Autism?

[Finsmama82]

Hi all, first time posting here but have read Mumsnet for years! To cut a long story short, I have been on anxiety medication for years, and am now talking with a therapist once every 2 weeks through IAPT. My sister was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 35, this was 2 years ago. The more I think about it, the more traits I seem to relate to, alot! For example, I struggle to show emotion, my ex husband used to call me the ice queen. I find loud tv's distressing, I focus on certain noises that other people make, to the point where it makes my blood boil. It could be anything, like a cough, or even a bracelet banging on a desk, while typing. I adore my son, he is my world, but even if he sits by me on the sofa, its annoys me and I hate feeling this way. I can be really blunt, if someone says something, I will put my point across and then think, oh gosh that was harsh, and try and talk my way out of it. My sister said to me a few years back that I don't make people feel welcome, I didn't even realise I did this! I had a full on meltdown once, because my partner came over and told me he could stay until a certain time, which was way longer than I anticipated, so I shouted at him and told him that wasn't in the plan.
I have also noticed that I squeeze my hand together, all the time, and it hurts but I can't stop. I used to push my tongue on the back of my teeth, which also hurt, but again I couldn't stop.

I could go on, but I hope you get the gist!

Just looking for advice and perhaps experience of these feelings and what I should do going forward?
Thanks

[BlackeyedSusan]

it's a long wait.

write a list of significant difficulties in three categories: social communication, routine, sensory. take this to the GP. Ask for a referral for an autism diagnosis. look up the nice guidelines before you go... mine tried to fob me off.

good luck.

[Finsmama82]

Thank you so much

[KimGriffinOT]

Unfortunately the adult service for Autism diagnosis in the UK are really lacking. Some areas (e.g. Oxford used to) have a really clear pathway and others don't. There are definitely links with asd and anxiety, and also more and more research is showing that girls are under diagnosed because they are much better at camouflaging. Tony Attwood's book on autism and girls is an interesting read.

[Finsmama82]

Thanks so much for the info

[Jakarta]

I’m autistic (diagnosed as a young adult) and can relate to a lot of your post, OP.
I chose to see a Psychiatrist privately as I was too nervous to go through NHS - presumed they wouldn’t take me seriously. If you can afford to go private I’d really recommend it as it’ll be so much quicker, I paid roughly £800 to see a Dr in London a few years ago.

[Finsmama82]

I saw my GP who has put me forward to be assessed but I am aware of the long wait times. Hopefully I can get the money together to go private x

[HeraInTheHereAndNow]

I was diagnose as an adult. It makes so much of “me” make sense. Speak to your GP for referral.

[CoffeeWithCheese]

My GP laughed and said I'd never be seen when I raised it. At the moment I'm on the waiting list via my university and since they did their pre-screens to see if I was a likely prospect to be put forward to their ed psych - they're happy to support me as if I am.

It's not much support but I know if I'm worried about handling a situation I can run it by the autism team (my life is a history of mis-handled situations going to shit very rapidly) and I might get a diagnosis before I finish my course I hope.