Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi, I haven't had a clinical diagnosis yet. But I spoke to a new GP who said he thinks there's a strong possibility I have autism (after a chat, and an aq test. Based on his professional, and personal experience). And a lot of puzzle pieces have fallen into place. Obviously I've recently done a lot of research and tried to get my head around all of this. And I agree, autism would answer a lot of questions. (Being diagnosed with autism isn't something I was looking for, I just wondered if there was a deeper cause for the anxiety and depression I've had since I was young).
However, I also completed the cat-q test, and quite frankly, the results have scared me. I'm 42, and have always been the odd one out in any social groups, so being a bit different has always been normal for me, although not very nice at times. I scored 145 in the cat-q test, which is pretty high I believe. I've also recently lost interest in a hobby I've had since I was a teen. It's really made me question who I am. I genuinely didn't realise I masked that much. And now I feel like a fraud, or like my life has been a facade. I don't know who the real me is.
Kinda hoping for some reassurance, and friendly advice I guess. I have literally no one I can talk to about this. I feel the most isolated I ever have been recently.
Oh, I'm new here, so if this is in the wrong place or anything, just let me know.
Welcome and, as Amerantin (former member) says, there are a lot of us late diagnosed/self diagnosed on this forum.
I was diagnosed at 60 just over a year ago.
There are a lot of threads here so you have the option to use the search function or ask us questions.
You mention 'advice' - if you could be a little more specific you may get more responses.
I've been on this forum for just over a year and there is a wealth of information and wisdom available from the members.
All the best.
Yes - I was diagnosed in my fifties less than a year ago. Both my children have a diagnosis too. I’m confused about just about everything right now to be honest. Life seems quite hard at the moment for all sorts of reasons, but I always feel that people in this autistic community often understand the ups and downs that my family go through. I feel so much solidarity with the people on here.