GP

[Sweetlikechocolate6]

I have been noting down as much as possible lately as I am sure I am autistic and scored very highly in online tests and I was thinking of speaking to the GP to start a diagnosis journey but just wondered if this is the right thing to do . I am looking for a diagnosis as I constantly feel like I am adrift from what I see as normal life and also because I really struggle with my workplace when I am there and to have a diagnosis might help support me in getting some support at work .

I think some people benefit hugely from a diagnosis... it validates the struggles and for me helped me understand myself more and sometimes it helps me see that my brain works differently its not 'wrong' or broken. It has also helped me deal with a difficult childhood of social struggle and never ever being 'good enough' ... I can understand why it was so damn hard and forgive myself and those who punished me for being me because they didn't understand.

The provision of adult diagnosis varies greatly in different areas, as does the understanding of different GPs. It is very reasonable to see them to discuss it though. I think so many women who have struggled with mental health services often diagnosed with BPD.. actually have underlying ASD and their emotional dysfunction has arisen as a result of a lifetime of masking/coping and being misunderstood...

I definitely feel if I were to get a diagnosis it would help me make sense of so many things and also I feel it would help me in interactions with people I am just not confident about raising it initially with GP but I will try

Be mindful that waiting lists are long and some areas are very reluctant to add adults to them. You may find they want to treat 'symptoms' (e.g. anxiety) even if previous treatment of symptoms has failed, and don't have any interest in the cause. That was my experience.

Private diagnosis is an easier option if you can afford it, but even with that the wait times can be in the months. Costs between £1k and £2k in my region.