Lost don’t know what to do now
Lost don’t know what to do now
All I'd say is, it's not technically all bad, sure we have something like seventy percent unemployment rate, with fifteen in full time, the rest in part time, but hey-ho. Comes with being disabled pal. Not knowing your background, it could obviously help to understand as to whether you've dealt with depression in the past, we're bit tad more prone to that than your average joe-blog so fun times ahead!
Hi NAS66141 - I received a diagnosis last month aged 51. With 30 years of treatment for depression (a symptom and not the cause) along with a period of misdiagnosis as bipolar, it was kind of a relief. Last year I went to my GP thinking ADHD may be the underlying cause but she referred me to the local autism services department, something I'd never considered myself. During the process (written questionnaire as well as an assessment and 'informant' testimonials) I came to see the truth. Given the diagnosis the same day, my initial thought was 'what a waste of thirty years', but I quickly turned that around and thought, 'well, at least I know what I'm working with now' and as a result, I hope the future will be less chaotic. Moving forwards I hope that understanding myself better will help me make better decisions. I'm still the same person full of anxiety and social angst with a long history of failed jobs and relationships - but understanding 'why' may allow me to find my fit in the world instead of struggling to stuff a square peg in a round hole. I hope you can come to see your diagnosis as a positive event.
Oh good! I’m glad you have support from your parents and manager.
I don’t work anymore due to back issues but I struggled big time with work because of the autism! So I’m glad to am not working to be fair. My childhood was difficult with making friends and retaining them. I was a loner.
I just don’t know wether I should bother with a formal diagnosis at my age. Anyway, thanks
To be honest I have self diagnosed and awaiting formal diagnosis and my parents have been supportive and said they think my daughter shows quite a few signs too. My boss has been very supportive and understanding so not all people think negative (which is good) . But it is a big cultural shock. It does overwhelm me even now but starting to understand my childhood a bit more now.
Hi, I am 56 and have recently self diagnosed with Aspergers and I told my husband, he was not surprised and told me that he thinks he is too! That was a surprise until we compared notes and unwrapped it all. I told my adult daughter and she suspected it for a while. I told 2 friends that were amazed and accepted. But I really don’t want to tell anyone else because I just worry that they will treat me differently if they know. Like I have less intelligence or something or my credibility will be tarnished.
is this the reason you suggest not to tell anyone too?
Hi NAS66141,
It’s very understandable for people to feel a bit lost after their diagnosis. If you have any questions, or wanted some advice, you may like to contact our Autism Helpline team. They can provide you with information and advice on your issue. You can call them on 0808 800 4104 (Monday to Thursday 10am to 4pm, Friday 9am to 3pm).Please note that the Helpline is experiencing a high volume of calls and it may take a couple of attempts before you get through to speak to an advisor.
all the best,
ChloeMod.
Hi!! I am 47 and self diagnosed. At least you have a diagnose. That's a turning point in your life. Now you know the name of your condition. That's very good. Allow me to tell you this: don't share your diagnose with others. tell your doctors and in a support group. Keep it to yourself. Keep your routines, work a lot and seek for professional help, if you can. Share your fears here in our community and everything will be better now that you know yourself. Know everything will finally make sense. Welcome aboard!!
I think its difficult finding out in adult life you have autism. I was diagnosed at 25 and I still haven't fully processed my diagnosis yet, even though its been over a year now. I find work very difficult some days and other days it doesn't seem so bad. I hope you will find some solace in speaking with others who have been diagnosed.
