Hello!
I'm new here, I was diagnosed with 'high functioning autism' about 5 weeks ago, I just got my diagnostic report on Sunday.
I'm a 32 year old woman and never felt like I fit in, like I didn't connect with people and being around people drained me, sure, I can mask and say the right things and smile but it's all an act. I've always had issues in jobs and have had attendance issues and sick leave for stress in every job I've had. I've been on anti-depressants for ten years.
The diagnosis makes so much sense and I hope it will eventually allow me to be easier on myself and not so harsh on myself for struggling with things. I do feel like I'm struggling to come to terms with the diagnosis, it's a relief in some ways that there's a reason for my behaviors but it's also like....I don't know how to manage. I don't know how to get out of this cycle of stress and overwhelm and as I'm sure we're all aware, there's no support for autistic adults.
If you've read all of this then I sincerely thank you. I feel quite alone.
