Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello,
Over the last few years my family have made jokey comments about how I sometimes exhibit autistic behaviours like obsessions, struggling with loud noises, not being able to read situations etc. The more it’s been said to me the more I’ve felt like what they are saying could actually be true.
I really struggled at school and have always been a bit ‘different’ to people my own age, I’m 23 and have struggled with anxiety since my teens. I also had anorexia when I was 5, my mum has always said it was to do with school but I’ve always said it was because I couldn’t stand the texture of some foods, I’m fine now but still a bit fussy as I just can’t deal with some textures.
Anyway, I’ve done lots of research recently and I’m pretty sure I’m somewhere on the autistic spectrum, it doesn’t negatively effect my life really but it would make me feel less ‘weird’ if I knew, however, as I don’t require any extra help I do think it would be wasting everyone’s time to go to my GP and go through the long process of getting a diagnosis. Is self-diagnosis a thing or is that not really the done thing? I wouldn’t need it for anything other than my own knowledge.
Thank you!
Hello, this website is a good starting point for unbiased advice. Once you have enough information, I would suggest that you think about how you need support, this will help point you in the right direction. What you need now, and what you need later in life may change depending on your circumstances. A NHS diagnosis is a lengthy process but this condition is lifelong, so if you are not time limited, it is free and professionally recognised. Therefore, it is worth considering, as you have nothing to lose. Good luck.