Published on 12, July, 2020
Last night out of sheer frustration at upsetting yet another person, I searched Google, I put something in like 'why do I always upset people when I don't mean to' I found a site explaining about Aspersers and a link to a test to do online. As I was reading the questions in the test I was shocked at how well it all fit me and the problems I have been having, not just as an adult but in my childhood too.
The score was very high 172 out 200. It said I am most probably an Aspie. So of course I started to do more research and found this site. I am female and in my 30s, I was diagnosed with dyslexia when I was a young child and this was used to explain my 'shyness'. But it didn't explain why I would get very upset in any kind of group situation. My poor Mum would take me to Brownies or the Girl Guides and I would run out crying, saying it was too noisy and I didn't understand what was going on etc.
Anyway, I would like to get a proper diagnosis, not for any other reason than to know why I have always struggled keeping friends, why they always get offended by things I say and back away. Why I constantly struggle in social situations and avoid them.
I read that it can be hard to get a referral from a Doctors, and when I looked up a local professional who does the diagnosis, it says it is £300. That is a bit much, so now I am nervous to go to my Doctors and ask. I avoid going to the Doctors, haven't been in over 10 years. I don't want to feel humiliated by asking and them telling me no.
Any advice please? Is it really worth getting diagnosed at my age?
In the UK clinicians use the ICD, although some may use the DSM. Don't be confused by that because Asperger's is still a valid diagnosis in this country.
I agree more women should get assessed as clinicians are still not up to scratch with recognising female presentation.
I could post OP lots of information with plenty of great reasons to get diagnosed, but I don't think trying to convince someone who is unsure is the right way.