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I got my Diagnosis…

Catlover

I was sent a copy of my draft report yesterday. I was correct with my previous self diagnosis. I’m not sure how I feel about this, and I cried when I read it, which isn’t usual for me. I’ve not been able to read the entire thing, as the parts I saw made me feel quite bad about myself. I’m also upset by the fact I was ‘that child’ who was unsupported and ‘missed’. And I’m annoyed that it took me so long to realise I was autistic. My diagnosis comes 2 months short of my 49th birthday.

But at the same time, I now have the factual proof which puts my mind at rest. 

Two other conditions were flagged but I don’t feel the need to be assessed for them. I’ll just accept I have them, (as I already suspected I did).

  • I am waiting for my long diagnostic paper but have known from January that I officially have autism. I am 54 and relieved that it has been recognised. I don't know how I will feel when I read the long report. I was assessed more than 10 years ago and was told that I did not have it then and that puzzled me no end. 

  • It’s an interesting feeling isn’t it? I received my diagnosis recently and it’s been a bit of a journey coming to terms with it all and reading the notes in the report. Nothing has changed in me, I’m still the same person I always have been, but I’m starting to reach the stage where I’m able to be a little more forgiving of myself where I never was able to be before my diagnosis. And it has all been because of those simple pieces of paper. I suppose what I’m trying to get at, is that although it is a journey with ups and downs, it has been a real positive all in all. So, congratulations and best of luck moving forward

  • in reply to Dawn

    Thank you. It was something I needed to do. Although I already ‘knew’, I now feel like it might be wrong, or maybe I was exaggerating my traits, because I know what I’ve achieved in the past.
    I know this is just me coming to terms with it, and in the same breath, I feel like I want to blurt it out to everyone. It’s a strange time.

  • in reply to Autimator

    Thanks for the reply. I will try and read it soon, but still can’t face it just yet.

  • Congratulation!  Even if it doesn't feel like a celebratory moment just now.  I was diagnosed at 56 and yes, a lot of things might be different for me if that had come sooner.

    Knowing, and having the bit of paper will help in the long run :-)

  • Good news, congratulations.  Its difficult for us who later in life realise (or are nudged into realising), the great awakening, I was diagnosed at 42, also way too late.  Teachers at primary school knew I had difficulties (non-verbal, withdrawn, no idea I needed glasses, etc.) but for some reason never got assessed properly.  There was less in place years ago, even though autism was well know, so we have to accept that.  You just get on with life and blindly stumble through, and its tough, many don't make it far into adulthood unfortunately because its tough, but diagnosis is a chance to reset.

    Day 1 of the rest of your (autistic) life.

    Try and read through the draft report though even if painful, make sure its correct and they haven't missed anything important.