Published on 12, July, 2020
New to the site. In fact I only got my diagnosis letter through from the psychologist through the door on Thursday.
I'm 50 and have just been diagnosed with high functioning ASD. What now? I'm in Falkirk in Central Scotland. From what I gather, the facilities available for adults newly diagnosed are sparse.
I'd also like to know what benefits, etc. I may be entitled to. I also suffer with various chronic pains/conditions which make my mobility difficult. What are the odds I'd qualify for a blue badge?
Thoughts, advice, direction, etc. welcomed.
Thanks.
Not a lot to be honest, it was "you have ASD, goodbye" for me. I was diagnosed last November and had no contact with anyone from the diagnostic team or support groups since. Its rubbish really, had to do a lot of reading and research myself and parents continued prompting me to try and socialise.
I am sad to hear peoples sad stories of post diagnosis! I live in East Anglia, and have experienced a very good service.
I have had a post diagnosis meeting with details and access to a variety of support, including being invited to group sessions for myself AND my NT partner, which I think will be fantastic.
Also I was provided with many details including leaflets from relevant NAS services, reading lists for myself, my partner and my children, details of places I can go if I am having a sensory overload episode in my local area, and also encouraged to speak to my GP post diagnosis to see if any changes can be made to help.
I think based on this is is different wherever you live, and that I have been fortunate. I would suggest of you have had no follow up at all, the NAS site and helplines can put you in touch with services local to you, which you can help use for advice and support.
Most of all, don't give up! There are many people here in the same situation, or who are happy to offer advice from experiences they have had! Good luck and hang in there!
It's sort of the same here, with the added complication that I had the diagnosis in the UK ( my home country) a couple of months back, but I actually live on the other side of the world, in a country where no one wanted to diagnose a retired adult. No one here wants to talk to a diagnosed person either.
I'm expecting the same....