Could this be Autism?

[Apacketofbiscuitsaday]

I know nobody can diagnose on the internet but since I was about 16 I have suffered on and off throughout my life and been diagnosed on and off with both depressive disorder and Generalised Anxiety Disorder and I have been medicated on and off for these things too. I am now mid 40's and currently taking SSRI's.

When I first experienced it as a teen it was frightening as I knew I didn't feel right but didn't understand why, I just felt very low.
I also remember suffering a panic attack after my sibling was playing really loud music.
At the time I was really scared and didn't know what was happening. I now understand these and how to help myself if they ever happen. Fortunately I'm not experiencing these currently as I'm medicated.

I have had periods of not being on medication where I have been ok but usually it comes round again after a few years or trauma and then I end up on them again.

I could go on about various other things but just wondered if it can start out like this? Depression and anxiety as a teen.

Bump

Please tell us a bit more, OP. Anxiety and depression is certainly very common with autism. Do you have sensory issues? Communication issues? Eg you can’t read body language, take things very literally.

If there is lots going on around me I can get overwhelmed especially if I'm having to focus. Communication wise, I have always struggled to express my feelings verbally and have always been much better at writing things down instead.

My DD has both Autism and GAD. She can experience panic attacks from sensory overload e.g. a very noisy environment, which sounds like what you were describing, but on its own that wouldn't lead to an Autism diagnosis. Do you have any other Autistic traits?

op. I have always suffered from depression and anxiety on and off since about 14. Like you, I was really alarmed when I first felt so low and was crying and didn’t know why. The doctor said it could be hormones.
Recenty, I’ve been more anxious and down and I’m waiting for an ADHD assessment. But I’ve wondered if it could be autism. Would you ask your doctor for an assessment?