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Autistic Identity

Pikl

Hi everyone, 

For those of you who have completed your journey of self discovery, currently on your journey, or just starting out like I am, do you have any advice, insights, ideas?

I love researching, and am filling an arch lever file with loads on information about autism, late diagnosis, ect. It's putting it into a relatable context that is proving to be troublesome.

I am hoping that on working on accepting myself, and having better coping strategies will help keep the dreadful darkness at bay. I know that won't always work, but having a positive approach most or some of the Time could help make a difference. 

I cannot be unmasked at work, so if anyone here who is as lucky as I am to be in employment, could share what works for them, I would be very grateful. 

Anyway, a great big huge thank you in advance. X

Parents

  • Your idea sounds pro-active and good!

    I'm not sure if there is an ending to the process of self-discovery. I feel it's a life-long thing. But I think that's true for anyone, really, not just autistics.

    In terms of acceptance, I think it gets easier with time. I'm a bit under two years since my diagnosis and I think I am more accepting of myself now than I was then. But I'm very much a work in progress.

    With work, my job is not the best fit for me. I've had better, but I've had worse too. However, my boss has, so far, been very accepting of my (many) mistakes, and it's a very small office (just him and me in the office, with a few more people in the building) and I only work two days a week, so I struggle through. I'm trying to set up some flexible work from home for some of the other days, but I think I'll always need a greater than average amount of downtime to cope with work and life in general.

Reply

  • Your idea sounds pro-active and good!

    I'm not sure if there is an ending to the process of self-discovery. I feel it's a life-long thing. But I think that's true for anyone, really, not just autistics.

    In terms of acceptance, I think it gets easier with time. I'm a bit under two years since my diagnosis and I think I am more accepting of myself now than I was then. But I'm very much a work in progress.

    With work, my job is not the best fit for me. I've had better, but I've had worse too. However, my boss has, so far, been very accepting of my (many) mistakes, and it's a very small office (just him and me in the office, with a few more people in the building) and I only work two days a week, so I struggle through. I'm trying to set up some flexible work from home for some of the other days, but I think I'll always need a greater than average amount of downtime to cope with work and life in general.

Children
  • in reply to Luftmentsch

    Hi Luftmentsch, 

    You're right, self discovery is an on going process, for everyone. 

    I've been diagnosed for about the same time as you, and perhaps I'd denied it in some way. Or at least thought that I couldn't finally have an explanation and therefore resisted it. I suppose this is me trying to work on accepting the diagnosis. 

    Work is so hard to navigate, and I'm glad your boss is understanding.