Published on 12, July, 2020
I'm going to try this out, I don't normally post online - hello! My daughter was diagnosed as autistic last year, so naturally I wanted to research all I could to learn how to support her. The problem I found though was that the more I read/learned about it, the more I started to relate to everything myself - spotting traits and things I have or currently do, experiences in my life that could be explained by autism, and so on. I've now felt very confused about who I think I am for months.
I'm in my 40's and spent a lot of my recent years using therapy to improve my mental health, trying to be positive minded and push through certain things I need to feel happy but find really uncomfortable (basically socialising). I just thought I was introverted, shy and socially anxious and settled on that, but these new ideas have me questioning my whole identity - was it always something else? And if it was, have I been wasting my life so far trying to be "normal" like everyone else only to discover that it was never going to happen?
I could get a more formal diagnosis I suppose, but it is time consuming and potentially expensive. I'm also a little apprehensive of the outcome - I could get an answer I don't want to hear, yet I also don't like the idea of never knowing (paradoxical, I know). Has anyone ever just decided that they are autistic and settled for that? I'd be interested to know.
Hi,
My autism revelation is very recent (end of November 2023). I'm 53 years old. I can relate. I made this discovery after my granddaughter was experiencing difficulties. I have gone down the NHS route. An ASD assessment referral was submitted, and it's been accepted. There is a two year wait for the assessment in my area.
Personally the fact that they have accepted the referral, may be all the recognition I need. I have 2 years to decide whether or not to go for the official diagnosis. I believe I am truly autistic. It all makes so much sense.
Post revelation - for a while I questioned who I was. But I've discovered I'm still me. I just understand myself better. I'm more aware of my behaviours and needs. And I'm kinder to myself. So although it was a bit of a shock initially, I'm finding it quite freeing.
I hope my story is of help.
I'm also on the NHS pathway. A few months after being put on the waiting list I had a letter to say I had passed the first stage. Thus, and the fact that my GP was happy to put me on the list was all I really need for now. I know i am autistic.