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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

  • Go for it if you can. IME it will help take the pressure off you, always expecting yourself to be a certain way and why you can't do certain things. Another reason I decided to get an assessment was to precisely try and avoid the scenario of being sectioned and given treatment that is wrong for me. Healthcare providers and social care institutions that help in later life need to know so they can treat you correctly make reasonable adjustments to your care by law if needed.

Reply

  • Go for it if you can. IME it will help take the pressure off you, always expecting yourself to be a certain way and why you can't do certain things. Another reason I decided to get an assessment was to precisely try and avoid the scenario of being sectioned and given treatment that is wrong for me. Healthcare providers and social care institutions that help in later life need to know so they can treat you correctly make reasonable adjustments to your care by law if needed.

Children
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