Hello gmajane2,

I am 52, previously diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Just this year, when something very traumatizing and stressful happened, my symptoms came out more than ever, and my doctors starting talking about the autism spectrum for me. I have not pursued a formal diagnosis, partly because I know it is true...and I have a beloved son who is a varsity-level autistic savant. I get it. I can see it and feel it in me. Like others have posted here, the clarity gained after the "label" gets entered into discussion--that clarity can be very informative, helpful, and even comforting. My experience, anyways. I wish you and all your loved ones the very best. Neurodivergence is what makes this world of ours colorful! (especially for those of us with profound polysensory synesthesia...tracks with the autism spectrum, but that's a topic for another day.