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Hi Everyone

Distincthowler

Hi

I'm in my late forties, married with three children I work for in IT for the NHS.

I've been recently diagnosed as ASD, although my wife and then myself have suspected this for years.

With diagnosis comes acceptance which is proving anything but straightforward but at least the am I or aren't if moments have gone. At least now I can see why I acted as I have done and said what I have said overcome life.

Work and family pressure over the last few years has led to me displaying more and more autistic behaviour as making has become more difficult. I also worry that as I am getting older I have less energy reserves. This leaves me having more meltdowns or withdrawals as I struggle to cope with rapidly changing situations both at work and at home.

Cheers

Colin

Parents

  • Hi!Ive recently come to the conclusion I might be autistic. (I’m 33.) I always knew there was something different about me, but could never figure out what. I also never really knew what autism was until I did some reading on the subject a couple of weeks ago, and then it was like The penny dropped! So many things sounded like me! I’ve sent off my referral form tonight, but I realise it might be some time before I get a diagnosis, and maybe even longer than usual because of lockdown. But the thing that’s worrying me most atm would be if they turned round and told me I’m not autistic. That would horrible, after thinking I’ve started to understand myself a bit more, and then having that taken away again.

  • in reply to NAS68091

    I was worried about that too.

    What I would say is that there are plenty of people who identify as Autistic and live their lives without clinical diagnosis. But everyone is different. 

    My form went in just as we entered into lockdown and I have just had my diagnosis in the last two weeks. Obviously this will differ from area to area.

    If you don't get the diagnosis, you can always ask for a second opinion or go private if you can pay and feel you need a quicker diagnosis. 

    One thing about worrying about a negative diagnosis, try not to. When you meet with the healthcare professionals be honest in your experiences and opinions.  I think that ASD specialists are more keyed into things like masking these days, 20 years ago I may not have got the diagnosis. 

    Also have you talked to a close friend or relative about this and maybe they will go through the process with you? My wife helped massively, and part of my diagnosis was due to her input with the consultant and mental health nurse.

    I hope that this helps.

  • in reply to Distincthowler

    Oh that’s so helpful thank you! That is pretty quick for a diagnosis to be fair, but you’re right, it will vary area to area.

    Yes they mentioned they might want someone who knows me well to fill out a questionnaire. Is this absolutely necessary for the diagnoses? I’ve mentioned it to a couple of friends but i wouldn’t want to tell my family just yet, it would worry them too much.

Reply
  • in reply to Distincthowler

    Oh that’s so helpful thank you! That is pretty quick for a diagnosis to be fair, but you’re right, it will vary area to area.

    Yes they mentioned they might want someone who knows me well to fill out a questionnaire. Is this absolutely necessary for the diagnoses? I’ve mentioned it to a couple of friends but i wouldn’t want to tell my family just yet, it would worry them too much.

Children
  • in reply to NAS68091
    NAS68091 said:
    Yes they mentioned they might want someone who knows me well to fill out a questionnaire. Is this absolutely necessary for the diagnoses?

    To be honest, I don't know. In my assessment I talked to the consultant via video while my wife talked to the nurse and then we swapped over with me on video chat to the nurse.

    I understand you being worried about speaking to your family. I spoke to my parents as I needed to get information about my early childhood.

    I know nothing of the relationship you have with your family and I'm not telling you to tell them either, that is completely your choice. But remember this; You are you and a diagnosis won't change that, you will still be your parents child. You have always been ASD, your family have lived with you living with it.