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HELLO IM NEW HERE. Is it worth getting diagnosed at 68 yrs old?

NAS96485

Is it worth getting diagnosed at 68 yrs old? I no longer work - thankfully. Although, after suffering my 3rd marriage failure and many other issues, I am feeling that I need support. I have never asked for support because 1. I didn't know I was autistic, 2. Pride - at feeling inadequate and I should be able to do everything myself, 3. Shame and embarrassment for not feeling able to cope - something I have struggled with all my life. As I get older I am not as resilient and feel like my life is almost over. I am currently trying to get an old age bungalow which is in very short supply in North Lincolnshire. But I would like to know if I am autistic even it is just for my peace of mind.

  • I am awaiting a diagnosis. I am 60. Like you i have struggled most of my life. It seems to get harder the older i get. I hope in time, the support will be there for those of us that need it in later life. Be hopeful. Yes, a diagnosis will likely provide you with the validation and understanding of yourself. 

    I hope as i age i dont get misdiagnised with dementia because im autistic. X

  • I'm 61 and I just got diagnosed earlier this year. I found it reassuring to confirm my suspicions. I was not expecting AudHD. I've learned a lot about myself. It helps explain the many problems that occurred in my life. I also can see it in my family members who are or were probably on the spectrum. There is so much more information out there now about adults and especially female adults. Understanding how my brain works and how to take better care of myself is really awarding.

  • Hi I have just received my diagnosis just a few days ago.Going private is costly yet something i felt was worthwhile and i am grateful to have been able to afford it.I did complete a few online quizs beforehand and also listened to quite a few podcasts and also watched quite a few you tube videos from various content creators.A few people have said that a large percentage of people who suspect they are autistic in fact are.Exactly as you say i went ahead with the assessment for peace of mind and also its good to have that confirmation to be able to know what you are dealing with so to speak.

    I am waiting currently for me feedback session after receiving the email on friday that i meet the criteria for Autism spectrum disorder.Getting a diagnosis sets you on a new fresh path.It is going to take time for it to sink in

  • in reply to NAS96485

    No bother at all.  I'm afraid this place is rather "hollowed out" at the moment, but I can recommend using the (frankly appalling) search function on this site to find previous conversations regarding the topic you have raised.  As you might imagine, the topic (especially for us older folk) is commonly raised.

    Good luck with whatever you decide.....and thank you for your acknowledgement - I appreciate that.

    Kind regards

    Number.

  • in reply to Deleted User

    Thank you for taking time to answer me

  • Hi and welcome to the community!

    Getting a diagnosis for your own peace of mind sounds like a perfectly worthwhile reason, in my opinion. :)

    You might also find the information here helpful, including the links to further resources:

    NAS - Deciding whether to seek an autism assessment

  • Good morning.

    I think you have answered your own question with your final sentence above, and I think it is a good answer......"peace of mind" is invaluable.

    However, if you are thinking that having a diagnosis for autism will result in some form of "support" for you, in a practical sense, then I would caution you against that expectation.  One consistent message I have gleamed from this forum over the years is that, in a practical sense, for a person in your position, there is no help nor meaningful support available.

    It would not surprise me if a few 'others' disagree with my acquired perception on this matter, but I am quite settled and confident in what I have written to you above.

    I hope my words are helpful to you and I wish you well.

    Number.