Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi,
I'm 30 female British Indian waiting for autism assessment on NHS, long waits. Also waiting for counselling and talking therapy. Thinking of going private because the wait n the NHS is annoying me. I am highly sensitive and believe I have asperger's (high level functioning autism). I struggle to enjoy life, no friends, not close to family as most of them ignore me and don't accept the real me. I hate the cultural pressures to conform and the stigma around autism and mental health in my family. I hate the pressures of having to mask all the time just to please everyone else and blend in. I am thinking of quitting me job but not sure what to do with my life. I need answers and a diagnosis asap before things get worse. My dad might also have autism but he's in denial and they all reacted negatively when I tried telling them I think I have autism. I might have to cut ties with them soo and run away. I'm scared and anxious about my future life. I'm not sure I can have a happy life.
Sharon
I am aware, I have a friend who is an autistic Sri Lankan woman, that autistic people from South Asia have greater problems from cultural and family pressures than most. I think getting a clinical diagnosis is probably the most important thing to do. The medical profession is well respected in South Asian societies, so having a 'piece of paper' saying that you are autistic will give you some leverage. At least your autism cannot be ignored within your family, if you have a diagnosis. I had a private diagnosis, and if you can afford it, I would recommend that route. I certainly have no regrets in paying for both myself and my daughter to be assessed.