Have you been diagnosed with autism later in life?

[StJamesInfirmary]

I've just scored highly likely to have autism with the AQ test and wondering if anyone would be willing to share their experience of getting assessed?
I've had a feeling I could be autistic for a few years and something came over me this evening and I decided to see if there was an online assessment. I found the AQ test, answered very honestly, which I thought would come out as unlikely or moderate chance but I scored very highly which I am slightly au by (surprised that my instinct might be right). Is this worth taking to my GP to request a referral or would they want to know more?.I find it very hard to verbalise why I think I'm autistic so if they need me to explain I wouldn't be able to and won't bother.

My gp asked very minimal questions just asked me to fill some questionnaires in and then said he'd refer.
Was then 13 months from referral to diagnosis. In that time I filled out more questionnaires, needed someone who knew me well to fill one in and then a two hour assessment.
I did it in order to have formal proof that I have difficulties, following a pip assessment where by I felt they'd down played my difficulties of a physical illness because I said I struggled with doing xxx but felt it could also be autism that was a contributing factor. So I did it in order to have future evidence. I was actually told many years ago to get assessed when my dc were diagnosed however I didn't feel the need at the time. I'm glad I'd did for the evidence but it hasn't made any difference day to day because I suppose I already had a good idea of what was different about myself.

Thank you. Yes, I imagined there isn't much available "support" wise but I think for me it would answer a few questions about why some things are so difficult for me. It would pull a few threads together and make some things/patterns make more sense I guess. Like a peice of a jigsaw puzzle. Nothing would change, I'm still me, it just might offer an explanation for why some things are hard.

I self diagnosed as autistic and ADHD before receiving formal diagnoses around 2 years later.

I was fortunate enough to go private and I chose a recommended clinical psychologists practice that assess for both conditions.

I had to complete a detailed questionnaire in advance of my initial appointment then had a total of 7 hours worth of appointments and testing split across multiple days. My husband also had to complete some questionnaires about me. I now have a 50+ page report detailing my differences and recommendations for coping with the conditions.

I felt I had to know for sure, and wanted proof to be able to request reasonable adjustments at work. It has been a bit of a rollercoaster looking back at my life and I am highly masked which brings challenges. But overall I am much kinder to myself and don't push myself to do things that I previously did. I also experience far fewer meltdowns as I have learned how to manage emotions and sensory issues better.

@ffsgloriacan I ask how you found a private assessor please and the costs involved? And if you could recommend where you went? Thank you

Sure, it was recommended by a friend of a friend. I had researched lots of other places for months, but they were either assessments via video call which I didn't want, or would only assess for either autism or ADHD, which I also didn't want. The practice is called McKeown Psychology Associates Ltd and they are based in Brighton, Sussex. It was a few years ago but at the time I paid around £1000.

@ffsgloria thanks so much.

Yes, I’ve just been diagnosed AuDHD.
I wasn’t surprised by autism but combined ADHD was a shock,
I had a private assessment with Autistic Girls and they were brilliant.
I’ve come away with an 89 page report full
of info and resources.

@tumpy I've found the autistic girls charity but can't see on their website that they do assessments. Could you post a link please?

@tumpy and share the cost please?
I just found a different website. Is this it?
autisticgirls.co.uk/

yes @Chromaover , that’s them.
The costs are all on the website. They have a free pre assessment call where they discuss the options.