Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello, everyone. I did not expect to find myself here this evening, though I have had the thought before that I may be in some ways autistic. I do have social phobias - though I've learnt to manage these - I do have intense personal interests, which can over-dominate life! I can come across as blunt and rude. I am a bit obsessive about categorising things I care about (my own writing) though I'm naturally pretty disorganised in real life! ... And I'm not totally sure how pursuing a medical diagnosis at my age could benefit me. Although I am on some medication for depression and anxiety, and have just started counselling again, so maybe that's a silly thing to think! Are there any adults out there who have been through this - seeing some symptoms, not sure what to do, not sure if it's worth it?
No trouble, and I agree that counselling may not help unless you have non-autistic issues that you need to discuss. Autistic counsellors or therapists are out there though not many and may not be easily accessible if far from you.
DIscussing things here or with autistic people on social media and other places will be more useful, and reassuring.
Thank you.
Yup - it may be easier just to assume you are autistic (many of the things you describe make that likely). And then act accordingly - like recognise and interpret what the stressors are accordingly. What it can, of course, mean that your version of depression and anxiety isn't inherent/chemical etc. but is an entirely natural reaction to being autistic and living in a world that's not designed to suit you.
Diagnosed at 59, brought me a lot of closure on issues and validation of my autistic traits.
There are a number of autism tests that you can complete online - AQ10, AQ50, RAADS-R - that will give you more indication as to whether or not you are likely to be autistic. If you score in the autistic range, they are also useful ammunition to take to your GP for a referral for autism assessment/diagnosis (a very long waiting time is common).
Lapwing Lover said:started counselling again
if you are autistic then that is probably waste of time
GP would be more likely to give you meds that work if you are and he knew about it
but most important is that realisation that you are confirmed with diagnosis is cathartic
Hi. I was diagnosed at 42, but had childhood issues that today probably would have result in an assessment for autism - but it was different times, many of elder autistic folk have similar stories of missed childhood diagnosis.
Diagnosis for autism as an adult may not seem beneficial, and indeed doesn't usually unlock any support unless you qualify for social services involvement. It goes on your GP record, and that may be useful in the future even if not now. The real value of a diagnosis is more personal, much more than a label - it help you accept yourself, and if you've had any trauma in life related to your difficulties then start the healing process.
Worth taking the time and exploring yourself, and read about autism and things that autistic people write about - google for autistic blogs, writers, or advocates, there are many. Google Pete Wharmby, he has a website and youtube channel - he is great at explaining autistic things. Autistic people vary so the more you read about the better, things should jump out if you recognise them in you.
I was just diagnosed about 4-5 weeks ago. I’m 49 in a few weeks. For me, it has made everything real, despite already knowing I was autistic before the assessment. I know not to be so hard on myself. I can see where and why I went wrong in the past, and how I didn’t understand things. I can see why therapies never worked. I can see why I was never able to keep friendships going, I can see that for the most part, some of my depressions were actually burnout. I’m learning everyday. For me, the diagnosis was required in order to believe it. I can also use it to get any adjustments at work, should I decide I need any, or when going for a new job, and benefits if I ever need them. There are lots of benefits for me in knowing, but the choice is individual.