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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

Parents

  • 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.

Reply

  • 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.

Children
  • in reply to Lotus

    Thank you Lotus! Means a lot to know the diagnosis isn't the be all and end all of things. I do hope for me that it gives me extra confidence to be my authentic self. Talking on here I hope will help with that too. Speaking to others with similar experiences suddenly makes you feel seen and less alone.