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Hi i'm new and not diagnosed but should I ask

Stev01

Hi there;

I am 49 and when I was around 18 (1990) I was diagnosed with Depression. Since then, I have had Counselling with various people and various forms (mainly CBT) and various medications.
In 2005 I was diagnosed as having Chronic Anxiety, In 2019 I was told I had Generalised Anxiety Disorder.
2 years ago, something devastating happened which was profoundly serious. I was in a situation where I reacted violently towards someone, I have no knowledge of what happened as it’s a complete blank, I have found out through CCTV and statements taken at the time of what I did, and it is something I didn’t think I was capable of and without going into specifics I suddenly exploded then shut down (sorry its the best way I can explain it).
After this event I have found it exceedingly difficult and was under the Crisis Team where I have also been diagnosed as having OCD and have been through various teams since.
A few times while passing though these teams and having counselling, being Autistic or on the spectrum has been mentioned but I dismissed this as I felt this meant being like Rainman or being a genius who no one can understand. But I recently saw something I think on tv which showed this was extreme cases and people who are Autistic are effected in various ways.
I started looking into this on the internet with trusted sites (NHS and autism.org.uk). I can see quite a few signs which fit with me, but I do not know if I am making them fit to explain what is happening to me or if I actually fit into this category.

Should I speak to my GP and ask for a test, but then I don’t know how to approach this and go though scenarios in my head where I’m dismissed off hand or told to not be silly, so not sure what to do if anything.
Regards
Stev01
  • in reply to Stev01

    I'm glad you got the referral.

    It's interesting that a lot of the assessment methods around rely on parental / third party observations. I can see why it's important.

  • in reply to Stev01

    Autism does not prevent happiness in itself. there's no requirement to be miserable all the time. I was a generally happy kid, outside of school; admittedly, inside school I was selectively mute from time to time and generally unhappy. However, I blame the way schools are set up and function, rather than myself.

  • Well I spoke to my GP and there going to refer me for an assesment.

    Funny thing is I spoke to my Mum and Dad and they were very surprised that the GP has refered me. They remember me being happy and "smiling alot" and having "friends" and "joining in". So now im am wondering if i am making how i act and feel now fit the symptoms. I suppose I will just have to wait and see.

  • Thanks All;

    The more I look into Autism the more I feel it's me. I can see quite a few symptoms which match. I didn't mention previously but I have always felt there was something more, different or missing from me being diagnosed with Depression and Anxiety. As mentioned the more I look into it the more things from childhood now make more sense. I have an appointment with my GP on Thursday so feel im getting the ball rolling.

    Stev01

  • Do lots of research into autism and its traits, then take a detailed look at the diagnostic criteria. If your behavioural and sensory characteristics and history fit the diagnostic criteria, then go for an assessment. I did this, and long before I got my diagnosis I was quite certain that I was autistic, the clinical diagnosis was just an official confirmation. 

  • in reply to JJ

    I did the test and I have autistic traits, so seems I need to speak to my GP, just need to work out what and how to ask

  • in reply to moon

    I cant remember sorry, It wasn't about Autism but a character was Autistic and I picked up on a few things which made me think and then I looked at the NHS website and here I am Slight smile

  • in reply to JJ

    There are also many posts on this forum where people discuss a huge array of autistic traits - poke around and see which ones feel relevant to you. Feel free to ask questions here as well.

    Stev01 said:
    I recently saw something I think on tv which showed this was extreme cases and people who are Autistic are effected in various ways

    Just for my interest, what was the TV program?

  • [NB I am not a psychologist or psychiatrist etc...]


    Your history sounds very similar to mine (I'm 41 and was 'handed' depression, biploar, and finally Generalised Anxiety disorder with social phobia over the years).
    BUT
    I was warned, before I was diagnosed with Autism that there are some conditions that overlap greatly with Autism, specifically 'Borderline Personality Disorder' but one of the disambiguating factors that you do very out of character behaviours and then don't remember anything about it whatsoever. 

    I wouldn't worry too much about the Rainman stereotype - I think there is a (want/urge/trend) to separate this from Autism in general and classify it as 'Savant Syndrome' which is mostly to do with having a stunning memory and definitely not a pre-requisite component of Autism.

    There are online tests - specifically the AQ10 available online which might help you out (hopefully some of the others here might point you toward some other good quality online tests).

    If you look at the 'symptoms' and note the ones that: 1) you identify with, 2) can provide a specific example of and 3) how that is affecting your day to day life.... And take that with you to the GP, I think you will be setting yourself up for a more straightforward experience of finding *the correct* diagnosis.