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Adult Autism diagnosis at 45 !

ellie451

Well I have just experienced a mid life Autism Assessment with Clinical Partners through right to choose. I must say I am very shocked to say that I am! I was only told yesterday now waiting the report.

I am now in disbelief how my life has been up hill struggle , raising four children mostly myself. Its a miracle to be honest with you. The amount of trauma I have run into.

The reason I explored this was due to suspected ptsd. The symptoms overlap so much so that it can be overlooked as ptsd. Example of overlapping symptoms I experience of the two are : Dissociation when in situations which shock me , by stepping outside of my body watching my body go through the motions , crowded spaces , Noisy fridges in shops sounding like drum n bass to my ears. Getting lost alot as cant visualize places until im actually there! Sense of smell is insane, Hearing dog whistles and conversations far away. Seeing static around tvs thinking everyone can see this (back in the 80s) Sleep paralysis and the list goes on. I've been masking all of this time, what a joy to be liberated of these chains!!

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gussiefinknottle1

hello Ellie, it might have been a surprise to find out that you’re on the autistic spectrum. But I’m wondering what benefit this knowledge has?

The reason I ask is my 62 year old partner might be autistic, I believe that he has elements of Asperger’s syndrome along with some other classic traits of autism, I can’t see how having a formal diagnosis would be beneficial for him.

We’ve cohabited for 39 years and last year he was diagnosed with rare blood cancer and I have multiple sclerosis. The only potential cure for his cancer is a bone marrow transplant but he won’t investigate it because his specialist made a big deal about the negatives. I’m frightened that this cancer is going to kill him when the chemotherapy stops preventing it from getting worse (it won’t reverse it) I believe that his autism is preventing him from getting the transplant because he is only concentrating on the negative side of this.

I sometimes feel like I’m dealing with a child who is incapable of acting like an adult but there is an adult trapped inside that needs to be released. I can’t treat him like a child because he’s not! And I’ve not got the experience, knowledge, energy or support to deal with it.

ellie451

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1030274#Comment_1030274

Dear Gussie,

I'm so sorry to hear of your illnesses, it must be so difficult. I cant even begin to imagine what you are going through, with the choices that need to be made , best send kind regards to you both.

The PTSD has given me the opportunity to access a trauma course which has been helpful, and now the Autism diagnosis will help access support for study and work adjustments. I have yet to explore what else. It does give me an enormous sense of relief, just talking to those that understand and sharing experiences already show that I am not isolated and not mad, and now I can hopefully be at ease with not being in situations which make me ill with worry.

Mary_Scope

Hi @ellie451

Thank you for sharing your story, a diagnosis can definitely be validating and help you understand yourself a lot more😄