• Replies 6 replies
  • Subscribers 4 subscribers
  • Views 66 views
  • Users 3 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Scared of going for a diagnosis

Alice

Hi All,

I'm new to community and looking for general support and advise...

I have been slowly coming to realisation that I'm likely Autistic and it has taken a lot of time piecing things together to come to this point.

The issue I'm now having is going for a diagnosis scares me silly. I worry about not being authentic and it all being in my head. Being a woman and learning to mask to survive to a level that I'm not even aware of scares me that I might not get the diagnosis. Having no-one from my childhood years that can provide information, very little of my own memory as a child and evidence as a child also means I worry I can't get diagnosis.  

These doubts stop my going ahead as it become too overwhelming for me, but I also need help to then start the unmasking process and get help getting to know people. I feel quite lonely at the moment and don't really have friends or family I can open up to.

Bit of a ramble above, but looking to see have others had this same experience of emotions and feeling of the process? Some confirmation from others of similar experiences to my own could really help alleviate the anxiety.

Also, any advise on your experience as a woman going through process would be gladly received.

Thank, Alice

  • Hi and welcome. I'm a woman in my mid sixties and realised that I was on the spectrum around 9 years ago. I have so far not pursued a diagnosis, partly due to the same reservations you have. It would just be a label for me, it wouldn't make any significant difference to my life. However some people get a sense of validation or are able to access support they need from a formal diagnosis, which is great - we're all different. So I just wanted to reassure you that whether you go ahead with a diagnosis or not, you're welcome here.

  • Hi, you ate not alone with your experience. I received confirmation of my dates in October/November for assessment for Autism. The psychologist wrote me, that my memories and the evidence I have (not much) are enough. I'm going private in Germany (country I'm living in). My therapist wants to refer me to a diagnostician in our town, but we are nit sure if it's possible. 

    There are diagnosticians who understand the complicated situation of late realised autistic people. I'm not officially diagnosed, so far, and here you don't need the official diagnosis. I wish you get support and enjoy being here. For me this forum is very Important because it gives me sense of belonging and is a proof, that im not the only one not fitting this world.

  • in reply to Alice

    Therapists have seen people like us before, and I do imagine many of their clients are neurodivergent. We are hidden in plain sight! 

  • in reply to Alice

    I would recommend Late Bloomer by Clem Bastow. Unmasked by Ellie Middleton, Why can’t I just enjoy things? by Pierre Novelli, The Lost Girls of Autism by Gina Rippon. I have read others but can remember the titles … these should keep you going for a while. 

  • in reply to Orangegnome

    That is so funny about your experience with therapist as I have had the exact same experience. They made me realise I am likely Autistic. I have also been called quirky! What books have you read? I will have a read through forum items as that will help too I'm sure. Thanks for replying

  • Hi Alice I an awaiting assessment in UK, via right to choose. My therapist brought it to my attention that I am certainly neurodivergent and through reading books  and talking to her I realise I am really very autistic!! So my advise would be to read lots, follow autistic social media people, spend time here reading other people’s experiences. I don’t have a parent to share my childhood milestones and habits etc, only have the information I can remember. I have been trying to unmask but as you say it’s not easy, I have been described as quirky as I freely stim in public but I never realised! Hopefully some other women will be able to comment.