Q&A about my Autism Diagnosis

[@kevinedw2002]

Hi Tim, sounds very similar to my situation and history. I'm 56, and have struggled all my life. After failing to complete my PhD on time, my university required me to put a mental health management plan in place. Towards this end, I went to a new GP to get a referral. While chatting about my 'issues' (and surreptitiously getting me to 'blindly' complete a couple of assessment forms) he concluded that the anxiety that I had previously been treated for was merely symptomatic of other issues. Specifically, he thought I had ADHD and autism. I am currently waiting to be formally assessed, and like you, feel immense trepidation about the outcome. So much of what you said rings true to me and my own experiences in life, work and study, and the desperate need to be understood. I have tried talking to friends and colleagues about the way I feel and my inability to function 'normally', but they just don't seem to understand (particularly when I start rambling on about feeling like an alien who is trying to imitate a human being!). For the time being, I am being quietly optimistic that I can receive appropriate treatment and that the future will be a bit brighter.

[@TimPrevett]

All the best, Kevin, completely identify with that. Keep doing what you’re doing, watch #ActuallyAutistic videos and folk on social media. And nothing like a PhD to bring out underlying mental health matters! If you want any further information, happy to do what I can. Thanks for your comment and connection here 👍🙂

[@oldenglishandlyre]

Nice one Tim. Thanks for sharing this .

[@TimPrevett]

Thankyou :)

[@pikeaspen]

Well done Tim 👏

[@TimPrevett]

Thankyou :)

[@longhunter1951]

Thank you Tim ,a very enlightening and helpful Q & A.

[@TimPrevett]

You’re very welcome. Glad it’s been useful for you

[@3SeasonsUSA]

You are on your way to a new life, already and a new option for a hobby. I hope this takes off and makes you some change in the near future. I am a new subscriber

[@TimPrevett]

Hello - welcome, and thanks for commenting. Yes, new life indeed arrives with such a redefining positive understanding!

[@monkeyboy7981]

Hi Tim. I'm 46 and self diagnosed myself with autism when I became aware of the condition and how it fits with my many oddities, feelings and self perception. I'm fairly lucky that I'm what I'd describe as not deep into the spectrum and my parents let me grow up without protecting me too much, which I think helps. If I look back I'd say it's affected me all my life but most noticeably between the ages of roughly 13 to 30 years, as I get older, I feel as if I'm becoming more 'normal' or growing out of it or maybe I'm getting used to dealing with my own quirks. Have you found the effects of autism change or fade as you've grown up with it? Also I look at my autism as a blessing and a curse. Do you ever see it that way?

[@TimPrevett]

Hello - thanks, Monkey Boy; I don't think I can see the effects of autism lessening, but I having (at first) self-diagnosed and then 'official' diagnosis, I have better coping mechanisms, which is lessening the impact on work. Yes, autism is a blessing and a curse. Life is an intense delight with it, but complicated for being so. Could be another video there...