• Replies 11 replies
  • Subscribers 37 subscribers
  • Views 669 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Recently diagnosed with Autism at 67

notnormal

Me:

67 year old male.  Married with two grown children.  Retired for 5 years.

History:

I studied at university and have a post graduate degree.  I was a better than average student.  After graduation I worked for the same company for 40 years.  My career was successful but not outstanding.  Later on I was pigeon holed into roles that involved problem solving.  The company leveraged my talent for problem solving but, always chastised for not being a team player.  But hey I survived 40 years.

As a child I was always bullied and made fun of because I was different.  I preferred talking with adults.  In high school I was called nerd / geek.  That didn't bother me.  I just hung out with other nerds.  I could always make presentations to important people without any stress.  I even made a presentation to a CEO of a large company at the age of 15.  How did I do that?  I created a character that excelled in public.  Just like I created a character that could survive social situations (parties).

I was flabbergasted when I received the diagnosis.  I always believed the Autism stigmas.  How could I survive 67 years and then be given this diagnosis?

Parents
  • notnormal said:
    The diagnosis has left me off balance.  I go from, "so that's why I do that?" to "that's a common problem not necessarily restricted to people with autism.  I am thinking about getting a second opinion.  That way if the second doctor agrees that I am on the spectrum, I will accept the diagnosis and move forward.

    Hi and welcome to the community! Wave

    It can be common for us - especially as late-diagnosed adults - to experience "imposter syndrome", perhaps even more so if we've always believed autism stigmas (which you mentioned in your opening post).

    You might find this resource helpful. It includes an example of someone else discussing their experience of imposter syndrome, along with a link to their related website article:

    NAS - How will I feel after receiving an autism diagnosis

    And also this:

    Authentically Emily - Autistic Imposter Syndrome

    If, ultimately, you don't feel confident in the accuracy of your diagnosis, then the NAS advises:

    "If you disagree with the outcome of the assessment, you may want to raise your concerns directly with the team of professionals who assessed you. You can consider requesting a second opinion by going to your GP if you have had an assessment through the NHS."

    NAS - What happens during an autism assessment > Assessment results and report

Reply
  • notnormal said:
    The diagnosis has left me off balance.  I go from, "so that's why I do that?" to "that's a common problem not necessarily restricted to people with autism.  I am thinking about getting a second opinion.  That way if the second doctor agrees that I am on the spectrum, I will accept the diagnosis and move forward.

    Hi and welcome to the community! Wave

    It can be common for us - especially as late-diagnosed adults - to experience "imposter syndrome", perhaps even more so if we've always believed autism stigmas (which you mentioned in your opening post).

    You might find this resource helpful. It includes an example of someone else discussing their experience of imposter syndrome, along with a link to their related website article:

    NAS - How will I feel after receiving an autism diagnosis

    And also this:

    Authentically Emily - Autistic Imposter Syndrome

    If, ultimately, you don't feel confident in the accuracy of your diagnosis, then the NAS advises:

    "If you disagree with the outcome of the assessment, you may want to raise your concerns directly with the team of professionals who assessed you. You can consider requesting a second opinion by going to your GP if you have had an assessment through the NHS."

    NAS - What happens during an autism assessment > Assessment results and report

Children
No Data