Published on 12, July, 2020
I’m 51 next month and it has took me till now to realise that I am different, my daughter who is 20 has been diagnosed with autism and I have the same traits as her, I have struggled all my life with the way I am, I may come across as rude sometimes and I have no friends because people don’t get on with me. I am going to the doctors to ask for a referral, am I doing the right thing or should I leave it alone at this late stage.
I hope I get a referral
Thank you for your reply
Same here. I did go to my GP, as he seems non-threatening it helped. I was afraid he would dismiss the idea anyway. However he agreed that I was autistic and referred me for an assessment. It wasn't as bad as I feared it would be. I had already recently concluded that I was, from all the evidence that I added up. However I want a formal assessment because I think I deserve it. It's taken a long time and a lot of struggle to get to this point.
I hope you get a referral
Hi, I was 54 when I approached my GP, probably the same as many my age, always a loner, struggle with any social interaction, love routine and find the whole world bewildering. I was told my wait for an assessment will be 2 years, 10 months left now. The time has gone very quickly and I probably need that amount of time to process 50+ years of being different. It’s not until you start unraveling it all that you realise just how different you are, slowly the mask is slipping.
How long did it take you.
Thank you, I’m getting quite emotional thinking I might just get the help I need now.
I would go for it. I was diagnosed earlier this year and I’m in my fifties. It’s never too late to gain a greater understanding of why you are the way you are. I’ve found it very helpful.
Thank you so much, I really want to know now why i have struggled so much, people just think I am immature.
Hi and welcome!
I am only recently diagnosed at 48, so not much at all between us.
I've felt different to most people all my life, struggled with friendships and have always been known as quirky/"odd" (which I like if I'm honest!).
If you want to know, then I'm in the camp of do it, get diagnosed. It will take some time. I'm glad that I did.
Wishing you well on your journey,
Batfink
Thank you.
If you think it would give you peace of mind then it’s never too late. Just bear in mind getting a diagnosis can take a while so if you’re willing to wait