Whether to seek diagnosis of autism

[RoundedToast]

I’m in my forties & have always been different. How do I know if I should seek a diagnosis of autism?

is there anyone else that was “officially” diagnosed in their forties?

How do I know if I should seek a diagnosis of autism?

Have you researched autism presentation online and do you feel as though the articles could be describing you? That's really your starting point. If so, there is a lot of useful advice in these and many other recent threads.

www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/4667555-to-pursue-an-autism-diagnosis-in-adulthood

www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/4579560-to-get-a-diagnosis-for-autism-at-45

www.mumsnet.com/talk/general_health/4597905-adult-autism-diagnosis

I got a diagnosis this year age 46. My difficulties stem back right to early childhood. This includes communication difficulties, huge sensory processing issues and significant mental ill health.

Do you think that the differences you feel fit an autism presentation?

I was officially diagnosed in my 50's.

I have heard of someone being assessed and diagnosed in their 80's.

It's never too late to do anything, if that's what you want to do. For me, it was a must as I do not believe in self-identification of anything.

I'm in my 40s and started the process this year. I'm on the big long list. I have lots of childhood trauma, repressed memories, lots of difficulties and traumas through my teens and 20s so I have a myriad of mental health problems, physical health problems/chronic pain and all the bits that come with (I believe) autism. I don't know where one part of me begins and ends. But I'm on the list. I'm very very certain. It's taken years to unmask to my husband and he's the only person who sees the true real me. He agrees.

Look into it, don't feel shame because of your age ♥

I was diagnosed in my early 40s. It was life changing. That is not even a slight exaggeration either. I can't really explain but don't underestimate the power of knowing who you are.

Please can you tell more about how the diagnosis has changed your life ? Im on fence about pursuing it (my child has just had their diagnosis in teens)

I'm early 40s and diagnosed a couple of months ago.

I chose to seek diagnosis as an adult because I was being discriminated against. My only recourse was to get diagnosed and make it clear that they were breaking the law by discriminating against my disability. It gives me a legal right to have reasonable adjustments in the workplace. For example they have to let me sit in a quiet and less bright area. They can’t discipline me for mistakes relating to impaired executive function. They can’t criticise me for things like not smiling or shaking hands, because those are symptoms of my disability.

Being diagnosed at 28 was one of the best things that ever happened for me. It allowed me to be kind to myself and reassure me why I am the way I am. It's personal for each individual if they want to be assessed, for me I'm so glad I took the step and did it.