Adult diagnosis of Aspergers

[Kez200]

I know "Im different" and always have been. I think Im probably Aspergers but Im over 50 and successful, so it seemed no reason to do anything about it.

Im likely to have to been involved soon with a large group of new people. I would like to be able to tell them (if I am) so that it comes as no surprise when we go into working together.

Is there anyway I can explore this now I am so much older?

I was in my late 40s when I pursued a diagnosis. I went to my GP who made a referral. It was then a case of waiting for the assessment.

I does seem to be a lottery with GPs, health trusts and the like as to whether they are prepared to do assessments. I was lucky.

For me, the main benefit of a diagnosis has been that I have made peace with myself and who I am. I no longer beat myself up for not being like other people and not being able to do various social things that others take for granted.

I asked my GP about it. She said it’s a waste of NHS resources because there’s nothing they can do about it and I’m way past the age where I’d expect to receive support and be accommodated at school etc. So basically there’s no point in diagnosing me now.

When both my DC were tested (DS diagnosed As/ADHD, DD ADHD /below the cut off point for AS), they had a look at my family. Apparently my DC are the fourth generation - I always thought I was a 'normal' but fairly unlikeable human being. I took the preliminary tests they gave me and I am very much like my son. But like Mountain Eagle said, an official diagnosis would not have helped me - I am in my late fifties now, married, two interesting nearly adult DC, and a job. Though I need increasingly more time to recuperate (voc.?)

I went to my GP years ago and was referred to the adult autism team. Unfortunately they would not proceed any further because I had friends when I was at school and have always been in employment. My son has autism and plays with his friends in and out of school but he keeps his distance from them in the same way I do with people. They didn't take me seriously because I don't have a history of having severe problems. It was very disappointing.

@DerbyRacer
Could it be that you are female? They were hardly recognized when I was young and still very often are not diagnosed today as they present differently and mask better.

Thanks so much for all your input.

I would be able to pay privately if my GP felt it was an unnecessary burden on the NHS. I don't have any reason to need to know, except to understand myself better and feel right to describe myself as such, so others can understand me. Especially if things might change for me and I need to work in a larger group. To me thats a good enough reason but, I agree, its not a good enough reason to take a NHS assessment place away from a young child.