To ask if I sound like I'm autistic?

It's possible you are, my son got a late diagnosis. I'm seeing similar traits in myself and my dad also. I've always felt like I was trying too hard to fit in almost play acting life. I can't be arsed fighting for a diagnosis at my age.

You must be doing pretty well to get through job interviews though etc? is it just some social situations you struggle in ?

I'd think of social anxiety rather than autism. And the good thing about anxiety is there are lots of ways to improve things. Therapy for anxiety isn't easy but it does work and things can get better.

Oh - another big clue is how you were as a teen. NT girls tend to go about in groups and talk about other girls, boys (!) make up, clothes etc. Social activities become important - parties, pubs and clubs.

Music, going to concerts etc. Did you like all that?

I think if you were socially anxious, you'd want all that even if you couldn't do it.

With asd you wouldn't be interested in it.

I am starting to suspect that I am also. I am ten years older than you but could completely relate to every word you said.
With that said a lot doesn't fit. I loved imaginative play as a kid and had lots of friends at school. I don't mind change in my routine, I often welcome it. Can read social cues well etc. So I don't know if in my case it is just severe social anxiety.

You sound like you could be.
Have a read about the advice given to autistic adults about how to help manage in daily life. Follow the advice, and see if it helps? Doesn’t mean you’re autistic necessarily, but what matters in the end is you being happier in daily life. I have a different opinion to PP and do not think assessment is worth it. It won’t change anything. Just do some research, apply what is useful and ignore what is not.

£2K more typical for asst - you need to choose a place that goes by NICE guidelines and has a multi disciplinary team asst.

Yes, this does sound like autism. If your parents are still around, ask them how you played as a child (or maybe you have some memories )

Autistic kids don't tend to do make believe play - dress up, pretending to be a nurse, fire fighter, shop keeper etc

Their play (for high functioning which you likely are) might involve drawing, tidying up the dolls' house, skipping, ball games, games with rules (board games)

Did you go to Brownies or any clubs and did you enjoy?

I could have written this word for word! You sound exactly like me. I was assessed for autism as a teen. It was decided I was probably just socially anxious. I do think it probably is social anxiety. My husband was diagnosed with ASD at 4 years old. Although some of our struggles are similar, we are also very different in other ways.

Over £2000 where I am for an adult autism assessment.

What are things like out of work?

That alone could be any one of a number of things.

Is there anything else to go off of?

Have you done any online tests or looked into other signs?

I think you almost certainly are. I am too. It would be worth finding out who does private assessments near you and making an appointment. It's likely to be about £850 but well worth it if you can afford it. It would be about a 2 year wait on the NHS.

I'm the same and a bit older than you. I've spent my whole life feeling like an alien dropped into social situations. I am autistic, and it runs in my family.

Talk to a health professional and get an assessment. It's the only way you'll know for sure and it will give you tools to help you deal with your anxiety. In the mean time why don't you sign up for a drama class? It will help you be more confident even if it turns our you're not autistic. Best of luck to you..