How do I know if I have ASD?

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I've recently been looking at ASD in women, after finding lockdown incredibly difficult and going on antidepressants. My anxiety has decreased and I've been coping better than ever before.

I've always found social situations difficult despite wanting to have friends and enjoying being with them. I feel exhausted afterwards though and need to be on my own for a while.

I've always tried to fit in but mostly failed. It takes me time to make friends and even then, I don't know if the other person is really a friend for sometime.

At school, I was terrified of teachers and getting things wrong. At work, I seem to
put in more effort than others but still doubt my ability and worth.

I have had 'special interests' over the years and possibly stim. I've also had issues with sleep and food.

I have strong views and find it difficult to back down if I think someone is wrong.

I recently mentioned my thoughts to my adult child and they agreed that they thought I might be 'on the spectrum'. That was the biggest shock to me as I thought I was overthinking.

Any thoughts? Not sure if it would be worth seeing my gp or not?

I have two daughters with autusm,both in their teens who have been diagnosed on the past 18 months.
A lot of what you say resonates, Ive been reflecting that possibly Im on the spectrum too. I think its worth going to GP and asking for a referral but no idea how easy and accessible it is for adults- I know for children its around a 3 year wait in our area. Due to very long waits we ended up having private assessments done for both our daughters which are expensive , around £1700.

always worth seeing the GP.

get your reasons sorted out into a list plus why you want a diagnosis and what difference it will make.

You would have to see your GP and request to be assessed. Be prepared to wait 2-3 years for an appointment though.

Thanks. Since looking at this board, I'm ticking more boxes!!

I can't see that a 2-3 year wait would be a problem after 50+ years 😆 I know you can get private assessments but have heard people say this is basically paying for a diagnosis. Not sure if there is any truth in this.

It's very strange to admit my concerns to others after all these years.

I know you can get private assessments but have heard people say this is basically paying for a diagnosis.

Many private assessors also assess for the NHS via 'right to choose'. The website will make this clear as there will be separate instructions for NHS patients. I went with one of these privately, and I do have confidence in my diagnosis - the doctors who assessed me were highly qualified. They need to be mindful of their reputations.

I don't think this should put you off seeking a private assessment if you hit a brick wall with the NHS as I did (they basically told me there was no hope of getting an assessment as an adult because I have a history of depression and anxiety, which is ridiculous IMO as much of my depression and anxiety is attributable to the difficulties I have faced being autistic, but that's another thread!).

If you take this route, shop around and be prepared to pay between £1000 and £2000.

I don’t think you’re paying for a diagnosis. They’ll tell you the truth whether you have autism or not. It’s more than their professional reputation is worth, they don’t diagnose you with a condition you don’t have just because you paid. But I do find it shocking that that waiting list is 2 years when you can pay £2k and be seen in a fortnight.

Thanks so much for the extra information.
Have any of you used any of the online autism check lists? They all seem very male oriented to me. Just wondering if any are recognised as suitable for women. I have googled in the past but without much success. The ones I've found are aimed at girls and what toys and games they like to play 😆

But I do find it shocking that that waiting list is 2 years when you can pay £2k and be seen in a fortnight.

Probably this is location-specific, but even privately I had to wait three months (not complaining about that) - one private service had closed their lists when I enquired due to demand. There was a service that could see me more quickly but I wasn't as confident in them as I was with the one I eventually went with.

OP, I used a test that was linked on an earlier thread here, I will see if I can find it.

Here it is:

psychology-tools.com/test/autism-spectrum-quotient

Thanks. That put me at 26- some autistic traits possible Asperger's. I don't like maths and numbers but notice other small details such as a spot on someone's face. I have to tell myself not to look at the blemish because I want to stare at it. Not sure if that's a usual thing or not.