Newbie

[Binx]

Hi. I’m undiagnosed. I’m 60. Reading a book and ticking all the boxes - not just now but always have, since I was a child. I look back and realise all the ways I may have been basically trying to get through and cope, particularly when it comes to making connections with people. I‘ve managed to have the semblance of a ‘professional‘ life (I’m highly qualified and trained!) with relative success, mixed in with various mental health diagnosis over a period of 30 years - nobody really knowing what’s ‘wrong’ with me. I’ve always thought I’m ‘bonkers’ with no hope. Currently embracing my ‘difference’ and I’ve gained great comfort from reading about the coping mechanisms employed by people on the spectrum…. I could go on, but think that’s enough of an introduction.

QUESTIONS TO ALL YOU LOVELY PEOPLE: 1: Is it worth getting a diagnosis and 2: where can I meet other high functioning people??? I live in the north west of England.

 

[Outdated]

Hi and welcome. Your story is so similar to a lot of us, I only got diagnosed at age 55.

1) A diagnosis is really only of value if you're going to get something from it. For myself it got me a full disability pension and because it's a life long "disability" that's my retirement completely taken care of. Far more important as you're probably starting to notice is being able to better understand yourself so that you can find ways to make your world more liveable.

2) There's quite a few high functioning Brits that use this forum.

 

[Nitro]

 

[Rodafina]

Hello and welcome @Binx. I hope you find this place useful. I think you can get your questions answered here.

 

[ra49]

Hi Binx! My diagnosis just this year at age 66, so we are learning together
Best thing for me was learning I am not defective just different
My kaleidoscope clicked into place and my life made sense for the first time
Many lovely welcoming people here, glad you found us

 

[Neonatal RRT]

QUESTIONS TO ALL YOU LOVELY PEOPLE: 1: Is it worth getting a diagnosis and 2: where can I meet other high functioning people??? I live in the north west of England.

Welcome @Binx

1. Is it worth getting a diagnosis? If you are of the Asperger's/ASD-1 variant of autism, and don't need/qualify for assistance, then a professional diagnosis is more for your personal knowledge. On the other hand, if your social and communication issues are getting you in contact with law enforcement or if you are seeking accommodations at work, then I would suggest a professional diagnosis. As you know, you can't just claim "I have autism" in legal or employment matters, you have to have the "piece of paper".

If you haven't done so already, I would suggest reading the diagnostic statistical manual (DSM) on the topic of autism, as well as, your country's laws regarding autism, what the national disabilities act has to say on the topic, and then look up where you could receive a professional diagnosis from a specialist in adult autism. Do understand that it may be several months before you can get an appointment, as most mental health care systems are severely under funded and staffed.

 

[Gerald Wilgus]

Welcome. You are of the age when autism was rarely diagnosed unless severe. That left us with having to navigate the world by ourselves through the force of our character and abilities. I was diagnosed at 60 as then my PTSD from earlier social isolation was being triggered. I found that the diagnosis was necessary when I started Cognitive Processing Therapy so that Medicare would pay for the sessions.

 

[tree]

 

[Xinyta]

Greetings, @Binx

It's great you found us and I hope we can help you along the journey you take~

 

[Kisa the tea]

Hello and welcome to the forum! I hope you enjoy it here and find helpful information and resources!

For 1: I would say it is up to you. If it would make you feel better than go for it. But don't feel like you are any less valid if you don't feel able to or don't want to.

For 2: Many people on this forum. In person though? That's the tricky part and I'm not sure.

 

[VictorR]

Welcome!

In regards to #2, as others have noted, you'll find many connections online. For in person, many larger cities and some smaller cities have in person groups. Names and membership may vary - some cater to aspergers, some to autistics, some to anyone neurodiverse, and some are broader and open to anyone identifying with a disability.