Late diagnosis, female, 60

Hello - I've recently been diagnosed. While reframing your whole life is painful, there is a glimmer of calm because I know I'm not really alone any more; there is understanding out there. I had quite an abusive and bewildering childhood, at home and at school, so although it's not great revisiting and remembering, I think, with a counsellor's help, I'll be able to get over it. Autism isn't the nightmare, it's the things people did and said to make me feel lesser that was. It would be good to connect with other newly diagnosed older people to find out about them, their experiences, how their late diagnosis came about and how they cope. Thanks

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  • Hi Sassetta

    I'm a female just a few years older than you. Around 8 years ago (When I was in my 50s) I had been going through a bad time with my mental health, when I saw a tV programme about autism featuring an autistic woman who did talks about it. I looked at her and thought "that's me!"

    I grew up thinking I was "normal" but just rather sensitive, that I had been unlucky in meeting quite a few people who didn't "get" me and made me feel bad about myself, and although I had interests that were more intensive and sometimes different to the usual ones enjoyed by my gender, I just thought that made me more interesting and unique. I had to learn what autism was before I really got to grips with who I am, and this forum was such a help.

    Most of us had bewildering childhoods, so you're in the company of others here who will be understanding. Hope you enjoy chatting with us.

  • Hi Pixiefox,

    Really good to hear about how you came to your realisation. It's great to know there are a few of us on here around the same age and who do indeed 'get' each other. 

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