Getting a diagnosis of autism in adulthood can be a mixed blessing and some people decide that they are happy with self-diagnosis.
The usual way to get a formal diagnosis is to go to your GP and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist, preferably one with experience of diagnosing autism.
Here are some tips from The National Autistic Society on how to present your case so that your doctor can see why you might have autism and why having a diagnosis could be helpful.
Talking to your doctor
When you visit your GP to discuss your diagnosis of autism, make sure the diagnosis is the only thing you are seeing your doctor about. If you try to drop it into a consultation about another subject, they may not address it fully. A good way to bring up the subject is to mention that you have been reading about autism or Asperger syndrome or you have been in touch with The National Autistic Society.
Describing your experiences
Autism is characterised by the triad of impairments. People with autism will be affected in some way by each of these impairments. The autistic spectrum (the range of symptoms people with autism have) is very broad and two people with the condition may have very different symptoms. No one will have all the traits in the triad of impairments, but most people with autism have the following difficulties.
Difficulty with social communication
People with autism have difficulty using and understanding verbal and non-verbal language, such as gestures, facial expressions and tone of voice, as well as jokes and sarcasm. Some people with autism might not speak or have fairly limited speech. They may understand what people say to them but prefer to use alternative forms of communication, such as sign language.
Difficulty with social interaction
People with autism have difficulty recognising and understanding people’s feelings and managing their own feelings. They may, for example, stand too close to another person, prefer to be alone, behave inappropriately and may not seek comfort from another person. This can make it hard for them to make friends.
Difficulty with social imagination
People with autism have difficulty understanding and predicting other people’s intentions and behaviour and imagining situations that are outside their own routine. This can mean they carry out a narrow, repetitive range of activities. A lack of social imagination should not be confused with lack of imagination. Many people with autism are very creative.
If your doctor disagrees with your argument, ask for the reason why. If you don't feel comfortable discussing their decision there and then, ask for another appointment to talk it through.
Why you may need a diagnosis
Diagnosis in adulthood can have advantages and disadvantages. Some people are happy with self-diagnosis and decide not to ask for a formal diagnosis. For those that do want a diagnosis, there are various benefits, according to the NAS. These include:
Understanding yourself
Often, people with autism have known that they have specific difficulties for a long time, but haven't been able to explain them. They may even have been misdiagnosed. A firm diagnosis can be a relief because it allows them to learn about their condition and understand for the first time why they have difficulties.
Gaining the understanding of others
Many people suffer the consequences of being constantly misunderstood. When the people close to you understand that there is a reason for your difficulties, it is much easier for them to empathise with you.
Receiving the right services for your needs
Once you've had a diagnosis, you can access autism-specific services.
The NAS website has a range of diagnosis information.
