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Female 67 years old. Should I get assessment?

Ice Swimmer

Hi

I am trying to decide whether to get a formal  assessment or not.
Due to a number of events and conversation, I have reviewed my life and taken some online autism tests. In the tests I score highly. I have been shocked by how high, but I have a distrust of online tests, even though I believe I have only used ones which are offered by reputable groups with academic backing as far as I can tell.
I am 67 year old woman. If I was 20 years younger, I would definitely get tested as a diagnosis can help in the workplace. But, I am now retired and I can't help thinking that the meagre resources available should be used by those who will get the most benefit - ideally children. I have considered a private assessment but I have only seen 4 figure sums quoted, which is more than I can afford.
A diagnosis of autism would explain some character traits and a number of the difficulties I have had in life: accusations of being abrupt, finding social situations and making eye contact difficult, having hobbies, activities and interests that I focus on obsessively for a time, liking patterns which led to a love of Mathematics, being a "loner", disliking certain food combinations (e.g. custard and ice cream), meltdowns etc. It could also help with my mental health (hospitalised - including 2 sections - 4 times for extremely severe depression and anxiety + social care) and the type of support I get.
Parents

  • The decision ultimately is yours and yours alone, but you have as much right as anyone else if you want it!

    You mention you've been hospitalised.  The NHS should see it as money well spent for you to be assessed, it might mean you get the right support as opposed to them spending cash on the wrong support in future and help keep you well and well away from hospital.  The needs of kids are important, but so are ours.  We've gone decades without being recognised and that has caused whatever issues we may have.  We are important too.  (I was 56 btw and without my diagnosis, I doubt I'd still be here).

    As for the online tests, if they were the AQ50, then it would be a good indicator of likely autism.  It's not a diagnosis in and of itself, but the AQ50 is well respected as being the pointer toward an assessment being clinically advisable.  A GP would have you complete the shorten version of that; the AQ10.

  • in reply to Dawn

    Very useful points.

    Yes, it was AQ50. I scored 44 - fairly high?

    AQ10 scored at 8.

    If I can pick the most suitable GP in my practice, I might take it further.

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