at those. I appreciate you sharing your experiences 

I was diagnosed at 35. It took 2 years for it to finally sink in and for me to have a better understanding of how it effects me. Very glad I went ahead and got the diagnosis. It explains so much and I can easier on myself and treat myself more kindly now.

Hi there!

I would try an online screening test beforehand to check symptoms etc. Before you go to the GP, it helps to write down what challenges you face - it helps as a brief for the appointment, and also helps the GP to know exactly where issues lie.

Then, just book the appointment, and have a chat with the GP. Hope it all goes well!x

Much love <3

I was diagnosed Asperger's in my 40s a year ago. I too have lots of sensory issues, and it was a big spike in these (especially hearing) that eventually led me to join the dots and consider autism as the link.

I did a LOT of reading (probably too much...it kinda got to bne my autistic special interest...) before i spoke to my GP (my area was actually self diagnosis, but I did speak to my GP first)

As a starter I would recommend the AQ-10, then the fuller AQ-50 test.  See https://musingsofanaspie.com/aspie-tests/ (Especially if female) I would also recommend Cynthia Kim's website https://musingsofanaspie.com/ and book "nerdy shy and socially inappropriate"

Do be prepared that it can be a very long process...in my area I was told adult waiting lists were up to 2 years. I was fortunate to be able to afford to go privately however.