Adult Autism Diagnosis?

Fireflyaway

Posting this here because of the way my issue impacts my relationships etc! Wondering if anyone has experience of similar and could offer advice.

I've thought for a while that I may be Autistic. A few things that lead me to believe this are

I have no friends ( this really worries my mum)
I really really dislike social situations and will try to avoid at all costs
I don't like being around people. Going to the supermarket or hairdressers is really stressful. I hate the noise and the fake conversations. I don't like people coming too near me. Don't do hugs even with my parents.
I'm extremely sensitive to the light. I wear sunglasses even on cloudy days.
Don't read fiction books or watch drama or soaps on tv. The fact it's made up annoys me.
I get annoyed if I don't know the truth about things. For example if Barry Scott really is called Barry Scott! Stupid I know!
I say things and people burst out laughing thinking I'm joking when I'm not.

Anyway I'm starting to think that my attitude or behaviour might be partially to blame for difficulties at work. I also don't want my mum to worry about me.
I've looked into private diagnosis but it's very pricey.
Is it worth still pursuing or could my GP refer me? Any advice or opinions?

AnotherJoe

I see no harm in getting a diagnosis it might lead to some counselling on ways to manage, for example, trips to the supermarket and interactions with colleagues. As for the hairdressers try a few until you find a non chatty one and then stick with them.

Sorry, no idea about the cost and referral but theres no harm going to see your GP and asking. Also, it may be pricey but if for example it prevented you getting fired at work, would that be worth the cost?

elsien

Have you seen this?

https://www.autism.org.uk/about/diagnosis/adults.aspx

What you need to consider as well is what follows on from diagnosis. Don't presume that extra support from the NHS will be forthcoming as it may not be. What's around can very much depend on area. It's whether you think knowing one way or the other would benefit you, either way.

boliston

it could just be introversion - lots of people prefer doing activities on their own rather than with other people - totally agree with not watching stuff like soaps on tv, just seems so pointless and a waste of time - perhaps it could be aspergers, a mild form of autism

elsien

I wouldn't describe Aspergers as a mild form of autism. A different place on the spectrum yes, but potentially with all the same difficulties for some people.

[Deleted User]

Aspergers is no longer diagnosed on the NHS.

There won't be any support ongoing unless you are very severe and can't manage your life, need basic life skills training or supported accommodation. You'll get your diagnosis and be sent on your way, but diagnosis can be important to understand what, why, where and when. It helped my hubby who had previously been diagnosed bipolar which was wrong,

[Deleted User]

Rubbish, I was diagnosed at the age of 50 last year. However, I had to go out of borough as my area didn't do adult diagnosis.

Put in your area and 'diagnosis ASD' and see what comes up.

I had to go to The Royal Maudsley for mine.

Because I have a few problems, my borough has also referred me to some ASD coping strategies type help. However, it took two years for the diagnosis to happen and its a 12 month waiting list for the therapy.

I believe, if you can get a referral from your GP, they will assess anyone in the UK, but having autism isn't just a case of being unable to make friends although that is definitely a 'sign' as are the other things you mention. Do a bit more reading first. Try the National Autistic Society's website. They also have a helpline and may be able to discuss any issues you have. Because my children both have ASD, I did query with qualified help they had whether I had it too, and was told I didn't. But when I went to the RM, there was absolutely no doubt. It has caused quite a few difficulties in my life and I do rather wish I'd known earlier. BUT a diagnosis does also cause a lot of soul searching.

It took me a long time to acknowledge I might have it, and even when I went to the Royal Maudsley I was still denying some of my difficulties because I had spent 50 years covering up.

Red-Squirrel_2

Asperger’s is no longer in the DSM as a separate diagnosis to autism, the diagnosis now is autism spectrum disorder, ASD, because it was recognised there is no clear defining line, it’s a continuum.

AylesburyDuck

Red-Squirrel wrote: »

Asperger’s is no longer in the DSM as a separate diagnosis to autism, the diagnosis now is autism spectrum disorder, ASD, because it was recognised there is no clear defining line, it’s a continuum.

True, although both mine and my sons diagnosis says ASD (Formally known as Aspergers) so in some cases it's still included as people know the name.
My advice would be to get referred via your GP, if your GP says your area doesnt diagnose (and yes some try to avoid it) then ask for an out of area diagnosis, because all Adults have the right to be diagnosed under the Autism Act 2009. They may well want some questionnaires filling in first to see if you meet criteria, and if you do you'll get an assessment interview.
IMPORTANT, If you get a private diagnosis, it may close some doors for services that would be open to NHS patients.
A diagnosis for you could help in the work place as you'll then be covered by the Disability Discrimination Act which offers some protection in the work place, and may also get you some "reasonable adjustments" although those arnt guaranteed.
Also, be prepared this pathway is not quick and frankly from referral to diagnosis could be anywhere from 1-2 years and maybe more.
Hope this helps, and good luck with your journey.
.

AylesburyDuck

elsien wrote: »

I wouldn't describe Aspergers as a mild form of autism. A different place on the spectrum yes, but potentially with all the same difficulties for some people.

Thanks elsien, it's also very invalidating, it would be like people saying there are a mildly pregnant, which obviously is rubbish because your either pregnant or not, same with Autism, your Autistic or your not.

Stoke

This might sound odd, but do you actually want to know? I've always known there's something a bit odd about me. I wasn't like other kids at school and even now, there are things which confuse my friends and family and probably confuse me too..... yet it's seemingly impossible for me to change my wiring to act differently. Doing so requires far more willpower than is seemingly required by others. I also recently found out that my mum was told just after I was born by nurses that "there's something different about him" or something along those lines.

I've just decided I'd rather not know. It's not going to make me happier, it's just going to confirm that I'm different.... something I'm already aware of.