After diagnosis, what’s next?

Last thread O&U posted on they said that they needed a break. I think it’s plausible they might be back someday.

Thank you Bunny, the advice is really kind of you. I will have a look this evening when I have more time. My wife often tells me off for dismissing help when it’s offered.

Do you hear from O&U? They were very active here, I noticed they haven’t posted for a while.

As I expect you'll understand, I'm feeling rather wary about offering any advice, because I suspect that you might have seen it several times before. On the other hand, perhaps you either haven't, or you haven't paid it much attention, pending your own diagnosis (I certainly didn't want to get ahead of myself, by looking beyond the point of my assessment and assuming the outcome).

So, with apologies in advance if any of this isn't new or helpful, I'll offer it anyway - and also because it might help others who are drawn to your thread over time. 

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

Roy said:

can see on the NHS app that my GP has received my report and a member of the clerical staff has filed it in my records. I don’t know if anyone has even read it. I thought the GP might have asked me in to discuss the future and basically how I’m getting on.

I suggest requesting an appointment yourself, as this is perhaps otherwise unlikely to happen (it didn't for me). The "Formal support..." article also includes a link to a template letter that you could send to your GP in advance of your appointment. It can be used to request a personalised support plan, in line with NICE guidance.

On a related note, you might also like to check whether your GP has added a reasonable adjustment flag to your NHS record, to help them and others within the NHS to be aware of the potential need to make accommodations that you might find helpful. 

In respect of your (eventual) counselling, you might find this book helpful. It discusses various types of therapy and counselling, together with advice on choosing the right therapist or counsellor - all from an autistic person's viewpoint:

The Autistic Survival Guide to Therapy

Roy said:

I now have a leaflet but just seem to be at a loss as to being able to move forward.

This book taught me some important principles and enabled me to make some immediate, helpful changes - perhaps you might also find it useful whilst you await support:

Self-Care for Autistic People: 100+ Ways to Recharge, De-Stress, and Unmask!

Roy said:

What advice has anyone else received?

In my case, none. I didn't even get a leaflet.

One of the mods here will jump in shortly and give you some links to very helpful NAS information. I also recommend Reframing Autism as a site that puts a really positive spin on things. It helped me to think, "Hey, this ain't so bad!"

I recieved none and was just left to get on with it, the thinking being that I had survived for 50 years without help so I was OK. 

It is confusing, but you are the same person as you were prior to diagnosis, you have the same skills and abilities, diagnosis does not take anything away from you.

There might be local groups who can provide support, but again don't hold your breath as many seem to be for much younger people, but you might get lucky.

Look for counsellors and therapists both within and outside of the NHS, have a clear idea of what you want from therapy and couselling, it's OK to  want an emotional vomit, in fact I think that pretty important.

I would not hold your breath on any help. There is nothing that NHS can offer us 'latelings'. Cut backs on funding for neurodiversity services reduces the possibilities of help as well.

Basically you are left to get on with things on your own!