summary of my experiences/Seeking Advice

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HI
I recently realized I may have an autism spectrum disorder. Im 30 years old. I've never been formally diagnosed or professionally evaluated. I became consciously aware something was "wrong" with me in high school. I could barely move or speak. My grades slipped, I would leave school early unannounced, and I even dropped out in 12th grade( I did manage to go back and finish.) My father and teachers attributed this to being a "troubled teen" and nothing more than "just a phase" that sort of thing. though my experience was one of complete disconnection with all people. It seemed to me impossible to talk to anyone or express my thoughts and feelings to anyone at all. I left home to live on my own feeling a sort of pressure to " fit in " with the few friends I had and I tried to survive on my own throughout my twenties. I went from one job to the next and forced myself through one social situation to the next. based on internet research I thought I had "social phobia" "clinical depression" "ADHD". (looking back now, I was very antisocial in elementary and middle school too-I had certain friends that I had been in school with from Kindergarten through eighth grade- I was very attached to those certain few people that I had established relationships with early on and I would avoid anyone else) I realize this sounds rather bleak- I did manage to meet some good people and had some good moments and experiences but overall, it was a haze of confusion and anxiety. it was hard to admit but I couldn't handle being on my own. Im now back at home with my family

I have a four year old nephew who was recently diagnosed with autism. so I started researching and every list of symptoms I read was hitting the proverbial nail on the head. every online "aspie" ASD quiz etc. I scored high on. (I know those tests aren't definitive ) so many other experiences on this site and elsewhere where just like mine.

so here I am and Im very grateful for finding such a valuable resource as an online community like this, I could really use advice on the most efficient/ economic path to take to be professionally evaluated/ diagnosed.

Thanks
Bryan K

p.s
glad to answer any questions about symptoms experiences etc.

hiya BryanK welcome to our cool cool club

The mechanics for formalising diagnosis vary widely from place to place. If there's an autism support agency in your area, they'll be able to advise you.