How the correct diagnosis has changed my life: Autism, not Generalised Anxiety Disorder!

Diagnosed about 18 months ago in my late 50s. It's a huge adjustment to consider, I just thought I had CPTSD from emotionally stunted parents who had no clue how to raise children. But, after the ADHD diagnosis 8 or 9 years ago and I still couldn't pull myself together I stumbled across Sarah Hendrickx videos, and 💡! "What if" is a lovely question, but it can't really be answered now, I'm just trying to focus on making my next 25 years fruitful. No more trying to meet old standards, all in with a lot of forgiveness and new interests and hopefully a few new friends.

You've nailed it completely. I was so dissociated i convinced myself my shutdowns was me being calm. Your transparency is so helpful. Thx Emma 😊

The medication part... Before I was diagnosed with autism (in my late 30s, and now I am in my early 40s) - my old doctor would prescribe me different anti-depression medication. - And I tried a handful of different brands. The side effects, which were supposed to dissipate or get better after x amount of weeks, were still there and just as strong as when I started taking the medication. Then when I went off the meds, I had awful withdrawal symptoms, and all in all, medication was not a good experience for me. Now, I have heard several people who have been diagnosed with autism say that they don't react very well to medication such as anti-depressants and anxiety meds, and so on. It seems to be quite common that many people on the autism spectrum are sensitive to medicines. Very interesting. Not surprising, though, since it also seems like (and that is my experience too) that we are susceptible to a lot of things that other "normal people" are not sensitive to.

Didn’t realize how much noise impacted me until I started wearing ear buds in public. It expands my coping capacity

Beautiful job in sharing your truth! I’m 65 yrs old and it’s been a very rough ride down the River for me, so oh, boy, do I relate to your story! My G.P., therapist, and even my pHD sibling all agree that I have Asperger’s, but also said it probably doesn’t matter anyway at this point. That’s incredibly uncaring in my mind. My struggles have been insurmountable for my entire life. Hearing your video today makes me just feel validated. Thank you!

I keep coming back to your video. I’m so hungry to talk to women like me, and this is the closest I’ve gotten to it. We’re the same age and seeing women much younger (early 20’s) talk about their late diagnosis…they are valid, but I was diagnosed in my 40’s and feel so much loss of potential and self awareness that I feel they still have. 20 years of it. I’m so very happy for them, but mourn for myself. Thank you for putting this out there! ❤

I was thinking why I feel suddenly anxious in safe environment. This video helped me to realise that I not only react to noises around, but can feel dysregulated when I am simply tired after doing bunch of things. So this video was really helpful!

Just found out myself at 44. Beautiful and compassionate 💞…thank you, Emma

You did wonderfully, no apologies necessary! Thank you for sharing, it means a lot <3

I really related to this and your other video about autism. While I was watching I also realized I had seen you at LARP (Empire I think) as you looked familiar, though I dont believe we ever interacted. Anyway your story struck a chord, I was diagnosed as a hyperactive problem child in the early 80s and apparently had GAD, however the past year and lots of research suggests I was most likely misdiagnosed and I am probably autistic. I have done the usual tests, talked to my mom who told me about how I used to flap my hands, jump up and down, and do all kinds of autistic type things and based on lots of research and conversations with my close friends (who are all on the spectrum) I am pretty sure there is a strong chance I am autistic too. I could never explain why through my life I never really fitted in, felt I was always putting on an act (probably something LARP helped me improve so I could wear a mask in everyday life), was constantly stumbling through social interactions and getting it wrong, being called rude when I wasnt intending, having periodic meltdowns and burnouts, as well as being bullied and marginalized at school and work. Anyway your story really resonated with me and I am glad you finally found your true self, I feel I am only just starting my first steps on that road and literally my entire past experiences in life are now starting to make sense. I wish you the best of luck for the future :)

Lush is many places, even in Norway. I have migraine, and can be very sensitive to light, smells, and sounds as well. So passing by Lush can be tough. I think it's great that your telling your story, and how things are for you. It really makes it easier for us "others" to understand. 🖤

Big hugs to you. I am so glad you finally got a label that fits. That you are not broken and do not need to be fixed. You are enough. As Mel Robbins says: " I am Okay. I am Safe. I am Loved. " Self compassion was all you needed to help you understand the root of your experiences and allowing the body to rest.

Thank you for all your ASD videos so grateful to you as an older female waiting for diagnosis, depression & anxiety was also given to me as diagnosis back in my 19-20th year, now I’m certain I’m neurodiverse and that was burn out and not coping with being so different to everyone else.

52 and waiting for an NHS referral appointment. Pretty sure I'm AuDHD with C-PTSD and RSD! After dropping out of 2 different degrees at the 1 year point, I finally have letters after my name! Hahaaaa! But seriously, I am much gentler with myself - realising that I can't help my brain reactions to certain environments/people/sounds/smells etc.. I can navigate them better, leave early, find the quiet place, put ear plugs in etc. I've beaten myself up for years about my 'issues' and I finally feel as though I can now 'get off my case' and learn to treat myself well and look after my own needs (instead of being a master fawner). Here's to a new and better understanding of our quirks :D Bless us all, and thank you Emma for sharing your personal story and helping us all to not feel so alone. x

I was diagnosed with general anxiety disorder when I just couldn't bounce back from my first burnout 7 years ago, when my oldest child started school. I'm now on a waitlist for an ASD assessment. This video was very helpful

17:09 omg I cannot believe there are other human beings feeling like this. I have enormous difficulties with my different masks coming together at once, for example friends meeting my parents.

I've experienced some of these things some of the time. Usually when I'm tired or feeling unwell or just stacked up with life things that needed fixing - families, cars, house, work. I suspect I have autistic traits but for me, labels are unimportant. A psychotherapist once told me "everyone wants to label things but it may not be helpful to you personally and may hinder you". I quite like that perspective. I don't want an excuse not to do something in case it triggers my XYZ diagnosis - and I know I would do that. Instead, being aware of my triggers and understanding myself, enables me to configure a lifestyle that works for me. I know when I need quiet times, or can handle busy times. For me: - understand yourself - accept we're all different - e.g you're not weird, you're you - lean into your personal strengths/skills rather than fighting the tide - use your insight to create an environment/lifestyle that soothes/nurtures your soul - find coping strategies that you can carry with you so you don't need to rely on something/someone else to help you through tricky moments My top tip after many years of fruitless anxiety is learn about yourself and embrace life in a way that works for you. You're unique and there's no set way to live your life. And above all, learn to breathe properly to help calm a frantic body - your body has no choice but to comply as correct breathing stimulates physiological calming processes. Check out James Nestor's book, "Breath". Or at the very least, in stressful times, breathe in for a count of 4 and out for 8 repeatedly, for 3 mins - that will slow it all down by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. Wishing whomever reads this the very best in their unique life ♥️

I felt connected to your feelings from the start. Then you said "Flames, FLAMES on the sides of my face!" MY FRIEND! :-) I have been neck deep in research and discovery and I've recently found a psych who specializes in adult assessments. I'm 45, so I was very warmed to find your videos. <3

I can so readily relate to everything you are saying! You make me feel a great deal better that there are other people on the planet that feel the same as me!! Thank you ❤

Wow this is so helpful! I related to so much that you talked about. I'm 40, not diagnosed, and only just starting to wonder about autism. I was also diagnosed with GAD in my early 20s, not through any special exam. I was actually first diagnosed with depression and went through a few medications that either didn't work or made me incredibly anxious. Then the doctor landed on a medication that was used for both anxiety and depression and I got miraculously better. I realized that I wasn't really depressed. I was overwhelmed by anxiety, and shutting down looked like depression. I don't recall a formal GAD diagnosis, but they put that on the prescription label, so I just assumed that was it. The rest is a long story, but I've found that despite medication I'm still anxious in crowds and places with lots of people talking, bright lights bother me, etc. And I will sometimes have a panic attack. I have been surprised at how effective it has been to wear earplugs. I wore earplugs to a poster session at a conference recently and felt calm as I talked to people where normally feel like I'm suffocating, struggle to concentrate on what people are saying, and just want to run out of the room.