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Looking For Adult Diagnosis

AuBurney Tuckerson

AuBurney Tuckerson

~GigglesTheAutisticHyena~
I am currently 18 and has never been diagnosed for Autism, but growing up, I showed severe signs as I used to hit my head, throw tantrums when touched my certain objects or people, I was late to learn how to talk and had to go through speech therapy, IDK about motor skills, but I can barely balance on one leg if that counts. I also have sensitivity to certain textures, tastes, smells, and most problematic: hearing! I often end up going into meltdowns during thunderstorms or when loud vehicles are constantly roaring outside. I can't stand places with screaming kids, whistles, big crowds, and odors. It tortures the heck out of me to the point I just go crazy! I remember 8th grade when my ears finally opened up.. It was the most brutal torture I ever went through. All the loud noises crowded me at once. Being in the gym was like being in a torture chamber. The whistles, the bouncing balls, the squeaky shoes, people screaming, IT WAS Hell!!! I would grab my ears, grab my hair, cry, bang my head. Teachers didn't accept why. People picked on me for it. I always struggle with being in social situations and talking to people. I can't look people in the eye, I'm always stimming, and I have a limited amount of interests. My life is basically a routine, and I can't stand having to stray from my routines.

I'm currently looking for a place where an adult like me can get diagnosed. There isn't a place in Arkansas where an adult like me can get diagnosed, so I guess it's too late for me... So I will go through life never knowing if I have autism or not. I only just recently learned what it was when I looked it up about a month or two ago. My family always mentioned autism, but I never went to get diagnosed. Is there any place an adult living in Arkansas can get tested?
 
Try contacting a medical center or a doctor. Beyond that, do an online search for autism services in your area. There are online tests that are more preliminary than the diagnosis from a qualified medical professional. Still, you want to pursue a diagnosis, so go through the medical community. You are keenly aware of your autistic behaviors, so you are going into this with your eyes wide open. Autism is a fairly big topic to comprehend. Your self-awareness is an asset.
 
I had tried all of that. I tried looking for places. All I could find are support groups and children places. No places for adults with autism in Arkansas.
 
There are resources in Arkansas. I will start a private conversation with you and provide those resources. I am super glad you reached out and said something. Go check your conversations.
 
You can also try starting with a "regular" psychologist/therapist, like what you would see for depression or unknown issues. They should be knowledgeable about the community, so they can give you a diagnoses or referral. Even if there's literally no one in the state who deals with autistic adults, your everyday therapist will still be able to help in some way.
The psychologist I started seeing for depression almost referred me but I didn't pursue the diagnoses (long story). Even though we didn't go that route, I've still learned a lot of coping mechanisms and stuff with the therapist, both for my depression and my sensory issues.
 
You can get diagnosed at any point in your life. Some here were diagnosed in their 50's and 60's. Maybe even 70's. It usually starts with your doctor and then moves on to mental health professionals. You have to get up to speed on your health insurance (if any) as well. There are options for people who do not have coverage.
 
I told my mother about thw yherapist thing, and now she says I'm going overboard. She said I had a therapist before, and I can start going back to see her. I told her it's too much not knowing my whole life and that maybe I should because things have gotten too stressful. At first, they mention autism could be why I act or do things the way I do, but when I look it up, take online tests, and confirm that I may have autism, now it's like I'm "taking things and running with it". Then, when I'm wanting to get diagnosed to actually KNOW THE TRUTH and using this thread to find help and get suggestions, I'm "going overboard". It's just too much!!! And on top of that, these loud vehicles keep roaring outside, and it's torturing the h*** out of me!!! I'M LOSING MY MIND HERE!!!:coldsweat::astonished::cry::cryingcat::fearscream::fearful::rage:
 
I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! I FINALLY FOUND A PLACE! I finally found somewhere in my state that tests adults for autism, and it's not far from where I live! Chenal Family Therapy. Before I learned I could be autistic, a friend suggested I visit Chenal Therapy about my sensitive hearing, and she wrote it down for me. The place said they have a therapist who tests adult autism, but he is on hold (whatever that means), BUT they took my name and number, and they will call me once he starts testing again! This may be the chance that I'll finally get testd and know the truth! Fingers crossed!
 
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