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Feeling isolated and vulnerable after late diagnosis

Newbie

Hello everyone,

I’m 24 and I found out I’m autistic about two months ago. Like a lot of people I think I find it really validating and things make more sense now, but there’s a lot of difficult feelings too.

I’m really scared of sharing my diagnosis because it’s so sensitive that a bad reaction from someone would really hurt my feelings. I really want to talk to other autistic people because I think you’ll understand how I’m feeling better without me having to explain in detail. 

It’s making me feel quite alone and I could really do with talking to others who have been through this 

Parents

  • I was diagnosed last year at 59, and, like you, found it to be very validating - having a reason for so many of my problems and limitations. Though Covid obviously has limited social interactions, I have not directly spoken to any other autistic person except my daughter, who was diagnosed the day after my diagnosis. I did find that one of my friends and former colleague was autistic, by email. My close family knew I was being assessed beforehand, so no disclosure needed there. I have told my wider family and close friends, probably a dozen people in all, including spouses. I didn't get a single negative reaction, though I did have to explain how autism works a few times. One friend, who I have known since I was 14, wrote me such a remarkably kind note that I was close to tears, and I do not cry easily at all.

  • in reply to Martin

    I’ve also only told a handful of people and mainly family, so far all positive so I guess I should focus on the good. It’s nice to hear your friend was really kind 

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