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, I am in a very similar position to you. I found it helpful to write a diary of when I felt anxious and tried to analyse why exactly i felt this. I came to the conclusion that some of it was sensory and some due to lack of understanding re social cues, expectations etc. I have since seen my gp who arranged an assessment for me on the NHS (took with me info for GPs from the NAS website as well as info from the NICE website that should be on the same NAS page along with my AQ test for adults score).
I also had some councelling with a great councellor who specialises in ASCs and this has helped me enormously (in terms of understanding problems from my past, identity, anxiety, self-esteem, sensory issues, social understanding). I started very unsure of my ideas of having autism and now have a much better understanding of what seems to be the impact on me, and I am less anxious, happier, have more energy etc. Also did lots of reading. I was very drained when I started and kept getting ill. It was very hard to take the first step to go to see someone.
I hope this is helpful.