Anyone ever been checked for autism in adulthood?
 

Recently Neurologist asked me if I thought I could have autism. To be honest I never really thought about it since my symptoms never started until about 3 years ago. Is it possible to become autistic in adulthood? She also asked if I had ever been exposed to heavy metals?? Im guessing heavy metals cause autism or something similar to autism?

Anyone here ever been actually diagnosed as autism in late adulthood? If so can you please share what symptoms you showed?

You ask a good but difficult question. When I was supporting someone with aspergers at their P.T. session, this very question came up. And she told me you don't really see adults going to get tested because of the stigma attached to autism and as an adult they have found a successful way to cope in society.
That was a number of years back. With no one commenting on your post, I couldn't help but recall that conversation.
Sorry I didn't really give you an answer.

Hi Skimbleshanks
Depending on your age there's a possibility you could have had autism all your life but be high functioning and therefore it wasn't diagnosed earlier. There are many different levels and types of autism. It's only in the last few decades since sufficient research and testing has been done that diagnosis has become more readily available. Anyone who was a child in the 1960's, 70's or 80's, who may have mild to moderate autism or asperger's, might have been put in a standard school system and learnt to cope and never been diagnosed.

Has the neurologist suggested further testing for autism? Did she give any indication of what type she thought you might have? I have not heard of anyone developing autism as an adult (that's not to say it's not possible) but you say your onset started about 3 yrs ago - this would suggest an acqired disease or reaction to something. Also the question about exposure to heavy metals may be in relation to Neurotoxicity, depending on what condition the doctor was trying to diagnose.

Sorry this probably leaves you with more questions than answers. Are you due to see the Neurologist again? Did you get a written report from the neuro appt. - if not - requesting a copy might give you more info. Maybe you could ask for specifc answers next time she asks such vague questions. Don't be anxious about the doctor asking you the autism question - if she didn't give you a definitive diagnosis then she is just considering any and all possibilities.
All the best in your search for answers.

Hi SkimbleShanks

I had a chat with my partner about this - she is a psychologist with expertise in working with children who have developmental delays.

Her comment was, that while adult diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder is unusual, it can happen.

Her suggestion was that seeing a psychologist who knows about ASD as well as your neurologist is a plan which is worth considering (as bluesfan has implied).

Being diagnosed as autistic in adulthood is common. I was diagnosed at 43. I run a Facebook group called Ask Me I'm Autistic and I am the Collaboration Director for the Autistic Strategies Network. I am also involved in organising social events for autistic children and adults. Most of my offline autistic friends were diagnosed in adulthood.

Sent from my SM-N900 using Tapatalk

Just from experience as a Special Education teacher, besides a "mixed" bag of 11-14 year old Emotionally disturbed students, I also worked exclusively in a class-room of Autistic students and believe my 92 year old MIL has Asperger's. I think Autism is a neorodiversity. While cures are wonderful, suggest we look at behaviors wanted to deal in our world, not disease causes and cures. What is desired effect?

My additional effort was having Autistic play dates with my toddler twins with Autistic friends. My son and his friends always included an Asperger's boy in their activities in High School, later working where they worked. People often fear those unlike themselves. If nothing else my own kids got exposed to diversity.

Hi :)
 

I'm 40 and my GP told me yesterday that it's highly likely that I have Asperger's. I've suspected as much since our son was diagnosed with the same in 2011. As we went through the enormous questionnaire the paediatrician was using as part of the diagnostic process, I'd be answering yes to many of the questions in regards to our son, and yes in my head in regards to myself. Things I'd never even realised were related to Asperger's were included in the questions. At the end of it he smiled at me and said, "YOU answered 'yes' to a lot of those, too, didn't you?"

So yeah, I had an inkling but it wasn't ever anything I pursued as there wasn't really any point.