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\nI identified with many autism traits myself whilst researching for my daughter. It was like a lightbulb moment!<\/h4>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Although I had noticed all the autism signs in my daughters, it was a long journey towards getting them assessed and diagnosed. Whilst I was doing all this research, I felt like many of the descriptions fit me. Then, one evening I went to a talk organised by the National Autistic Society. The speaker was a lady called Julia Daunt who is an adult with Pathological Demand Avoidance<\/span><\/a> or\u00a0 PDA which is a profile on the autism spectrum.\u00a0 I sat and listened and resonated so much with what she was saying.<\/p>\n
I thought for a while on whether I was too old to seek a diagnosis in my 30s. Nevertheless, I took that step and in April 2015, went to my General Practitioner or GP said I think I\u2019m autistic and would like to be referred for an assessment.\u00a0 I was so incredibly lucky to be diagnosed 4 months later.<\/p>\n
\nWhy was this diagnosis important to me?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\nIt saved my life and relationships with family and friends.<\/h4>\n<\/blockquote>\n
I spent 33 years of my life\u00a0 feeling lost, misunderstood, and very different. School was hell! My peers thought I was weird and quiet. So,\u00a0 when I did speak they mocked me.\u00a0 I had only a handful of good friends, but mostly, I was just that someone to be picked on.<\/p>\n
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Schooling<\/strong><\/h3>\n
I always struggled with school work as I quite often would daydream in class and completely miss out on what was said. I had an element of demand avoidance so I wouldn\u2019t ever do my homework, which then involved my parents coming in for school to talk and agree to put me on report. I quite often pretended to be ill so I didn\u2019t have to go to school.<\/p>\n
My 20s<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Throughout my 20\u2019s Dr\u2019s just kept saying I was depressed and gave me antidepressants. Had I been diagnosed as a child,\u00a0 I don\u2019t think I would have been so miserable. Sadly I\u2019m from the \u201cmissed\u201d generation but I know I am not alone. Many of adults my generation and older are being diagnosed now. Unfortunately, some are not given the opportunity or access to be diagnosed for various reasons.<\/p>\n
An epiphany <\/strong><\/h3>\n
My diagnosis was like an epiphany! I finally understood myself, felt empowered to own my difference, and to embrace it! Knowing that I am autistic, raising my two girls who are autistic is helping me navigate my family life armed with more information to keep us stronger as a unit.I am turning 40 next year and I feel compelled to share my journey to inspire families.<\/p>\n
This piece was contributed by Carly Considine<\/em><\/p>\n
Carly was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2015 at the age of 33. She also has 2 daughters on the autism spectrum. With her knowledge, she hopes to help families understand their children and teach them useful strategies.<\/p>\n
If you would like to support Carly\u2019s efforts and make a contribution, please do so at her BuyMeACoffee link here<\/a> or connect with her on Facebook here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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