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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

  • I was confused b the same question of whether it is worth getting diagnosed. I did. It's ultimately up to you. The positive aspect is getting to learn more about yourself, you will start to understand why you are the way you are, and for you to give yourself space instead of being hard on yourself for doing what you do. So, this is the big plus side plus you'll stop wondering and be sure of it. The downside for me was, after the diagnosis, I felt like nothing changed. I kept and still am asking myself so what now? It felt like after the diagnosis I was on my own. The price is a lot for the diagnosis but I would recommend it because I still found a good place to take it that charged a bit less than the rest but it was still expensive. Goodluck with your decision. It took me a year to decide after my therapist suggested it a couple of times.

Reply

  • I was confused b the same question of whether it is worth getting diagnosed. I did. It's ultimately up to you. The positive aspect is getting to learn more about yourself, you will start to understand why you are the way you are, and for you to give yourself space instead of being hard on yourself for doing what you do. So, this is the big plus side plus you'll stop wondering and be sure of it. The downside for me was, after the diagnosis, I felt like nothing changed. I kept and still am asking myself so what now? It felt like after the diagnosis I was on my own. The price is a lot for the diagnosis but I would recommend it because I still found a good place to take it that charged a bit less than the rest but it was still expensive. Goodluck with your decision. It took me a year to decide after my therapist suggested it a couple of times.

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