Hi im 41 and from Greater Manchester, I live with my husband and 3 children, my middle child is non verbal autistic.
I've had many mental health struggles all my life, always had social issues, left school early because I couldn't cope. My life has been very restricted for about 21 years now where I wont leave the house other than if my husband drives me (I dont drive) door to door and that can go months I wont even do that, the whole socialising is too much. I also have phobias that makes things worse too.
Recently I've come to the realisation that im autistic and right now is a massive struggle, its so overwhelming understanding about my behaviours and experiences from my past and now. My daughter is going through a tough time too and even though she is non verbal and low functioning autistic I feel she can sense the struggles with me also.
Im starting private therapy in September once the children are back at school, the therapist deals with neurodivergents, phobias and past trauma, ive had many therapy through the nhs but they always offer CBT and it just doesn't work for most things with me, so fingers crossed this multiple different approach with this therapist in September will be the right fit.
I don't really want to go down the assessment route at the moment and maybe i never will. Just wanted to speak with other people self Identifying or diagnosed autistic people.
Sorry for the long rambling first message, I tend to do that ramble or dont talk at all 
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Thank you for reading,
Heather
