Would you bother pursuing an autism diagnosis at my age?

[BatsInBelfry]

I’m an ancient 54. I’m as certain as I can be that I have both autism and ADHD. Have had difficulties all my life in various ways but you’d never spot it in me as I am a masker extraordinaire!

But I think I’d like to know for sure. I’d like to be able to have a reason for some of the things I do or have done. And I’d like to forgive myself too maybe but not sure about that one!

but is it worth it? At my age? I’d pay privately but what would it change? Is it just self indulgent?

I have no idea what I want to achieve by it either. Just the knowledge of it perhaps

I’m 55 and on the waiting list. What have you got to lose!? A friend has been diagnosed and is on the right meds aged 55. She paid privately and it took a year. Transformational.

I got diagnosed last year with both at 45.
It's changed a lot for me as its given me an understanding of my struggles and context of why I find somethings so difficult. Which in turn has helped me navigate situations better.

If you think it will be helpful to you, go for it. I am not going after a diagnosis as I don't see any benefit to myself, however I accept I'm autistic.

I literally got my diagnosis on Friday and I’m 46. Still very much processing it but no it wasn’t a surprise. It explains a lot for me with regards to my past and also a lot about the way I am now. I’m glad I did it but it won’t obviously change anything going forward that I can see. But that’s not why I did it.

I'm on the fence. Having autistic DC has made me so aware of the challenges, coping mechanisms etc. I don't think a diagnosis would change anything for me. I'm not sure I'd disclose it to many people, other than friends who wouldn't be surprised.

Does an assessment have to require input from your parents? I can imagine my DM thinking I was being ridiculous and indulgent and passing off all my childhood difficulties as being 'awkward'.

A colleague went fur diagnosis aged 60. They said 'no, not enough traits for ASD'. As an office of close friends and colleagues we were stunned. He seemed obvs ASD. Took him a while to get over it. Still valued colleague.

I am 49. Diagnosed AuDHD a year ago. Well worth doing. Am now medicated, and life is way calmer because I actively build in time and space for myself, and can show myself kindness. Can also explain to people why I find certain things difficult.

It came with a bit of grief, even though I already kinda knew. But, on balance, I’m delighted to finally
know.

I say go for it.

If you go private you will almost certainly be diagnosed- the rate of private diagnoses is higher than in the NHS. So think carefully first about what it really means to you and how you would feel to get the label. If youd like to try medication for the adhd side then it could be helpful. But if its merely to be kinder to yourself you can work on that without needing to pay for an official diagnosis. I am in the same position- strong ND traits- but I dont feel the need for an official diagnosis to understand myself. I like existing in this liminal space where I may or may not be 'officially' ND as labels can be reductive.

The only time I have seriously considered bothering with the expense and hassle of going through the diagnostic process is if it would help my DD feel less alone in her diagnosis. I talked to her about it and it didn't seem important, so I've left it alone.