Has anyone here been diagnosed with Autism in adulthood? A while ago someone mentioned to me that they think I might be on the Autism Spectrum. How do you know if you have this and who can test you for it?
Spiritual survivor
A born again but occasionally suicidal
- Feb 13, 2022
- 509
I recently have suspected that I have high functioning autism although it is more like invisible struggle. I have not been diagnosed and I don't care about getting a diagnosis because based on so many videos I've now watched on it, I'm pretty sure I have autism. It isn't like I look obviously autistic since I've learned to mask it apparently. But the internal experience of it I highly relate to the things they describe. U would have to research, maybe look on YouTube to see vids on how to get diagnosed and what the pros and cons are of that. I'm just now learning this at age 46. Many pple never get diagnosed to our detriment. Look up on YouTube: adult with autism, or autism from the inside. There's also women with autism with channels and women will present differently. https://youtube.com/@AdultwithAutism. https://youtube.com/@autismfromtheInside
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Holu
Hypomania go brrr
- Apr 5, 2023
- 669
ASD(Autism spectrum disorder) isn't something you can test for on your own. You could technically go look through DSM/ICD criteria, but with ASD in particular it's a bitch and a half. Typically ASD is harder to determine in adults, and if you made it to adulthood with ASD odds are you are high functioning. Still might be worth consulting your general physician for concerns about autism.
ferret-in-a-sock
Member
- Jan 25, 2023
- 72
Not diagnosed, but my doctor asked if I was based on how I acted, lol. I've accepted if I am, it's like OCD or PTSD, a personality quirk you learn to live with
They don't test for it during basic psych exams (those test mainly for BP, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, Depression and Schizo) so...I think if you wanted an "official" diagnosis as an adult...You're out of luck or need money for specialists if it isn't demonstrably impacting your basic quality of life (holding a job, living alone, etc.)
They don't test for it during basic psych exams (those test mainly for BP, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, Depression and Schizo) so...I think if you wanted an "official" diagnosis as an adult...You're out of luck or need money for specialists if it isn't demonstrably impacting your basic quality of life (holding a job, living alone, etc.)
Spiritual survivor
A born again but occasionally suicidal
- Feb 13, 2022
- 509
They want to make it hard for u to be able to get assistance or accommodations, this is probably why they are reluctant to diagnose it when we are young. Unfortunately what ends up happening when u are left undiagnosed is u struggle to hold jobs, get jobs, u won't understand that u can't live the same way or do life the way an average neurotypical is able to. U go thru life barely getting by, or even ending up homeless with high functioning autism. So high functioning is a misnomer. U may function well some days or in certain environments for certain periods of time but without some support, therapy to compensate for your autism, and accommodation in employment eventually u might just end up in a bad spot in life where u can't deal anymore. U have been attempting to live to fit with the expectations for neurotypicals so that eventually wears u down and u break under the pressure. I remember thinking in the government school by the time I was in my teens that I was screwed because the schooling environment was not suitable for me but I didn't understand it's because of the autism combined with ADD, and probably my IQ was above average. Unfortunately gov schools just push u thru, nobody cared why I was failing in there or what this meant for my future. U would think they would have given me an evaluation but no way. They just want low wage workers who remain poor coming out of the government schools, it's certainly not there to make sure u can rise out of poverty or be prepared for adulthood in anyway shape or form lol!
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34, recently diagnosed. Doesn't change anything, it's not enough to qualify for the gate keepers to allow PIP. You know, so I can support myself, get help and get back on the 'right' track, oh no. Entitled to zero help. Without my partner I would be homeless, which I feel is happening soon. System stinks. Atleast they can't take CO method away.
Spiritual survivor
A born again but occasionally suicidal
- Feb 13, 2022
- 509
I've survived by working informally because I gave up trying to work for employers. It ruined my mental health and sanity, work life balance. With autism u can't take on the conditions neurotypicals are able. U will end up struggling to deal with coworkers, managers, the conditions. I'm not saying non autistic people don't struggle with working in poor working conditions or toxic environments but we seem to have a lower threshold for it b/c of the deficits that come with autism creating extra difficulties.
been looking into it myself! I am friends with a significant amount of autistic people and my brain makes a lot more sense under that context but diagnosis is very difficult and my therapist advised that its just not really worth it since it doesnt give you access to anything, infact it can take away your access to certain things. If you are conserned talk to people about thier experiences and get their opinions and https://embrace-autism.com/raads-r/ has some great resources for assessing autism esspecially in adults and accomadations you can make for yourself or request. Most autistic people recognise self diagnosis as valid and even if you dont feel comfortable using the label accomadating for yourself can only do good.
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