Shard Report post Posted October 13, 2005 Hello all, first let me introduce myself, my name is Sarah i am 24 years old and i believe i have Asperger's. Ok yes i know it sounds quite funny been 24 and not knowing but my life has been one long struggle and things are only now coming to ahead. When i was younger (infants,junior,senior school) mymother believed there was something wrong with me like ADHD/ADD she wants sure which but no one would believe her which upset her greatly. About 7 months ago i got a half diagnosis by a specialst at my college that i coudl be autistic and yesterday i gave my mum a leaflet about Asperger's and she couldn't believe it as she said that it was me to a T. Now the problem is i don't know where to go or who to go to to get a proper diagnosis and i was wondering if anyone could help me please. I have always known that i wasn't like all the other kids and they made me feel like a freak and that i was weird. I would like to talk to other like minded people with AS if possible and adults too as i would like to know how you got your diagnosis and if you think there is any hope for me. Here's Hoping Regards Sarah Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Canopus Report post Posted October 13, 2005 I'm in my 20s and think I have AS but haven't yet been daignosed. Recently I have been trying to find any support organisations that are willing to deal with adults in the Hampshire area. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shard Report post Posted October 13, 2005 I'm in the West Midlands and im not having much luck but i hope you have better luck than me i have my fingers crossed for you so good luck. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mum22boys Report post Posted October 13, 2005 You might want to try the National Autistic Society website. i am sure they do diagnoisis at their centre which is called Elliot House in Bromley. The lady that runs (or at least answers the phone) is very helpful. Their no is 0208 466 0098. Hope that helps Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nellie Report post Posted October 13, 2005 Welcome to the forum Sarah, No, I don't think it sounds funny to find out you have AS at 24. My son is 24 and was diagnosed with AS a few months ago. My husband got a diagnosis 2 years ago aged 52 and my eldest son was diagnosed with autism at 19. You could try asking your GP for a referral. The following link is to information for GP's. You could give your GP a copy. http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=364&a=2620 This is the link to PARIS The NAS information service. You may find information on professionals who are able to diagnosis here. http://www.asd-forum.org.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=1577 I hope you find the forum useful, you will find lots of information and support here from people who understand. Maybe your mum would find the forum helpful too. Keep in touch. Nellie <'> Canopus, Do you live near Berkshire? Berkshire Autistic Society may be able to offer you support and advice. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Suze Report post Posted October 13, 2005 Hi Sarah, welcome <'> ............there are many parents on here who did,nt realise they had AS till their kids were DX, so your not alone in finding out later in life. Your gp is a good starting point for a dx, you may find the process takes a long time, so in the meantime stay with us guys, do some research , and check out some more support groups and forums Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nellie Report post Posted October 13, 2005 Sarah, This is a link to the NAS - Websites by or for people with an autistic spectrum disorder http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=119&a=3794 Nellie xx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter Report post Posted November 5, 2005 Hi Sarah ... I'm in my late 50's and have only recently realised that I might have AS - so, no, I don't think it sounds strange at all! If you're in West Mids, then you might be within range of Maxine Ashton's place at Coventry. She will do an "assessment" (not a diagnosis) but it's quite expensive (�120). I have an appointment in a couple of weeks, so I can report back, if you're interested... At my age, I'm not sure I really need a dianosis - what benefit would it be to me? Might it be a disadvantage (would I have to disclose on insurance/medical forms or job applications, for example)? I think I must have leaned to overcome many of the problems af AS, so I'm sure you can as well. Good luck. Peter Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kirstie Report post Posted November 6, 2005 Sarah, Hi and welcome! It really upset me to read your post and read how you felt such a freak etc. I'm really sorry you felt like that. We do live in a very harsh society sometimes and people kids and adults alike are not always very accepting of other peoples differences. I hate that! We are all individual and all special! I think you are right to seek a diagnosis. I have found that a lot of the supports aren't readily available untill you have that all important diagnosis. It really helped me to understand my son, and therefor bond with him properly. I really didn't know why he did the things he did and it was such astruggle with him. I'm sure that if you do have AS then a diagnosis would help you to understand your own experiences and feelings. There are also a lot of good books out there written by people with AS/ASD that may be worth reading? I wish you all the luck in the world, and hope you stick around and let us know how things go, and also if you need to have a rant thats cool too! Take Care, Love Kirstie. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phasmid Report post Posted November 6, 2005 Hi Sarah and welcome to the forum. You can see that being 24 and realising that you have an ASD is not unusual from the replies you have had. A few yrs ago I took some staff from the school I work at on a ASD course (Very good it was as well). One of the girls went on anoter course with me a few weeks later. We got talking about the ASD course and she ended up in tears. She had realised after talking to her mum that her estranged dad most definitely had AS, but being in his mid 60s and having no contact she couldn't figure out how to help him. I couldn't think of anything to say to her at that point...I was gutted for her. The advice about the NAS is probably the best to follow. Give them a ring and see what they have to say. Get back to us and let us know how you get on. We'll all being keeping our fingers crossed for you. Good luck and keep in touch. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stressed out mum Report post Posted November 6, 2005 Hi Sarah From what you have written it sounds the same as my son went through. He had a hell of a time in infants and juniors, mainly because I dragged my heels in getting him some help You have come to the write place anyway I have learnt a lot from this forum and everyone is so supportive. I look forward to chatting with you! Zemanski thankyou for your PM's Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ceecee Report post Posted November 6, 2005 Hi Phasmid Just wanted to say i am like your friend on the course with you.I realised my estranged dad in all probability has as.He is in his mid sixties too and I only realised about a year ago.I find it kind of heartbreaking because i guess I would have had a dad if he didn't have as. Hi sarah Welcome to the forum.I have mild as but for me I don't think i need a diagnosis.I have a office job and am happily married with two children.i got through school ok although i was very shy and a huge worrier.I now realise this was probably my as.Best of luck to you and once again welcome.I only realised i had as in the last few months and I am 37.So 23 isnt old! Take care Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phasmid Report post Posted November 6, 2005 <'> Ceecee <'> I know from my friend how that must make you feel. It cant be any easier for you realising you too have AS. You seem to have got to where you are OK. Well done you! Sarah, you're not alone in late realiasation of AS. You are among good people on this site. We'll help all we can. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Malika Report post Posted November 6, 2005 Hi Sarah. Welcome to the forum, <'> <'> no nothing funny about the fact that you may have AS I know that the NAS do perform DX but I think you need some kind of referal (your GP should be suffiscient). Explain your GP that you have been struggling all your life and your mother reading the leaflet about AS strongly believe that it is your problem and that you would like a DX to make sense of all what is happening with you I don't think any GP can deny you a referal on this ground, the other way could be to ask for coucelling and then get your coucellor involve with the referal. Hope this will help do not be scare you are going in the right direction. Take care. <'> Malika. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Malika Report post Posted November 6, 2005 Sorry I mean "counselling and counsellor" . Malika. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ceecee Report post Posted November 6, 2005 (edited) Phasmid Thanks for your kind words.I'm lucky that my as is very mild.I have no problems with eye contact don't have any obsessions but have problems with communication both in understanding what people are saying and in making myself understood.I also have problems with emotions particularly extreme emotions.I also have big difficulties in reading peoples feelings etc consequently I accidentally offend and can often be unitentionally tactless.I am a big worrier and get very anxious about things.I also have mild ocd which i think can often run alongside as. As far as my father goes yes it is a sad situation I understand from my brother he is an alcoholic which again is fairly common with people with as.No I'm not going to hit the bottle!!!!. Edited December 3, 2005 by ceecee Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DAS999 Report post Posted November 6, 2005 Welcome My girlfriend (around your age) has just been diagnosed. This was her process. Go to GP, state we thought she was autistic GP referred to psychiatrist Saw psychiatrist (waste of space) told her she was just anti social with OCD Back to GP, GP then referred to Psychologist Saw Psychologist. he diagnosed Aspergers and was going to contact autism specialist and behaviour therapist now waiting for date to see those two. Process has take 3 months so far. Hope that is of some use to you. Hope you find the answers you are looking for, a diagnosis made it easier for me and I hope in the long run for my girlfriend. One thing I will say is DO NOT give up. doctors can try and fob you off. If you want a diagnosis and think its autism / aspergers then fight for it. We were lucky our GP backed us 200% Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Noetic Report post Posted November 6, 2005 About 7 months ago i got a half diagnosis by a specialst at my college that i coudl be autistic and yesterday i gave my mum a leaflet about Asperger's and Can't you ask that specialist? They are probably the most qualified person for referring you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
