Im new to this and need help and support

I am 32 and i have only just got my autism diagnosis,  have been misdiagnosed with bipolar and e.u.p.d. and although i have faught for my diagnosis i am so confused now as i dont know what to do next, i feel lost and nobody around me understands autism so i feel very alone, i dont know if i need answers, support or friends but i know i can not stay like this with none of those, please if you have any advice, support or ways to make friends let me know, it will all be greatly appreciated. 

Parents
  • Congratulations on your autism diagnosis and welcome to the community!

    During the period following a diagnosis it can be common for us - especially as late-diagnosed adults - to experience emotional dysregulation. This can include working through a phase where we feel confused and experience (backward-focused) anger, frustration, grieving and more. So please don't worry, this is normal!

    The NAS has a great set of articles focused around diagnosis, including one covering how you might feel during the subsequent days / weeks / months - you might find them of interest and/or helpful:

    NAS - How you might feel after a diagnosis

    NAS - Other advice covering post-diagnosis

    Including:

    • Talking about and disclosing your autism diagnosis
    • Formal support following an autism diagnosis

    In terms of what to do next, my advice at this point (ie so soon after your diagnosis) would be to try and give yourself some time and breathing space to process and absorb everything that you've been through, and let your feelings settle down.

    For me, as for many others here, my diagnosis turned out to be much more of the start of a new journey, rather than a conclusion complete with ready-made solutions for my various ASD-related difficulties.

    Therapy is often recommended after a diagnosis. You might find it helpful to borrow or buy this book. It features discussion of various types of therapy and counselling, together with advice on choosing the right therapist or counsellor - all from an autistic person's viewpoint. Several of us here have found it very helpful, myself included:

    The Autistic Survival Guide to Therapy

  • Thank you so much simply knowing what i am feeling is perfectly normal is amazing thank you so much. 

  • You're most welcome! :)

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