Female in mid-life, new to site

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Hi,
I'm 51 and I recently figured out that I'm autistic. All of my friends, my colleagues, close family members have all just breathed that big "Aha!" with me.

I'm seeking an official diagnosis, but my insurance (AETNA open access) doesn't even put the words autism or Asperger's on their website. Not available in any drop down menu se, no matches found for the search tool. I've been in some kind of vortex trying to figure out what to do. I've called many non-profits, I called a patient advocacy group and they can't understand what my problem is. It's a bummer when your patient advocate dumps you off because you're strange to them.

I won't give up because I'm focused on it, but it shouldn't be so traumatic and convoluted for adults to find care.

Welcome!

Hey Encelia welcome.

Hi there!

I'm middle-aged, too. I'm 55.

Takoma Park is right next to DC! I once knew somebody who lived in Hyattsville. I used to get off at the first exit on 495, The Beltway, after leaving 95.

I'm a New Yorker.

I was diagnosed with autism, believe it or not, when I was about three. I'm one of the oddball oldsters who didn't get diagnosed later in life.

Are you interested in things like Neanderthal Man?

Greetings and welcome to the site - I was diagnosed at 58 and it was a major haul to get there

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

Hi, Encella. I agree it shouldn't be so hard, but frankly? Your insurer has every incentive to NOT let you find a service. Also, the number of adults seeking diagnosis is much smaller than the number of child referrals or the number of breast cancer cases.

Here's what worked for me to get my diagnostic evaluation. I called their "behavioral health" person, who was stumped but sent me to a psychologist. The psychologist did an intake interview, then referred me to a psychiatrist at a child clinic. That person finally did my evaluation.

Yes, it's HARD! I think someone low-functioning or depressed might very well just give up.

I did have to give a rationale why I qualified to get the assessment. In my case, family history did it.

If you are looking for services, beyond diagnosis, I think you could maybe quit right now. There are no services. Your peer group, at places like WrongPlanet, will give you more than your health plan will. However, the frequently co-morbid anxiety and depression do qualify for services. Take what you can get, as long as it feels productive to you, but don't be too angry about not getting more support. These are still early days for adult autism.

Hi Encelia! I'm exactly where you are - I'm glad to know what makes me a little odd, and I need a diagnosis because I suspect poor judgement and misunderstanding work politics has cost me jobs. With a diagnosis you can apply for a 504 which guarantees accommodations. (It's nice being a special ed teacher, lol!) Anyway, try checking with nearby universities with a teaching hospital affiliate - I've heard many have services at low cost. Whatever you do, don't give up!

Mental health care in the US is terrible. Basically the two parties got together to cut mental health--one party wanted more freedom (less institutionalized care) and the other wanted lower government expenditures--and found common ground by putting folks on the street.

Care isn't too bad for kids, but once you turn 18, you no longer require mental health services!

Welcome! Hope you enjoy it here.

Greetings,
I'm new here but I've already posted 2 posts before arriving in this this intro column.
Sorry for getting things the wrong way around. It seems I'm apologising to everyone or being Aspie (me) lately...

I am a 56 year old Aussie MLF and VERY Aspie. I was diagnosed about a year ago and have pretty well been alienated by all since I made this announcement, so if I talk to anyone apart from shopkeepers it will most likely to be on this site.

hello, windpower!

Hello, welcome to here