View Full Version : Anxiety linked to Autism
Hi, I was just wondering if anyone has found out quite late in life that they are autistic? I've always had social anxiety but some of the symptoms seem to quite closely linked to autism - things like not being able to use the phone, or finding going into busy places difficult. Obviously there are more links, but I was really wondering if a diagnosis of autism would actually make any difference?
Autistic spectrum disorders can be diagnosed at any age (obviously at the high functioning end of the spectrum). Some women suffering from anxiety, OCD and eating disorders are later diagnosed as being on the spectrum as autism in females can present in more subtle ways and experts are only just acknowledging this now.
However the NHS is very loathe to diagnose Asperger's/high functioning autism later in life so people often have to see private psychiatrists for a full assessment.
---------- Post added at 21:54 ---------- Previous post was at 21:46 ----------
I just also wanted to add that autism is extremely complex and I don't think you'd "benefit" in any way from a diagnosis. Plenty of anxiety symptoms are just that...anxiety. Managing autism with severe anxiety is very challenging.
Thanks pulisa, I'm interested in the links though - seems to explain a lot in my case!
It's not worth going through a private psychiatrist though. As you say - I probably wouldn't gain anything from it.
It's obviously a highly personal decision. I think you'd have to spend quite a lot of money getting a specialised assessment and you'd need to be seen by a psychiatrist who had a special interest in autism as plenty of psychs haven't the necessary skills/experience (although they claim to). And it takes a good few hours to have an assessment.
I must admit, I have no idea what the assessment entails.
MyNameIsTerry
05-08-15, 22:54
The examples you have mentioned above are very common in some anxiety disorders and anxiety is the most likely. I know what you are thinking because I have developed issues with obsession & routine and whenever I Google to find ways to work on them it brings up page after page of autism websites so it puts it in your mind as a possibility.
My stepson is autistic and is now 42. He lives in a bubble and has a very strict regime in his home with post it notes allover the place. I have known him since he was 5, so have seen him grow up and to be honest there was no diagnosis 35 + years ago but we knew something was wrong.
He is very kind, but finds it difficult to speak to more than one person at a time, and if you say something to him, it appears that it takes a few seconds until it registers in his brain but if someone else talks to him before he has answered he gets totally confused and doesn't remember how he was going to answer the first person.
I don't know how anxious he is as he bottles most things up, but stress is very visible as he bites his finger nails practically all the time and once in a while he goes into a rage for no apparent reason and it is quite concerning to see this.
He is married with a small child,had numerous menial jobs but is now settled mainly as he is lucky that his boss understands him.
I have also found that he is very good at putting anything together be it furniture like a flat packed bed, a computer programme etc but he never ever reads instructions, just does it his way in his head.
The autistic spectrum is vast and really it depends on which psychiatrist you see as to what diagnosis you get. There are a few "new" conditions these days which always used to come under the ASD umbrella but are now diagnosed in their own right.
I think it's quite unusual to reach adulthood today without there being any clues or concerns raised about a possible diagnosis of ASD. Simply because there's so much more awareness and knowledge. However finally experts are beginning to get more savvy as to how autism in high functioning females can present which is good news for my daughter and not before time.
I know the symptoms I posted are anxiety symptoms, but there are so many more. I can't believe it wasn't picked up in childhood. I can only think it was because there were other issues in my home life at the time it was missed. I've struggled all through adulthood- particularly with social anxiety on top. I've started to keep a list of things that I think of through my life that are definitely on the spectrum. As you say, girls seem to learn how to reflect other people's behaviour and I think this is what I have done.
If you are really concerned about this-and you seem to be-would you consider going to your GP and telling him/her about your concerns. GPs are notoriously poor regarding the subtleties of ASD but it is a specialised subject so you'd need to insist that you saw a psychiatrist/psychologist who knew their ASD stuff (not just a general psych).This may prove tricky/nigh on impossible on the NHS but you may live within the catchment area of a reputable team?
There is a diagnostic centre in Bromley, Kent (the Lorna Wing Centre) but the waiting list is horrendous.
Good luck in whatever you choose to do. Sometimes it's good to have answers but receiving a diagnosis of ASD brings with it many challenges.
Thanks, I'm not sure what our area is like (I live in Cheshire where they are notoriously poor too!). I do feel like my GPs wouldn't take me seriously, but maybe if I took my big long list they couldn't really ignore that could they? Thanks for all of the discussion. Much appreciated.
I wouldn't expect GPs to be able to pick up on a lot of subtle ASD clues but I'm sure if you take your list along they would take you seriously and refer you on if necessary for assessment. You could always try contacting the National Autistic Society for advice if your GP isn't helpful?
Good luck with it all. I think you need some answers?
teapotsister
09-08-15, 04:21
My son is mildly autistic. He was not diagnosed by a psychiatrist. Keep in mind psychiatrists prescribe pills and don't spend much time talking to you. If you want to go that direction, I would suggest a psychologist. Our psychologist was brilliant at observing behavior patterns. I hope you look into it! You might find out that there are specialist who can help you and I'm betting that you have a brilliant mind that is not being used how you wanted it to be. We are getting help. My son is 19 and he's too smart to be doing just anything. He's having specialized testing done and expects to have career/college assistance and placement. I envy him! People actually want him to go after his dreams!! Wouldn't the world be a better place if more people taught us to how to go after our dreams!?
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