Need advice/ difficulty to refer myself for assessment

Good afternoon all, 

I am 39 and since late teens always known that I do not think or behave like other people. My mum had recently been diagnosed with autism at 57 even though for years she has battled with mental conditions such as bipolar she was shocked to learn that she has had autism but in the positive of this she now knows why she has been struggling so much with herself/life.

now me, I have very similar traits to my mum and finding it extremely difficult to talk to anyone about it. Since her diagnosis it is the first time my mum has shared how she been feeling/behaving and acting and I can completely relate to it! No bright lights, patterns of repetitive behaviour, have to have a clock to keep eye on, no social skills (cannot sustain friendships at all)I have to have a routine, cannot be disruptive from what I am doing, people if out of sight they are out of mind including family. People think I’m stuck up/rude as I do not talk, see them or give them eye contact and more!

How did anyone approach it with a GP? I do not feel comfortable just ringing and telling them direct. It’s getting me down so much as I have always been strong and not let this get to me but cannot do this anymore it’s burning me out! This is the fist ever in my life I have reached out to anyone. 

thank you 

Parents
  • I know it's not what society tells us we should do as adults (whatever to that), but if the actual act of making contact is the main obstacle would it be possible to get someone else to call on your behalf (with you there)? Obviously it's not ideal but maybe your mum could help if you're comfortable raising the topic with her and if she wouldn't find it just as tough as you. 

Reply
  • I know it's not what society tells us we should do as adults (whatever to that), but if the actual act of making contact is the main obstacle would it be possible to get someone else to call on your behalf (with you there)? Obviously it's not ideal but maybe your mum could help if you're comfortable raising the topic with her and if she wouldn't find it just as tough as you. 

Children
  • I suppose that is an option. I have told her about my behaviours in a round a bout way but don’t like to worry her as she has said already that she would feel guilty if any of her children are going through it. Thank you for the advice, I may have to take the plunge which certainly is out my comfort zone but the only way I can move forward