ADULT AUTISM COULD THIS BE IT?

[NorthMumOfTwo]

Hi guys looking for general advice, I've just made an appointment with my GP regarding potential adult autism. I am 30 years old with 7 siblings 4 of which have autism. Ever since I was young I have struggled with socialising and making friends, I get majorly overwhelmed so I am a loner. I hate loud noises & easily get interrupted if im midway through a task and find it hard to regain my focus and restart what i was doing & also find it a major distraction if there is background noise while having a conversation. I am a stickler for routine and time keeping and if it's not kept I freak out start crying and have a breakdown. I can only wear certain textures of clothing and have to wear things loose fit and comfy, I cannot start conversations or maintain eye contact and I cannot ring places or do anything spontainous everything must be planned. I rely heavily on others to socialise on my behalf. Whatever is going on with me is exhausting and lately i feel drained with my moods, I had a melt down the other day as the hoovers at the car cleaning place were not working so I was freaking out majorly as it pushed my schedule back by 15 minutes. I have lots of other issues but to long to list. Any advice please or things I can prepare ahead of my GP appointment. Thank you

be firm that you want to be referred before you are fobbed off
i imagine the waiting list is Years

have you looked at support for autism?
because assuming you are, what happens with the diagnosis?

I have checked into how long it takes for referrals and some people can be waiting 3 months to 2+ years depending on area and scale of people. It seems to take longer for children etc x

I've looked at support groups but so far most I've found is for people who have already had a diagnosis. This is why I've put my post on here to see if anyone recognises any of these traits within themselves, family, friends etc who have a diagnosis or if people have any other idea what it could potentially be. I'm awaiting my GP appointment but I'm just confused as to what's happening with me x

there is a neurodiverse topic you could go to op

I've already posted there yesterday with no response so tried here as somebody may see it under this section.

I think you should be prepared for a long wait. It could be helpful in giving a name to a condition that explains your difficulties. However support for hih functioning adults is more or less non existent so I would consider carefully what you want the diagnosis to do for you.

It's just to give me some closure on why I am the way I am and to feel validated on what I'm feeling if I'm honest with you xx

You might be able to find a private psychologist that does assessments if you can afford to pay.

I assess adults for autism for the NHS and the information you have provided would be enough for us to offer you an assessment. The waiting list can be up to 1 and a half years, but that is the case for many NHS tests at the moment. We often see clients (particularly woman) who have siblings with a diagnosis, but no one suspected they might have it. Often the siblings have presented with more severe symptoms of autism, so siblings with a more subtle presentation have not been picked up on. Also families who have but in support for their autistic children, I.e visual supports, routines etc, may not realise that the other children in the family are benefiting from that support too, so consequently don’t show the anxiety or stress that might indicate they need an assessment.

In regards to should you seek an assessment, I absolutely think you should. Many of the adults I have worked with have found it very positive to have a diagnosis. It helps them to look at situations in the past with a new perspective. They have a better understanding of their strengths, and may not feel the internal pressure to preform, or conform, to certain social situations as they do now. It also gives them protection in the work place under the Disability Discrimination Act. As more adults are getting diagnosed there are more support groups, and just as people like to join knitting groups, or cycling groups, some autistic people like to join these groups to meet other people with similar interests who ‘get’ them.

it might help you to do an AQ50, an autism questionnaire that can be found online, and let your GP know the score you received. If you can print it off and take the completed questionnaire with you that can be helpful. Higher scores are more likely to be associated with autism, and can provide evidence that you would benefit from a formal assessment.

Thank you so much for all that info. I just didn't want to sound crazy to my GP only bringing this all up at my age as I've kept it all to myself and my family for years and felt ashamed ever considering seeing a doctor but I know I need the closure and just to be seen acknowledged and heard to feel complete and ok with who I am xxx