• Replies 8 replies
  • Subscribers 84 subscribers
  • Views 261 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Diagnosed a week ago with Autism at 30, female adult

Aquarius95

Hello everyone. 

Very out of my comfort zone doing this. I am a 30 year old female who got diagnosed a week ago today with autism. 

Waiting for my report to come through before I can start trying to get the support I need. 
I just don’t know what to do at the moment. I have no friends and no one in my family or at work who completely understands autism. 


I was put into foster care at the age of 4 and adopted at the age of 6. Obviously, had symptoms all throughout my life. I have a full time job working in a Dr’s surgery and have my own flat. 

I have always felt like I have lived my life with my head above water my entire life. I also have anxiety. 

Any advice on what I can do to support myself? Any advice on anything would be very appreciated. 

Happy to answer any questions. Kept this short as I always end up writing essays. 

Also anyone who would like to be an online friend would be gladly accepted. I am just bad at remembering to respond to messages sometimes. Sweat smile

Thank you in advance. 

  • Hello everyone, thank you all for your kind replies. 

    Yes, my star sign is Aquarius. 

    So just to make things more complicated, I’ve just had an email about going through an ADHD assessment. Anyone have autism and ASHD? 

    Thank you. 

  • Hello Aquarius95,

    Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your diagnosis. We hope you find the forum supportive and useful. 

    We have an advice and guidance section which you may find interesting to explore. 

    To begin with I wonder whether you would like to read our section on "after diagnosis". Please find the link here:

    https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/after-diagnosis

    Also we have a section on mental health and wellbeing. Please find the link here:

    https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health-and-wellbeing

    We hope you find the information useful.

    Best wishes, 

    Anna Mod

  • Hi Aquarius95 welcome aboard. My advice would be to take your time, there is no rush and try to be kinder to yourself. It’s tough to do but worth trying. What things are you interested in?

  • Aquarius95 said:
    Kept this short as I always end up writing essays

    Don't let that be an issue.  

    Writing essays is a therapy all of its own.  I use it regularly.

    Welcome.

  • in reply to Take5

    Hello, nice to meet you too! 

    Thank you for your reply. 

    I have been advised by the autism lady who diagnosed me that I need therapy with someone who specialises in trauma and autism due to my past. 

    I have tried meditation but it only lasted 2 days as it is not something I normally do and I struggle with adding new things to my routines. Autism is having an impact on my daily life and I just want to try and improve that. I did journal but due to an assault on a family member, I have been struggling to get my thoughts on paper. I feel the same way about going through my autism journey. 

    thank you for your advice! 

  • Congrats on your diagnosis! I'm 33 and also just been diagnosed. 

    At the moment I'm going between the imposter syndrome and just like processing it. I joined here because I wanted to speak to other autistic people, i have like 1 friend I see twice a year Sweat smile 

    I think the first steps for me are understanding myself a little more with that context and also self-acceptance. How are you feeling about being autistic at the moment? 

    Also is your star sign aquarius? Mine is too! 

  • Hello  welcome to the community Slight smile

    Congratulations on your diagnosis. Give yourself plenty of time to process and come to terms with it. For some people, it’s a lightbulb moment and like everything suddenly makes sense. But for many, especially those diagnosed later in life, it can be more complicated.

    I was diagnosed almost 2 years ago at age 32, and I really struggled at first. I went through imposter syndrome, questioning if they got it wrong, followed by a period of grief for all the things I missed out on by not knowing sooner. But eventually over time through reading, learning, connecting with others here on the forum, and watching lots of autistic YouTubers, I began to understand myself better and accept my diagnosis. Now I’m working on living a more fulfilling and authentic life.

    You’re right at the beginning of your journey, and it’s completely okay if the road feels a bit rocky. Just be kind to yourself and give yourself time. Try not to dwell on the “what ifs”, instead focus on what life can be now, with this new awareness. 

    Its great to see you on the forum Slight smile

  • Congratulations on your diagnosis and welcome.
    I am currently waiting for an assessment which is due in July. 
    I have been spending a lot of time trying to learn about autism and learning some coping strategies (trial and error) but have a few things in place that help now. Therapy has also helped me to learn ways to calm myself down in times of desperation and sometimes recognise an upcoming episode and use some prevention techniques. 
    Do you use meditation and breathing techniques? 
    Maybe journaling could help as well just to have something to look back at and see what progress you’ve made?

    Nice to meet you