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Newly Assessed - Any advice?

martintheactor

I've lurked here for a while. And yesterday after over two years waiting for an assessment I had it. The psychiatrist has said I am Level 2 Autistic. I'll be honest it's something it's always something I've either been told, or considered. It was only after massive burnout that I finally thought maybe some of the experiences I have had could do with context. Was I struggling because autistic, or because I'm just odd...or both!

It'll be somewhere around 4-8 weeks from what I've read on Psychaitry UK's website to get the paperwork and such, but I bluntly asked the assessor yesterday when I can consider it a formal diagnosis. He told me then and there. 

Twenty-three hours after the assessment now and I kinda don't know how to process it all. So I guess I'm asking what advice people might have?

For context I'm late 30s, have struggled with burnout on and off, but did manage to get my BA, Masters and even a teaching qualification. I've mostly been self employed, but the latest burnout has me now unemployed. I've for the first time been trying to take that break and I guess work through health issues construstively.

Thanks in advance folks.

Parents

  • Hi! Good to have you here and congratulations on your diagnosis, this can be a really good thing to happen. I’m not officially diagnosed and fairly young so I’m gonna keep this short and leave you to read advice from people that might know a bit more about the situation you’re in.

    One common thing for autistic folks is the need for information about how something works. A lot of research, reading, thinking and watching helped me to come to the conclusion that yes, I might be autistic. That realisation allowed me to understand myself a bit better and to work out my needs. I am now trying to implement accommodations in my life (like allowing myself to wear noise cancelling headphones and sunglasses in situations where I might get a weird look or two for it). It also helps me with trying to be a bit more patient with myself. 
    Talking to other autistic people has also proven itself to be helpful (for example through posting on here).

  • in reply to Emmalephant

    Thankfully, I've worked within education for a long time and so the information side of things is something I'm good on. I read academic research as a way to unwind. I think similar to what you mention - I've always been able to communication with other autistic or ADHD folks with greater ease than neurotypical folks. 

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