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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

  • Hi,

    I read your post and it sounds like you definitely have a fair few autistic characteristics. For example, findings socialising & eye contact challenging, sensory dislikes with food, meltdowns, intense interests are all very indicative of autism.

    I understand you’re sceptical of online tests, with good reason, but the AQ is a validated autism screening questionnaire. Your score on the AQ-50 also is well over the 32 cut-off score. However, I’d also recommend the CAT-Q - a useful measure, particularly for women, and it’s used in clinical diagnosis in some practices. 

    It’s very selfless of you to want children to be able to access resources, but everyone is equally deserving of a diagnosis. However, to me - an autistic woman - you sound very much autistic, and diagnosis may not be accessible to everyone. I hope that I can help you feel validated. 

    if you do want/and can access a diagnosis, I recommend seeking it out - regardless of age or needs level. If not, you’re still welcome and part of the community.

    I hope this was helpful and good luck!

Reply

  • Hi,

    I read your post and it sounds like you definitely have a fair few autistic characteristics. For example, findings socialising & eye contact challenging, sensory dislikes with food, meltdowns, intense interests are all very indicative of autism.

    I understand you’re sceptical of online tests, with good reason, but the AQ is a validated autism screening questionnaire. Your score on the AQ-50 also is well over the 32 cut-off score. However, I’d also recommend the CAT-Q - a useful measure, particularly for women, and it’s used in clinical diagnosis in some practices. 

    It’s very selfless of you to want children to be able to access resources, but everyone is equally deserving of a diagnosis. However, to me - an autistic woman - you sound very much autistic, and diagnosis may not be accessible to everyone. I hope that I can help you feel validated. 

    if you do want/and can access a diagnosis, I recommend seeking it out - regardless of age or needs level. If not, you’re still welcome and part of the community.

    I hope this was helpful and good luck!

Children
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