I Was Diagnosed as Autistic at Nearly 50 (My First Video!)

Welcome to the adult-diagnosed community. I was diagnosed in December at age 75. It's interesting and strange to think back to things that happened in life and realize they were related to autism when I and nobody around me suspected. I have no experience of being a neurotypical person, but I have lots of experience with being treated like a neurotypical person!

Hi. At 65, last year, I figured this out. Autistic with a side order of ADHD. I too do art...mixed media, but not "professionally". Nice to hear from another older female who has discovered this.

Excuse the scrappy illustrations! It's been around ten years since I've drawn anything digitally so I'm going to use this channel as an excuse to practice and get better! 😜 EDIT: Thank you so much for all your lovely comments - I'm absolutely blown away as I wasn't expecting very many people to watch this video! I'm trying to respond to everyone but apologies if I miss anyone. Please know I'm reading all of them! 🧡

I have self diagnosed, at 45. Its such a huge relief to know whats “wrong” with me. But also sad bcuz my life could have gone better if i had known earlier. And now it feels a bit late to do much about it.

I was diagnosed at 48 and am now 50; I also suspected for about 20 years but told myself someone would have noticed by now. Apparently us women are very skilled at masking. Thank you for sharing your story.

Fellow late diagnosed middle-aged autistic (AuDHD in fact) here, welcome to the fold! It's a unique experience to have lived with and adapted to one's sensitivities for so long only to discover that it's not just eccentricity but rather an actual, specific biological configuration responsible for many of the life challenges that one has had to face without systemic recognition or support. Keen to check out your clay channel as well (I love stopmo and have long adored the Quay Brothers' oeuvre)!

Recently diagnosed with autism and adhd at the age of 51. Like you I have known that I was autistic for many years. Like many others, I discovered mine when my daughters were diagnosed, my eldest with ADHD and my youngest with autism. I also have immune system problems! Good on you for starting your channel! I am sure many will find it helpful. You are right that we older ones are not represented in the social media space and you will give comfort to many. Good luck!

Congratulations on finally knowing. I was diagnosed with ASD2, ADHD and GAD at 53.

I didn't realize how much I wasn't really "doing eye contact" all my life until I became more self aware about this and allowing myself to be my real self. Although, I did notice over the years that I was focusing in on weird details like people's teeth or fingernails. And then I would wonder if other people are looking at those details on me (ack!). I actually find it really distracting and tiring to look at people. I miss 2020 when it was cool to wear a face mask for a split second because it was less stuff to process and I didn't feel compelled to make fake facial expressions.

I currently identify as "presenting autistic" because I can't seem to get a diagnosis, but it means so much to see these videos and feel supported. I'm 46, all the online screenings say, "yup--you're probably autistic," but actually finding a provider who will do the official testing to get an official diagnosis? I was literally told by someone who I think was trying to be supportive was, "well, most don't do ADULT testing--only child testing--because adult autism testing isn't seen as important."

I just found your channel and want you to know that I can relate to you in several ways. I will be 53 in a few months, have already menopaused (thanks to a hysterectomy at 40), have had mental health, social, communication issues my entire life, but was finally diagnosed with autism last week. I admit to not having known enough about autism until the recent months, which is a testament to how uninformed the general population must be. I always thought I was destined to live out my remaining years sad, scared, lonely and improperly medicated for this, that and the other psychological condition. I allowed myself to research a bit about autism after catching a youtube short which resonated with me. I waited a few weeks then concluded that it was a real possibility. With that, for the sake of there being a tiny glimmer of hope of this being my answer, I found an expert in adult diagnoses. She validated my suspicion. I've been going from "this explains everything!" and feeling ok with it, to "I've no idea who I am" and freaking out. The good thing, the AMAZING thing, is that there are so many of us. I also want to mention that i also used alcohol as a crutch of sorts, for a long time. It just made interactions easier, albeit still not authentic. It wasn't a good idea and I'd never ever recommend it, but it's what i did to get me through horrible times. I don't drink now due to reflux and the awful feeling of a hangover. Little did I understand that it was a way to mask my discomfort.

Just coming across your channel now. Thank you for sharing your experience esp. for those who are getting a dx in their 40s and 50s, representation is so important. Subscribed!

As an aspie that was diagnosed at 48, I can relate with the relief of receiving the diagnosis because it was extremely disconcerting knowing that something was off-kilter (compared to society in general, allistics, et al) with me my entire life, but not having an explanation for what it is. I cannot relate with crying over the diagnosis. I am a bit disappointed at being deprived of the support that would have made my life both happier and more productive, but that came in retrospect. In the moment of the diagnosis, I was mostly gratified at having my suspicions confirmed because that was my leading theory going into the testing process. Acknowledgment and acceptance of the diagnosis so that I no longer have the looming cloud of the unknown above my head has done more good for my mental health and capability of dealing with my other challenges than any amount of strangers trying to tell me how I should live my life.

I am 50, in full blown menopause, was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 9, and highly suspect that I am also Autistic. It is so nice to see somebody my age talking about this. Like you said, other later diagnosed creators are in their 20s or 30s, and while their voices are great it is also nice to have somebody who is closer to my actual age. Thanks for starting this chancel. I'm from Kentucky USA. Nice to meet you.

Thank you for sharing 🙏🏽 I have my first appointment next month for testing. I turn 50 later this year. It’s helpful to see others late diagnosed in their 40s +

Thank you. I've recently turned 60 and figured out that I was autistic about 18 months ago. I mentioned it in a support group for overcoming emotional abuse (CPTSD) and their response was "Oh, you didn't know? It's been obvious to us since you joined." Also ADHD, which is perhaps what masked my social awkwardness. The combination of CPTSD and autism means I find it very difficult to ask for help, and this includes going to my GP for anything. I was told about the NHS "Right to Choose" a year ago and I've done nothing about it. Your video has just given me new motivation to get my diagnosis. Thank you also for mentioning MCAS. I just searched the web speculatively for "mast cell oedema" not knowing that it was actually the name of a condition! I had occasional mild peripheral oedema after the first AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, which was blamed on my antidepressant (Escitalopram), then it flared up big time and has been the bane of my life for 3 years after the second AstraZeneca Covid-19 jab. My feet are so swollen that I can't fit my shoes or boots and I'm having to wear Crocs. I'm being treated for the oedema with a diuretic (Furosemide) but it provides only partial symptomatic relief, and causes severe night-time cramps in my feet, calves and sometimes my thighs, which is why I was awake and watching your video at 4am. This gives credence to my hypothesis that my oedema is an auto-immune response, triggered by the AstraZeneca vaccine. I'll need to join the queue for compensation, it seems.

I was diagnosed last year and also going through perimenopause. It’s been quite a rollercoaster. I often find myself experiencing imposter syndrome around my Autism diagnosis. I’ve been feeling so burnt out and run down that I haven't had the desire to keep up with video creating. Good for you for starting this channel and adding representation to us late diagnosed women.

I just got diagnosed at age 40. It’s such a relief! Feels like my brain is finally resting from always trying to figure out the puzzle that was me. Now I know and can work with myself, now that I know what I need.

Lizzie, thank you so much for your courage, your authenticity, and your kindness and generosity in sharing your journey of self-discovery with others!

I was diagnosed at 48. I can relate! I did subscribe😊