can you ignore a whole tread?

[Satan’s little helper]

You make it sound so easy

No, it’s not easy. But it makes more sense than going in with all guns blazing like the clowns putting in their personal “entertainer makeup” design. 😉

 

[CliffH]

Both really. I've never been diagnosed but I'm nailed on autistic and can't back down from an argument when I know I'm right (think I'm right?!). If I see a thread title on a subject I'm remotely interested in-even if I know the content will 'grab' me-I find it extremely difficult to leave it alone.

It's the same at work if my colleagues are discussing some contentious piece of news or another. I have to really work so hard to stay out of it!

I kind of thought as I got older I'd been able to manage it better but as I approach 50 far quicker than I'd like to admit to myself that doesn't seem to be the case

I'm wondering then if it would help if you got yourself an autism assessment? You could try asking your GP to refer you to your local NHS team - although the waiting list's likely to be years rather than months. Alternatively, there are some reputable private practices that carry out assessments with people of your age: you'd be looking at c.£500 for a thorough assessment.

It may be that it wouldn't be so much the confirmation of autism that would be helpful for you (bearing in mind, of course, that the assessors may disagree with you that you are in fact autistic!), rather than a detailed examination of your strengths and challenges in terms of how you may differ from most neurotypical people, together with suggested strategies for managing the difficulties of being autistic in a world that's designed primarily for neurotypicals.

 

[Sally71]

Following on from @CliffH ’s post, my daughter was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum when she was 15, and until she was 14 (during the first lockdown) nobody had a clue! We weren’t sure how to feel about the diagnosis when it came, but daughter said that it was quite nice to have a reason for all the ways that she’s different, and now that we know, we can develop coping strategies for the things that she finds difficult. There’s a lot of useful information out there if you are on the spectrum. If you feel that it would help you. I’ve got some autistic traits, but given that I have to spend a lot of time explaining things to my daughter, and it’s clear to me now that her brain just doesn’t work in the same way as mine, then I’m probably not overall so I don’t think it would be worth me getting tested.

 

[dannybgoode]

I'm wondering then if it would help if you got yourself an autism assessment? You could try asking your GP to refer you to your local NHS team - although the waiting list's likely to be years rather than months. Alternatively, there are some reputable private practices that carry out assessments with people of your age: you'd be looking at c.£500 for a thorough assessment.

It may be that it wouldn't be so much the confirmation of autism that would be helpful for you (bearing in mind, of course, that the assessors may disagree with you that you are in fact autistic!), rather than a detailed examination of your strengths and challenges in terms of how you may differ from most neurotypical people, together with suggested strategies for managing the difficulties of being autistic in a world that's designed primarily for neurotypicals.

I have thought about it however given I'm approaching 50 and have pretty much learned how to handle myself I just don't see the point.

I don't have any issues with employment, am happily married, have a great family and I know my strengths and use them all the time in work and play.

My son on the other hand struggles hugely and is on the referral pathway as he does need help and support.

 

[beating_my_betes]

I have thought about it however given I'm approaching 50 and have pretty much learned how to handle myself I just don't see the point.

I don't have any issues with employment, am happily married, have a great family and I know my strengths and use them all the time in work and play.

My son on the other hand struggles hugely and is on the referral pathway as he does need help and support.

Not to assume the type of struggles your son is going through, but might an affirmative confirmation for yourself perhaps help your son i.e in terms of camaraderie and not feeling alone with their problems?