Six months ago, I was diagnosed as autistic at the age of 44. It was a difficult process and I recorded this video describing my experience of an NHS assessment and then a private assessment, in the hope of helping other older women who are considering or going through the autism assessment process in the UK.

Feel free to comment, but please understand that I may not reply as this is difficult for me. I cannot give any more advice than the small amount I give in the video, as I am just an author and not an expert in the diagnosis of autism and ADHD. I just wanted to share my experience in the hope that other people who are going through something similar, or who are considering going through the assessment process later in life, feel less alone.

Also, just to be absolutely clear: I adore the NHS. I had a bad experience in the autism assessment process, but have benefitted from the medical care they provide on many occasions and it has always been superlative. They do seem to be a little bit behind in the diagnosis of autism in older women, however.

The chartered psychologist who carried out my assessment was Louise Hilliar, and her website is: https://www.louisehilliar.co.uk feel free to contact her through her website if you would like to seek a private assessment too.

A couple of sites that might be helpful to you:
National Autistic Society: http://autism.org.uk
Autistic Women and NonBinary Network: https://awnnetwork.org

If you'd like to find out more about my books after watching this, my website is: http://www.enewman.co.uk

I also have a Patreon:   / emmanewman   and I will make a dedicated post for this video there with the option for more discussion.