to think that getting an autism diagnosis as an adult is worthwhile?

[ListObsessed]

My sister is in her early thirties and has always had fairly severe learning difficulties. My parents have also queried whether she might have autism on many occasions since she was about three years old but nothing ever came of this.

She had a meeting with a SALT this week who stated, "She's autistic isn't she" to my mum. My mum agreed and asked about getting a diagnosis but was told there there's no point getting a diagnosis beyond childhood because it's too late to make any difference.

AIBU to strongly disagree with this? Surely a diagnosis is necessary to access to right support.

There have been a few threads on here over the years & from what I understand there is little to no support after an adult diagnosis of autism. However posters have said that they found a dx useful as it explained certain behaviours or things that they do & it helps self understanding.

So yes its worth doing but be aware that the support for your sis may be limited.

There is virtually no support for adults, even those who have had a dx since childhood.
The only satisfaction comes from knowing, from the confusion about why functioning in the world is so hard and beginning to understand that the things you do to enable you to function aren't weird or a sign of being possessed, they ate copig strategies.
But support? help? What were you thinking would suddenly change?
The SN boards on here are going to be your best source of information on that.

Dp got a diagnosis in adulthood. For him it took a huge weight of his shoulders to know that he wasn't 'weird' or 'stupid'.

I'd probably go for getting a diagnosis, but the amount of support will be limited (non-existant). This might or might not change in the future. It might help her and your Mum find others in a similar situation.

But within the last few years I still heard a "professional" say that "ADHD is grown out of by adult hood". So I wouldn't accept anything any professional tells you as necessarily correct.

If your Mum/Sister do go for diagnosis - then you Mum should start noting down all of the signs for your sister being Autistic. One of those check-lists is a good starting point, to jog her memory (eg. early speech, learning to walk, social behaviour etc.)

Kanner really has a lot to answer for.

Exactly Martha.
Or why you can manage for ages and then you get thrown a curveball and everything goes to pot. DD is very articulate and intelligent and having her dx helps her understand why some things are challenging, and why her ability to cope varies wildly.
OP, do you think your sister would find it helpful and positive to know what her dx is? That's the only reason for getting one as an adult IMO.

I was diagnosed with Aspergers by my psychiatrist in conjunction with a psychologist a few years ago, in my mid-twenties. There has been absolutely no support whatsoever.

My mental health deteriorated rapidly this year, & I ended up paying to see a private psychologist, as I was told that there wasn't anything the NHS could offer me.