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Map

Hi, 

I'm new at this. I'm 48 and have no idea if autism is what makes me who I am as I can't seem to get it dismissed as a reason. Over the years I've been labelled with many tags by health care professionals who have tried to explain my bouts of depression. All I know is that I've always been the same. It's my personality. The only way I can desrcibe it is that it must be how a person feels when they say they feel like a man trapped in a womans body. I can recognise many of the characteristics on sites like this that I see in myself. I'm at my wits end as I just want to know who I am. I find it very frustrating and debilertating at the thought of anther 40 years of not knowing. 

Anyone with any ideas, I'd be grateful to hear them.

Map. 

  • Hi Map, If you see your doctor, maybe take your AQ test results with you, it might help them understand why you think you might be on the spectrum. 

  • Hi, 

    Thankyou for the replies. I have been under the care of my local CMHT on and off since I went in to their walk in centre back in 2003. I went there as my depressive episodes were getting worse. I was told once my other health problems were fixed I'd recover, I didn't, Infact I've been told so many times that once so and so is sorted I'll feel different, I never do. I've always felt like this. as a child I was always refered to as quiet or sarcasticly as smiler. 

    I've done the oline tests and repeatedly score 38 or over. 

    The problem I have with the profesionals is that so far none have been looking for autism. I got hold of my records and showed them to a student psychologist friend of a friend. She is the one who suggested that my records were similar to a study case she had seen. 

    I've no idea what to think, I just want to know who I am. I'm not looking for an excuse for who I am it would just be good to know. I have two sons and I see me in one of them. I feel I owe it to him to find out. 

    I think I'll see my GP 

    Thanks again

  • Have done any of the screening tests available online, Map?

     

    Note, they in and of themselves are not diagnostic strength tests, so won't tell you for sure whether you are on the spectrum or not, but they can help reassure you as to whether your suspisions may be correct.

     

    Though, having said that, they can also confuse matters.

     

    If you think you're are on the autistic spectrum then, my advice would be that, you should seek a diagnosis from a psychologist trained in diagnosing autistic spectrum conditions in adults, as this is the only way you will know for sure.

  • Have you told the professionals responsible for your care that you think you have autism?