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jim reaper
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29 Aug 2017, 1:46 pm

I appear to tick a lot of boxes that refer to autism and I've done an online test that was recommended to me by someone with Aspergers. I scored 38 out of 40.
I mentioned this to my Dr and he said I would still be the same person if I was tested and pretty much brushed the subject away. Of course it's true, I will still be the same person. But, I would be a person who would possible have some answers to why I've been out of step with everyone all my life. I'm finding that I'm constantly going over this in my head.
So do you think its worth seeing if I can get a diagnosis or should I just carry on regardless, are there advantages to having a diagnosis? Thanks.



Voxish
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29 Aug 2017, 2:10 pm

jim reaper wrote:
I appear to tick a lot of boxes that refer to autism and I've done an online test that was recommended to me by someone with Aspergers. I scored 38 out of 40.
I mentioned this to my Dr and he said I would still be the same person if I was tested and pretty much brushed the subject away. Of course it's true, I will still be the same person. But, I would be a person who would possible have some answers to why I've been out of step with everyone all my life. I'm finding that I'm constantly going over this in my head.
So do you think its worth seeing if I can get a diagnosis or should I just carry on regardless, are there advantages to having a diagnosis? Thanks.


Totally worth it. Yes you will still be the same person the next day, you will also know why you feel the way that you do, that its not all in your head and you can begin to find a little peace with yourself perhaps. I went through life ashamed, ashamed I was bullied, ashamed that I said some of things I said to people, ashamed of my black and white thinking, shamed that I didn't like people.

Not anymore


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ailuzhin
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29 Aug 2017, 2:13 pm

I would echo the above poster.

If this is going to answer questions that you need or want answering, then do it. If you have strained relationships that would be helped via an explanation, then do it.

On the other hand, double check the possibility that more harm than good may come of it.



BTDT
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29 Aug 2017, 2:15 pm

Lots of older adults don't know they have autism because it wasn't diagnosed when they were in school. That doesn't make it any less of a problem. And, even if you can't get or don't want treatment, it is a lot easier to make adjustments in your life for the better if you have a clue to what needs adjusting.



underwater
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29 Aug 2017, 2:29 pm

The question is really to what extent this has impacted your life. There are people with a lot of autistic traits who do fine and who do not need a diagnosis. Then there are the people who do very badly, who do need a diagnosis. And then there are the people who superficially seem very capable, but when you have a look at their life history, have in fact done very badly in their lives, so they could do with an explanation and some better strategies.

If you're in the UK, I doubt a diagnosis would secure much services from the already overstretched NHS, but for some people a diagnosis can be a starting point for a change of lifestyle.

I'm in the middle of a diagnostic process myself, so I can't really say what's on the other side, but I am happy that I went, so far. I got tired of doubting myself and going in circles.


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jim reaper
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29 Aug 2017, 2:35 pm

Thank you all for your replies.
I'll get hold of my Dr.
At the very least it will hopefully allow me some mental rest :)
Cheers.