Hi everyone,
I’m very recently diagnosed, (had my assessment yesterday) and while I’ve been wanting this validation of my experiences for years, I’m now doubting myself, and feeling unsure how to move forward. Apologies for the length of this post, but I would really appreciate peoples thoughts on any of the following…
Whilst I definitely have lots of ASD traits, I have empathy, and I don’t have a really strict routine. I also haven’t had intense interests fora few months. I’m fine with abstract language, (when it’s me using it.) I know you don’t have to tick all the boxes, but right now I’m feeling like a not completely valid autistic person, especially given that growing up, no one really took me seriously when I said I thought I might be autistic, and even today someone told me that they would have no idea i’m on the spectrum without my saying so… I wonder if anyone else shares some of these deviations from the traits usually associated with ASD?
i’m also worried about my diagnosis not being taken seriously by my family. I would love to help them understand, but feel like they don’t realise how much my life, and the lives of other autistic people, are impacted by being on the spectrum. How might I navigate the conversation?
Finally, I wonder if anyone has guidance on disclosure: when to do it, who to disclose to, and how to disclose.
Thanks so much in advance for your thoughts.
