Hi there;
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.
Hi there;
[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.
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.
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?
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.
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?