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I'm lost - recently diagnosed

Opaque

Hi there.

I'm a woman in her late 20s and got diagnosed with Childhood Autism a few weeks ago. Because of the diagnostic changes and things I'm just referring to it as ASD, which would have been my diagnosis this time next year? But I don't know if that's ok to do? Or who would decide whether it would be ok or not?

At first I felt like it was a huge weight off, it was validation for why I've always felt so different and confused. The initial feeling has worn off though, and I'm completely lost. I'm trying to keep doing my day to day life but I know I should change and get into a proper routine but I just want to sleep and shut everything out - my mood has been really down.

The internet is such a huge place. Can anyone tell me steps they started to go through upon getting diagnosed that they found helped? Also does anyone have any recommendations for coping strategies? I've bought loads of books on mindfulness to try and be proactive but now I feel overwhelmed and stressed whenever I pick them up because there's so much information and some of them I "logic" my way out of thinking through. Is there any mindfulness techniques people find help or anything?

I need any and all advice or recommendations on things that have worked for people. I live alone and am trying to go through each day as it comes, but my mood has been so rubbish. I feel like life is so much more hassle than it's worth and I'm constantly treading water.

I need a guidebook or steps to follow

  • Hi Opaque,

    It sounds like you might be interested in having a look at the 'After Diagnosis' information page here on the NAS website - https://www.autism.org.uk/about/diagnosis/adults/after.aspx

    There you can find more information for people who have recently been diagnosed and are wondering about what's next, links to our autism helpline and services directory, information and advice on benefits, employment, social services, housing, and more.

    Hope this will be of some use,

    Best wishes,

    Ross- mod

  • Hello opaque,

    it sounds like youve reacted very similar to me. I got my diagnosis about 2months ago. I was initially really relieved, then went through a really low period of not knowing what next, realising that while it explained everything it didnt neccesarily help and was for keeps etc. More recently i think ive started to accept it and am coping much better. Although ive not changed anything as such im not beating myself up as much over things that go wrong. Like lonewarrier says though im still having bad days (today actually is one, sigh). I guess it goes with the territory. 

    Ive found a book called living well on the spectrum really helpful. Its a workbook type book and talks basically good sense. See what you think.

    I hope things improve for you. Ive found this site really really helpful too - so welcome :o)

  • Just wanted to say welcome aboard. It is fairly quite here right now. So don’t worry that you may not get lots of replies, you will eventually.

    feel free to call your diagnosis whatever you choose to. Be yourself here, you will not be judged, everyone is a kind soul and overall we share so much although with varying degrees of similarities.

    We are one big family or tribe if you like.

     We all have good days and sadly bad days, the feelings you are experiencing are not uncommon to many of us. How to change that varies.

    Keep talking in here is one way, please join in on any topic which you feel happy to, don’t fret about spelling or wether something you say might be wrong,

    Please take care and be kind to yourself. Oh and may I offer you a virtual aspie hug. You do not have to accept it or even mention it! But it’s here and free because it makes me happy to know it might be enjoyed. ()