• Replies 6 replies
  • Subscribers 75 subscribers
  • Views 284 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Discovering I may be autistic!

courtneym_t

Hi, so I’m 33 female and I’ve always seemed to struggle with depression and anxiety and what seems like day to day life! Always back and forth through the same struggles. I’ve been speaking to a new Gp and practice psychologist and they’ve both said they believe I’m autistic which has some what taken me back. The GP is referring me for diagnosis and I’m wondering if a diagnosis at this point is going to help? I’m stuck in a back and forth state of not knowing what to do. Has anyone else found that just knowing has helped them? 

  • I found that just knowing, without a formal diagnosis, helped me. The GP I was seeing at the time said I probably was on the spectrum, but that if I had a diagnosis I wouldn't get any help as I was able to work. He said I could request one at a later date if I wished, but I haven't felt the need.

    However, learning about autism and how it makes me different to the majority, plus talking to people on this forum who have the same experiences, has helped me a lot. I hope it helps you.

  • Hello.

    There is good information and there are several resources here on the main website which you might also find helpful in further informing your decision-making:

    https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/before-diagnosis/deciding-whether-to-seek-an-autism-assessment

    It is worth mentioning; you are welcome in our community here whether you are: self-identified / an healthcare professional has conducted some indicative screening questionnaires with you / you are on a waiting list for formal Autism assessment / you have received a formal Autism diagnosis following assessment.

    Also, some members here may be: parents / carers / partners or spouses / friends or colleagues - who support someone they suspect may be Autistic / support someone whose Autism diagnosis has been formally assessed and confirmed.

  • Hi, I'm 32 and it seems like we have had similar experiences, I'm currently in the process of being diagnosed after many years of depression and anxiety/not knowing who I am and what's "wrong" with me, I chose to pursue the diagnosis because although its not going to have a big impact on my job etc, it will be validating to know who I am and perhaps make it easier for family/colleagues etc to understand me. After years of trying to pretend to be this outgoing, social guy (exhausting) I'm hoping the diagnosis will finally help me be myself and be understood a bit better, that's my take on it anyway, but of course it's a personal choice and only you can make the decision!

  • It's a personal choice. Many find it makes them make sense to themselves and that can be very validating. It does also give you legal protection in the work place etc should you ever need reasonable adjustments.

  • That’s very forward of them to suggest you may be autistic. I went to a psychologist about 15 years ago and specifically asked to find out what was wrong with me but they said they could not define anything for me. This was long before I even had autism on my mind. Perhaps they are more forthcoming nowadays?

  • Hello.

    Some people seem to be able to guess. I didn't, after all i don't feel autistic, I just feel like me.

    Whether it helps or not depends on whether you'll believe it without a diagnosis. I didn't. And it helps with imposter syndrome.

    If you are, or believe you are, will change how you approach your anxiety and depression. This was one of the main reasons I had to know.

    It also affects how therapy should done and the likely responses to it.

    Knowing allows you to be kinder to yourself and stop pushing so hard. With some space you start feeling better. You can start to relax and mask a bit less.

    It is a roller coaster of emotions though and confusing to start with. But you will become more you.

    community.autism.org.uk/.../i-ve-always-been-myself-only-now-i-seem-myself