Feeling so alone with late diagnosis

I actively sought a diagnosis at 59 years of age. After being made aware that I might be autistic, I researched adult autism to an obsessive extent. I became convinced that being autistic was the best fit for how I am, and answered a lot of questions concerning various problems, some minor, some less so, that I have always had. I felt that my conviction needed validation, for my peace of mind, so I had a considerable amount of psychological investment in getting a positive diagnosis. After receiving a diagnosis of ASD my reaction was essentially one of relief. My feelings about It have remained mostly positive. Though I have some regrets about missed opportunities in my past, due to being an undiagnosed autistic, I have found that knowing that I am autistic has allowed me to forgive myself for not living up to my ideal picture of what I should be (influenced by unrealistic perfectionism, no doubt).

I actively sought a diagnosis at 59 years of age. After being made aware that I might be autistic, I researched adult autism to an obsessive extent. I became convinced that being autistic was the best fit for how I am, and answered a lot of questions concerning various problems, some minor, some less so, that I have always had. I felt that my conviction needed validation, for my peace of mind, so I had a considerable amount of psychological investment in getting a positive diagnosis. After receiving a diagnosis of ASD my reaction was essentially one of relief. My feelings about It have remained mostly positive. Though I have some regrets about missed opportunities in my past, due to being an undiagnosed autistic, I have found that knowing that I am autistic has allowed me to forgive myself for not living up to my ideal picture of what I should be (influenced by unrealistic perfectionism, no doubt).