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Is it worth getting evaluated?

Blue

I suspect I may be on the autism spectrum, but I'm not so sure. I went down a rabbit hole recently and found out about aspergers in women, and the traits really resonated with me. But I'm not sure if these traits are autism or just me being an introvert / my personality in general. Ever since I was very young I have always felt different than everyone else and looking back on my childhood with the information I have now, I definitely had a lot of aspie traits. I can pinpoint specific instances. But, I'm asking: where do traits cross into ASD? Would it be worth getting tested, or would I make a fool of myself by doing so?

  • I did an understanding autism home study course 4 years ago which confirmed my self diagnosis, but this has really helped me to understand myself better. I left it for a whole year before going to the doctor but I bit the bullet and went. After telling him what I'd done to find out, he gave me a form to fill out and return to him, then depending on that he would refer me for an assessment - that was over 3yrs ago and still waiting. I would recommend doing the course (it's free if you're on low income or unemployed) and going to your doctor as soon as you can - it's a long wait!

  • Hi! To be diagnosed with ASD, you must have deficits in social communication, social interaction and social imagination (repetitive and obsessive behaviours). Everyone has some autistic traits, but to receive an official diagnosis, you must fulfil a substantial amount of the criteria.

  • I found it so worth it. I did hit some frustrating drs in the process who seem to only see autism in boys but at my assessment they said they were shocked they didn't see my autism sooner. It's made me realise who I am and why. It's made me start to learn to mask less making me feel more free. I think it's really up to you. If you feel you would get anything out of it, If it would help you understand yourself or others understand you. All you need to do is make a list, explain why you want to see about being diagnosed and see an adult autism clinic. It's just hard getting to that stage at times. 

  • Keep researching, keep exploring.  The more autistic voices you listen to, you will reach a point where it tips and you either find that it all makes sense or it's not your experience. 

    Embrace autism has a bunch of online tests with explanations that you may find useful.

  • The best thing to do is write down a list of traits alongside any problems they cause you as I believe part of the diagnostic criteria is for the traits to cause you to struggle. As women it’s probably also helpful to write down if you’re aware that you mask any traits as well. Have you taken an AQ-50 test online? Including test results can provide more evidence for the GP, the embrace autism site has quite a few tests. Having it all listed as well can help prompt you when talking to the GP, my husbands mind went blank at his appointment! I’m still trying to work out whether it’s worth me pursuing assessment, being a woman with a successful job I’ve held down for nearly 15 years and a marriage which is nearly as old I’m not sure I’ll even get past the first hurdle