Just scored as Aspergers on Asp. test site

[codandchipstwice]

and some of the stuff I read has really resonated with me - the exhaustion from social interaction feeling like you're constantly playing a role, always saying the wrong thing, lack of friends etc

So - is there any point doing anything about it?

Ta

I did this recently too. I asked for assessment just for peace of mind - I have a history of anxiety and depression and I think it's wrapped up in knowing that I'm not NT. However getting an assessment as an adult is like pulling teeth...I've been referred but got a letter saying they are changing the system and will be contacted in due course....
As an adult I think it's only really necessary to get an assessment/diagnosis for yourself, unless it's affecting your ability to work?

I don't know if it's necessary unless it is causing you major problems. It was causing me a lot of problems and I was diagnosed at Uni. DH has never been diagnosed, though he has it, but he's in a profession that is ideal.

I have a lot of weird sensory problems, hearing problems and other odd stuff.

There is a woman called Sarah Hendrickx who offers assessments for adults, she actually specialises in adult women. She does NOT offer however a formal diagnosis so it wouldn't go on your medical record or anything like that but it's an assessment based on her experience of working in psychology and with adults with Asperger's. I've thought about going to her 1.) because she's worked with a lot of women with Asperger's so should be able to recognise it (and women with Asperger's can be very difficult to diagnose) and 2.) because it isn't a formal diagnosis but it will satisfy my curiosity and answer a lot of questions I have about myself.

She's said some people are happy just with her assessment whereas others use it to get help and as a back-up to receive a formal diagnosis. I'm sure you're aware that getting a formal diagnosis as an adult woman is quite difficult so you may wish to contact her first and see if she'll be able to help you. She's said people have been able to use her assessment as a means of getting a formal diagnosis as I imagine it's difficult getting one based on just your opinion alone. I plan on getting in touch with her myself in the near future.

I got assessed through a charity after a year of trying and failing to get the NHS to help me. The charity I saw was brilliant, I had an informal assessment with a counsellor who has an MA in autism. She can't formally diagnose but she said there is no benefit to me getting a formal diagnosis at the moment because I'm not working and not planning to claim benefits. Also a formal diagnosis is £500. It's a relief to know finally what is 'wrong' and I don't feel like I need a formal diagnosis at this stage.

If you're in the E Midlands or E Anglia then I can PM you the details of the charity. I'm sure there are other similar charities if you're not nearby.

I got a diagnosis of autism through my CMHT as an adult in my 30s, so if you already see a psych/cpn they may be able to put in a referral for you. It was important for me to have a proper diagnosis, as I think my cpn was skeptical and many people are misinformed about how ASD presents in women and dismiss it as a bit attention-seeking unless it's verified by a professional. I have got a bit of extra support through official routes as a result, although that is on top of help I was already getting due to other MH diagnoses.

Some tests like the AQ and EQ might give you an indication and help you decide whether to go after a formal diagnosis or not. aspietests.org/

A formal diagnosis can help with employment rights (getting adjustments made) and benefits claims. It might also 'explain' a lot of things for you. Getting a diagnosis cannot change you though. Getting a diagnosis as an adult is difficult and even more so as a woman, plus there is not always NHS funding readily available. There are quite a few quacks out there offering pseudo-assessments for eye watering fees as well.

The national autistic society can help you find a credible professional if you want to go privately. www.autism.org.uk/

Just really wanted to come on and say I did that assessment two and was amazed how much of it resonated with me.

I'm pretty sure I am an aspie - I have so many traits.

Even things like my difficulty recognising people, dislike of uncomfortable clothes, dislike of backgrounds noise and of people using excessive metaphors. Things you wouldn't think we aspie traits.

It has made me feel much better about problems I have had "fitting in" at earlier stages of life. Like I am not just an idiot or unlikable but I have an recognised syndrome.