Adults with autism

Hi,

My partner of 18yrs listened to a radio programme about autism and told me that so much of it sounded like me. Frightening honesty, amazing memory, dislike of crowds and high pitched noises, enjoying being alone, taking things literally and meltdowns. I then started to try and find information as i knew since i was a child that i was the odd one out. Odd in my family, odd in society. I was often cross and would have outbursts because i was so frustrated, or anxious or depressed.

I bought books and realised with a shock, at the age of 46 that i was not alone, indeed i kept reading more and more about people just like me. Not men, not boys, actual women. I went to my GP who then got me bounced around the mental health team who diagnosed me with all sorts of stupid things. All the time i kept telling them I thought i was on the Spectrum and all the time they patronised me and told me i was not a man and made eye contact, had a sense of humour, a full time job and my own flat... Luckily i am a real Goat, and if i know i am right i will not be put off. I know my own body and mind so someone who has only talked to me for 30 minutes is not going to change my mind. I contacted the National Autistic Society and they gave me the name of a private clinic. I took out a loan for £2000 and sat through a 3hr session. My diagnosis was High Functioning Autism. I then took a copy of my diagnosis and passed it the the "specialists" in the NHS to try and educate them - to get them to open their eyes.

My frustration now is finding people to meet in the same situation as me. The groups are for carers, parents, children, or lunchtime meetings so obviously for those more affected by me who do not have jobs. This forum is a life saver. I can be me, no masks, no stress. Just me talking to others who share the stress and frustration but also the child like joy too of being on the spectrum.

As for sharing with my partner.... he could not cope with the social stigma of being with a woman with Autism. All the things he would have a go at me for were explained by my diagnosis but he would not accept it. He would not read the books. He would tell me to stop talking about it. So the man who highlighted my autistic traits left me.

I am really pleased you have such open minded men in your life.

I wish you both well

Hi,

My partner of 18yrs listened to a radio programme about autism and told me that so much of it sounded like me. Frightening honesty, amazing memory, dislike of crowds and high pitched noises, enjoying being alone, taking things literally and meltdowns. I then started to try and find information as i knew since i was a child that i was the odd one out. Odd in my family, odd in society. I was often cross and would have outbursts because i was so frustrated, or anxious or depressed.

I bought books and realised with a shock, at the age of 46 that i was not alone, indeed i kept reading more and more about people just like me. Not men, not boys, actual women. I went to my GP who then got me bounced around the mental health team who diagnosed me with all sorts of stupid things. All the time i kept telling them I thought i was on the Spectrum and all the time they patronised me and told me i was not a man and made eye contact, had a sense of humour, a full time job and my own flat... Luckily i am a real Goat, and if i know i am right i will not be put off. I know my own body and mind so someone who has only talked to me for 30 minutes is not going to change my mind. I contacted the National Autistic Society and they gave me the name of a private clinic. I took out a loan for £2000 and sat through a 3hr session. My diagnosis was High Functioning Autism. I then took a copy of my diagnosis and passed it the the "specialists" in the NHS to try and educate them - to get them to open their eyes.

My frustration now is finding people to meet in the same situation as me. The groups are for carers, parents, children, or lunchtime meetings so obviously for those more affected by me who do not have jobs. This forum is a life saver. I can be me, no masks, no stress. Just me talking to others who share the stress and frustration but also the child like joy too of being on the spectrum.

As for sharing with my partner.... he could not cope with the social stigma of being with a woman with Autism. All the things he would have a go at me for were explained by my diagnosis but he would not accept it. He would not read the books. He would tell me to stop talking about it. So the man who highlighted my autistic traits left me.

I am really pleased you have such open minded men in your life.

I wish you both well