Could I be Autistic?

[WhateverHappenedToFayWray]

So I have been wondering about this for a while now but I really don't know and thought it might be helpful to get some other opinions.

I have a 6 years daughter who is Autistic. Since she has been diagnosed I have noticed some behaviours about myself that have made me think that I could possibly on the spectrum but my family are adamant that, that isn't the case.

1. I have struggled socially my whole life. I have had real trouble making and maintaining friendships.
2. I tend to rehearse what I will say before I go into a social situation.
3. I have some sensory issues, I hate getting my hands wet for example.
4. I struggle to hold down jobs
5. I struggled terribly in school both primary and secondary
6. I would freak out if I had to go to any sort of 'party' as a child, my mum said that this started from the age of 3 or 4
7. I was a very sensitive child, I was always crying and felt like I was in a permanent state of fight or flight and would have panic attacks from a very young age.

These are just a few things that I can think of off the top of my head.

My mum doesn't think much of it and said even if that was the case would I really need a diagnosis because I have got this far without one.

Bump

It sounds very likely that you are autistic. I joined this facebook group called "autism inclusivity" which is for autistic adults to better educate parents of autistic children. It is great for linjing to other resources and information too, including quizzes to give an inducation of whether you may be autistic. There are daily posts similar to what you have just written here, by parents realising they are autistic after their children are diagnosed. A lot say it is still worthwhile seeking diagnosis as an adult as it can help to make more sense of yourself. A lot also self - diagnose, acknowledging that getting an official diagnosis as an adult is not possible for everyone, depending on what healthcare they can access, and poor understanding of presentation in people assigned female at birth.

It sounds to me like you might be. But why do you need a diagnosis. Your family don't sound very supportive, will a diagnosis change that?

It does sound like you may be. However I don't know how you would go about being diagnosed, or if it would be worth pursuing. I say this because my ds age 8 was recently diagnosed and has had bugger all help so far even from school.

@TheVolturi

It does sound like you may be. However I don't know how you would go about being diagnosed, or if it would be worth pursuing. I say this because my ds age 8 was recently diagnosed and has had bugger all help so far even from school.

I guess it's more for me, just to know why I am the way I am.

I think it can be extremely useful to be diagnosed even as an adult! I have clinically diagnosed OCD and it was a massive relief to know what is was as it also put parameters around what I had. Before I just thought I was going mad which is much more scary and anxiety provoking.

If you were to be diagnosed, and I’m sure you can push for a proper diagnosis through the NHS, then you can read about your condition, join free online support groups etc

I forgot to add that it does indeed sound as though you might be autistic and it is genetic so the fact that your daughter has it means that it is likely she got it from genes passed on from you or her dad or both of you. Have you read any books about it as that could be very helpful.

I thought they weren’t certain of the cause? I didn’t think it was concluded it was genetic, my daughter has autism and no one in mine or exes family does (not diagnosed and no one we even suspect)

You could look up the AQ test and see how you score. It’s not a diagnosis in itself but does indicate whether it’s likely to be worth pursuing one. It’s not uncommon for women to get late or missed diagnoses simply because women ate good at masking behaviours. Take a look at books such as ‘Aspergirls’ for some further information.

Are good, not ate good - dammit!

I don’t think they know whether it is genetic or not yet.

The book 'Women and Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Understanding Life Experiences from Early Childhood to Old Age'
by Sarah Hendrickx is excellent!

Strangers on the internet love to diagnose everyone with autism. You need to speak to a doctor.