Published on 12, July, 2020
hi all, ive recently discovered the world of autism due to my son having Problems at school. ( last year or so) He has been diagnosed with selective mutism but not autism. This has made me question my own problems and history.
im 32 with two children. I have a history of anxiety and have always struggled socially. I am wondering if my problems are autism related rather then anxiety and how do I tell the difference? I scored 39 on the AQ test. I do not have any close Friends. I struggle with new places and people. I always dread family occasions etc. now my sons are both at school I also struggle with interacting with teachers/ parents. I try and stay positive but so far I have not managed to make mum friends. I feel as though I have missed something constantly.. Plus if i ever get into a conversation I find it difficulty to know what to say / when to say it. Is this just anxiety ? I sometimes say things that I think I should say because I've learnt over the years stock phrases if you like.
Any advice much appreciated. I'm not sure i could visit my GP about this but it is becoming increasingly difficult day to day. I'm also worried about thr impact this will have on my children because they are getting older and are going to realise that mum doesn't have friends / talk a lot to people. Thanks
Hi Hippy chick
You might find the work of Tania Marshall helpful. She has studied autism in women and girls and has written about the female profile of aspergers. She has produced a long list of characterisics of autism in women. It was her work which finally convinced me that I was on the spectrum, because she talks about some of the more easily recogniseable traits/behaviours shown in female autism. You can find her list via google, adult women with aspergers syndrome: moving towards a female profile...... etc
I hope you find it useful, best wishes.