Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi
I just joined as a member today.
I am 50 years old (female) and have always struggled with relationships (two failed marriage both less than 1 year long) and friendships along with many other issues - which I now believe has been misdiagnosed as mental health difficulties.
My light bulb moment came when I asked for my teenage Daughter to be assessed and when going through the initial questionnaire with CAMHS (they don't believe she does have autism) I was able to identify with most of the questions.
I am now in the situation of trying to get diagnosed with NHS if possible as I can't afford the £1K + cost for a private appointment.
I have spoken to my parents who are supportive of being involved in any process and I am just waiting for the local Adult Autism team to send me a self-referral form.
Thank everyone for all your replies - it's really helpful to hear from you all and reinforces why I wanted the test in the first place and will hopefully be worth the wait.
The ImpSyn made me highly critical of myself so I used it as a tool of motivation to make dammed sure that I am right about this. Better that, than beat myself up about it all before even the Consultants know. So I did and it seemed to reduce the negativity of the ImpSyn. I would save the self-beating up for later after the truth had been unveiled.
Aspergertestsite was very accurate for me, and it was nice to know unofficially, then have a free choice as to whether I wanted to engage the NHS to ratify the online diagnosis.
hear hear!
you're right - I just need to try and worry less about diagnosis and more about finding what helps.
You and EVERY other. Be yourself, if it feels good or better, could it not be that it is?
Thanks Plinky - that's my worry that I have somehow convinced myself and it's not true!
Hello,
2 year wait here, eventually it was expedited.
The best thing I did was accept it long before diagnosis, adjusting my life accordingly as if I am autistic. This lead to massive imposter syndrome but gave a better life style so how could I be wrong.
Thanks Desmond
Good to practice self-acceptance.
I am finding it very hard waiting for my appointment - although I have lived my whole life without this knowledge/diagnosis - now that I am aware, I feel I need it to move forward.
I did the 50 question NHS Autism Spectrum Quotient questionnaire today after attending a training session at work and scored 41/50. Seemingly 33+ indicates significant autistic traits!
I am self diagnosed and waiting for an assessment. Had a pre assessment locally 2 years ago where they decided I was anxious rather than autistic. My GP arranged out of county funding so now I'm on the waiting list at the Lorna Wing Centre. Getting a diagnosis will allow me to understand all my difficulties and with support move forward and get back to working.
thank you - that's my self-referral sent in
next step will be a triage appointment to see if I warrant a full test and then I will be put on a waiting list
I was diagnosed at 45 and definitely think it’s worth it. It meant I felt validated and could start to understand myself and why I’ve never fit in to the point of being badly misunderstood as a child and teenager.
yes go for it you wont regret it. The wait will fly by.