FIRST WEEK AS A KNOWINGLY AUTISTIC WOMAN!

I don't know if this is still the "honeymoon" period, but I'm still on cloud nine and have now told everyone I know. With the exception of one 'friend' (who said we are all on the spectrum and she wasn't prepared to take it seriously until I've got an official diagnosis - and then proceeded to tell me in an accusatory tone of all the situations where I have embarrassed her and not behaved appropriately).

Last week, I made a REAL effort to block out people, noise etc that I would ordinarily have commented loudly on, alienating people in the process, and although this is clearly masking, it is necessary in order to get through a day without the usual conflict. I imagine this what "normal" people do...The result, is that I have had a conflict free week! Yes, it was tiring being concious of how I was, what I said and how I said it, may be it's a question of fake it til you make it.

I now have the enormous task of deciding whether or not to contact my 86 year old mother, who I have not spoken to for 25 years, who was obsessive and controlling to me as a child, as it is now blindingly obvious that she is autistic too...Any advice from someone who has had the same dilemma would be deeply appreciated

Parents
  • Crikey, no clue about the estranged Mum thing.

    I just thought I'd write to say (without wanting to sound like a party pooper) - yes, you sound like you are still in the honeymoon period and I am afraid that you are likely to experience a dip in mood again in the not too distant future.  Be ready for that.

    In the meanwhile, enjoy your high!!

  • I might, but I'm naturally an optimistic person and a realist, so have put feelers out to speak to a qualified psychololgist who specialises in autism in adults so get as much info and support as possible to counter that. Also, I'm sufficiently bolshie that if anyone gives me a hard time, they'll get it with both barrels! No gain without pain!

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