r/AutismInWomen • u/Shell_Stitch_21 • 20h ago
New User Self diagnosis
Hi, I've been lurking here for a bit and commenting occasionally. I'm 35 and coming to the realization that I'm most likely autistic and feeling silly that I didn't get it earlier because it's so obvious to me. Like I masked so well all my life that I fooled myself. But now that I'm in my 30s and confident and have no fucks left and don't care if any given person likes me, it's so clear.
Last year I was finally diagnosed with ADHD after being initially tested at 12, just for the satisfaction of knowing. I'm considering seeking an autism diagnosis but it doesn't feel quite as necessary. Since there's nothing about autism to treat (except maybe anxiety which I'm already medicated and in therapy for, I love therapy) I don't feel like an official diagnosis is worth the effort at this point. But then again at times I have doubts that my self diagnosis is valid even though objectively I know it is. Like if I told someone I'm autistic I know they'd be like "cool," not "prove it." Or would they lol.
Anyway, hi. I'm autistic.
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u/Nyx_light 19h ago
Hi. Late realized self diagnosed too. I thought about going the formal diagnosis route. My GP is supportive if that's what I'd like to do and she wasn't surprised when I brought it up.
However, it's really $$$ here and the waitlist to get assessed is long. I also probably wouldn't use it for accommodations so I'm not sure how it would be helpful.
What is helpful right now is doing tons of research and connecting with autistic communities. It's incredibly validating to find people who share my experiences and I'm learning so much on how to accommodate/regulate myself.