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I'm new

Chris.M

Hey, I was diagnosed with Autism in the last few weeks, I'm 35. I'd say my main special interest is Doctor who, but I keep asking myself if somethings my Autism or not. Like for example when I was talking with the Autism Asessor he specifically told me I did what he'd describe as a happy jiggle which is apparently quite typical in Autism.

Sorry about rambling! Would be nice to hear your advice or suggestions or for anyone just to say Hi back

  • Hi and welcome to the community

  • Hi Chris, Welcome to the forum. 

    I’m not a Dr. Who fan but I know some others on the forum are. I hope you enjoy being here.

  • Hi Chris.M welcome to the forums. I used to like Dr Who but not a big fan of the more recent stuff I’m afraid.

  • Hi Chris - congratulations on your 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 a lot of emotional dysregulation. Besides feeling relief about getting our diagnosis, this might also include working through a phase where we experience confusion and/or (backward-focused) anger, frustration, grieving and more. So please don't worry if you also experience this - it's normal! 

    The NAS has a great set of articles focused on "after 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
    • Emotional support for family members after a diagnosis
    • Formal support following an autism diagnosis
    • What can I do if formal support is not offered or is not enough

    In terms of what to do next, my advice at this point (ie 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 full of instant solutions for my various ASD-related difficulties. 

    Therapy (or counselling) is often recommended after a diagnosis, as a follow up action for your GP to arrange. In anticipation of that, you might find it helpful to borrow or buy this book, which includes 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, including me:

    The Autistic Survival Guide to Therapy

  • Hi Chris Wave tone2 I hope you find lots of interesting stuff on here to talk about. Don't worry about rambling. I like a good ramble, or even a rant sometimes. Grin