Is it worth seeking a diagnosis as an adult?

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My son is autistic and I think I may be too. I am currently diagnosed with social anxiety, OCD, and occasional depression. When I first started to suspect my son was different I wanted to learn everything I could about autism. The more I learned the more I related. My mom said I had severe tantrums (just like my son) as a child but the pediatrician dismissed them. I was in the gifted program and as a child spent hours alone in my room watching discovery channel and doing art. I hated getting my hands dirty or certain textures as a child and now (my son has sensory issues). I was a self taught reader before I started school. My mom worried because I didn't seem to have end a lot of friends growing up. I wear a lot of casual clothes because I just can't handle the feeling of most clothing. Even jeans and a t-shirt can be uncomfortable for me. I even toe walk just like my son! At first I thought he was copying me. Socially I struggle. I have had panic attacks trying to attend small social functions. I don't know how to make small talk. I have to ask my husband if he is mad, happy, frustrated, etc. I do have friends but there are only 2-3. I have known them each for over 10 years. My best friend has stated that she was only able to be friends with me because she was persistent. Apparently I didn't seem friendly or go out of my way to make a connection but she just kept coming back. Is there even a point to getting a diagnosis? I also have a cousin my age with Asperger's but he lives out of state. My son would have been labeled Asperger's if he were diagnosed before the changes to the DSM. Opinions? Autism yes no? Seek diagnosis? How would a diagnosis help me?

There are generally two reasons to get diagnosed as an adult. The primary one is self-understanding; it's a nice feeling being certain of your neurology, especially when you have to defend it to individuals who don't believe you. It also erases any nagging feelings of doubt you might be carrying around. The second reason most adults get diagnosed is for work or government benefits; they need help that they can't get without proof of diagnosis. If neither of the above apply to you, there's not necessarily a reason for you to get diagnosed. I will say this though; even without seeking benefits, getting diagnosed was one of the best things I ever did; it improved my understanding of myself, and solidified others' acceptance of my condition (before diagnosis, even my mother, who was the one who originally brought my having AS up as a possibility, once said, "Well, you're not diagnosed so we don't really know you have it." She's since stopped saying that.) It also gave me peace of mind; I was no longer tormenting myself over the question of did I or didn't I have it.

I was diagnosed at age 57. The reason I sought the diagnosis was to have a valid starting point for ways to improve my life. That has worked, although I still suck at social skills. I've had better luck with hyper-
sensitivity (the 5 senses) with the book you see listed under my signature. With that I was able to construct a sort of aspie heaven in my apartment. I'm retired now but when I was working I was able to make some small changes (e.g. the lighting over my desk) that were worth their weight in gold.

Right now I don't work and I am kind of a hermit. I don't go anywhere without my husband or kids because of anxiety. I have a hard time working because of the anxiety. I do good for a few months and then I start feeling so overwhelmed. I begin having panic attacks at work and have even thrown up. It's just so much work to talk to people! I guess I can fake it at first but then as months go on I don't know how to keep it going. I can't be the worst because I do have a husband and a couple friends. I do feel like they are a certain type of people that took the time to get to know me and don't take my behavior personally. I really want to know if I am but it may be more trouble than it's worth. I am taking medicine that's supposed to help with the social anxiety but so far I don't feel any different.

I agree with all of the the above.

It can give you access to vocational rehabilitation that might help you get your career back on track.

If you go for formal diagnosis finding a specialist who understands how Autism Spectrum disorder/condition presents itself in adult females is a must. That can involve a lot of research, time and money. If you can scrap the money together and need validation from an expert, the time and cost will be well worth it.

Reading and participating in the threads here is a good thing. I found it helped me make sense of why most things in my life happened the way they did and why I do things the way I do them. I realize I am not defective but "born this way". Many members people have decscribed the same thing

What country do you live in? That can make a huge difference in whether the process is worth it or not.

"I am currently diagnosed with social anxiety, OCD, and occasional depression"

Another diagnosis will not change your life in any way at all - you already have 3 diagnoses which are possibly autism-related.

If you think you are an Aspie, then you probably are. That is about as good as it gets...

YES, it is worth seeking a diagnosis.

If a child gets diagnosed with AS then the parents can work with the authorities and, hopefully, the kid will have a reasonably normal life.

If as an adult you get the diagnosis then it's one of those 'scales dropping from your eyes' moments and you suddenly realize why everything has been going wrong for the last few decades. As an adult you can then find ways to work around this so that the rest of your life is somewhat happier.

For sure! Knowlege is power.

If a kid gets diagnosed with Autism, it's chances of a normal life become zero.

If an adult gets diagnosed with Autism, then it gets the chance to change its status on forums like this from 'non-diagnosed' to 'diagnosed'. Big Deal...

Well, I'm thinking if you have medical insurance through, I guess, your husband's job, I think you should get the diagnosis----it'll give you "peace of mind". Why? Well, it gives you a "jumping-off point", so-to-speak. Like someone else said, it'll explain DECADES of behavior. Also, you said you don't work steadily----if you get a diagnosis, you can get Disability, and that will surely help with the family finances. Get someone to help you fill-out the paperwork, though-----it can be terribly daunting-----even to a HFA. I like having my diagnosis-----cuz I'm like "Well, that's settled, then." It's been my personal experience that you have to be choosey about with whom you share your diagnosis, though----it's just one of those things that hasn't gotten around to "public acceptance", yet.

I agree. My life was ruined because I got stuck with a label at a young age.

Unfortunately they won't pay for the diagnosis. In the US insurance will only pay for a diagnosis if you are between the ages of 2 and 6. If you are between those ages they pay 100%. If not they pay nothing. I know that for sure with mine. But when I called and I called several times, I was told that that is actually a law that they have to abide by and they told me it's the same for all of the insurances.

I am 27 year old female who received my diagnosis last year and it killed me at first but once acceptance came then came the anger because I felt cheated out of life. My adopted mother tried her hardest to raise me right and I feel that if I had recived my diagnosis much earlier I would have gotten the help I needed and it would have changed my mother ane me's relationship for the better instead of the worst as it is now. Now that I know and have the documentation no on e can or will help me because I got my diagnosis after the age of 24 I am currently homeless been this way for four years now. I have tried to go to community college but with my relationships failing my housing fails also. I often have said I wish I were a druggie, drunk, gambler, or worse because Then my life style would make since to me. Louisiana is not equipt to help older women receive the help we need. Again I have fallen through the crack of society and I get jusdged always and Have become full of suiciale ideation as the hospital puts it.
knowing for me finally makes my life make since But the age I gained my diagnosis and knowledge is down right useless.

So sorry you are in this situation. This is terrible. The US is really bad about this. If you get your diagnosis after you are 18 you are not eligible to get any kind of help at all. Possibly private clubs and groups might help you but most are not equipped to really give you much help at all especially if you are high functioning. It is a tragedy beyond words.

Yes, it's paramount to keep it private - don't let the school do the testing! Go privately to a hospital or psychiatrist - they will not blab. I was Dx'd at 57 - I would not have disclosed to my employer.

But if you have the Dx, it's a point of power for you to use. You don't have to tell anybody.