Possible ASD - Adult - Unsure if and what to do

Hi, 

I think I may be on the autistic spectrum, but I am not sure and am struggling to get any help from my GP.

Last year I started to suffer from depression for no apparent reason. A lot of the negative thoughts were focussed on having not fit in anywhere through my life, and a lot of the trauma of childhood bullying resurfaced. When I discussed this and asked if I could be on the spectrum I was shot down as 'I was displaying far too high an awareness of my emotions to be on the spectrum'. Equally when in talking therapy I raised this and was told that I was more likely displaying signs of 'learned behaviour'. 

On the other side I have a loving and caring partner who has teaching specialism for SEN. She has helped me understand the way I feel in certain situations, and provided some basic information for me. We completed the AQ tests, I answered as I would and she completed one for me anticipating what I would say. They both came out around 40 points. 

I've always struggled to maintain friendships other than a few longterm close friends from certain points in life. While others can talk endlessly about nothing, I struggle for conversation after a few talking points, I find that people would rather avoid me than engage in conversation. If the conversation is lively I never know when to speak, or how to interject in to  the conversation. By the time I have worked it out the conversation has moved on so I just stay quiet, or I interrupt which doesn't go down well. However, give me a subject i know about and I will talk endlessly to the point others are bored, but struggle to identify when that point has arrived. 

With work I find it hard to work in what my managers call the 'grey', they have deemed me to be a black and white person who is incapable of inferring subtleties of a request. From my side I don't understand why people can't just say what they want? Worse I can get hung up on subjects, or ideas, often to the point that others are sick of hearing it. I quite often get told that I can't fix the business so I should stop. I don't mean too, I just can't but help notice when things are wrong. 

At this point I am not sure what to do, or where to turn. Part of me thinks to just let it all slide. I've copped for 32 years without a diagnosis, what benefit will it bring? Then there are other times when I can't make sense of a situation at work, home, or a random altercation and everything comes back to the fore.

I feel a diagnosis would give me a bit of room to breath, I wouldn't constantly feel on the edge at work worrying if I have inadvertently offended someone without realising, or missed something in an email that was implied rather than explicitly detailed. 

If I do not have ASD then fine, but my world would make a lot less sense than it has with my more recent understanding of how autism affects everyday life. 

Sorry for the longish rambling post. I find it incredibly hard to write about myself. 

J. 

Parents
  • A small update, referral went in and I heard nothing. Just received a letter saying that my referral had been accepted and that I am now on a waiting list for assessment. The only downside is the wait list is 'up to' two years.

    For now, I will take the small win in that I there is possibly something more to this than feeling out of place all the time. Going to work with my partner to collate all evidence that I can, very fortunate that my partner is an SEN specialist so can help get this all in order before they finally offer me an assessment slot. 

    Dunno if any of the commentators will see this but wanted to say thanks for your support and understanding. 

  • I have just read your initial post and relate to your experience 100%. I'm 28 now and got my diagnosis 3 days ago after a 2 year wait for assessment! My suggestion to you is don't wait for your assessment. I have spent the 2 years of waiting reading, learning and looking at myself. Recognise what adaptations you need to make to survive in the world; and that you need the world (workplace etc) to make for you. Assessment, diagnosis, I've realized it is all just about understanding yourself more and figuring out who you are (personally something I find incredibly difficult). The diagnosis has given me a sense of certainty and peace, but by the time the wait was up, I almost felt like I didn't 'need' it for myself, more so for the people around me.

Reply
  • I have just read your initial post and relate to your experience 100%. I'm 28 now and got my diagnosis 3 days ago after a 2 year wait for assessment! My suggestion to you is don't wait for your assessment. I have spent the 2 years of waiting reading, learning and looking at myself. Recognise what adaptations you need to make to survive in the world; and that you need the world (workplace etc) to make for you. Assessment, diagnosis, I've realized it is all just about understanding yourself more and figuring out who you are (personally something I find incredibly difficult). The diagnosis has given me a sense of certainty and peace, but by the time the wait was up, I almost felt like I didn't 'need' it for myself, more so for the people around me.

Children
  • "The diagnosis has given me a sense of certainty and peace" This is all I want. I am trying to understand my triggers, stressors and situations that cause me the most issues. I struggle with executive function and work, often being so exhausted after a day in the office that all I can do is heat a ready meal and vegetate on the sofa. 

    I need to find my inner peace so I can be what others assume I am.