Getting a diagnosis

I was diagnosed at 57, I think personally it has bought better clarity, if I do need mental health support in the future, my record shows clearly now that I am autistic. There will hopefully be no more misdiagnosis or a GP trying to cure depression. It has helped me understand that I’m not broken, sad, mad or bad. I’m sure that you understand, the health service believes something better if it’s written in black and white.

Obviously self identifying as autistic is totally valid,  I just find it’s easier to just say that I’m diagnosed autistic than having to explain in great depth why I might struggle, I have found my partner much more supportive, she was present when I received the actual diagnosis. 

Yeah I hadn’t thought about how other people might treat me as well as myself with a confirmed diagnosis. I don’t think my partner will take this seriously unless I do. 

That’s been most worthwhile reason for a diagnosis, I’ve asked if my partner if she believed me, her reply was that she had felt unsure and didn’t really understand autism. When she did her training, autism was covered in about 20 minutes one morning, She is now doing a part-time autism awareness course, she keeps apologising, which obviously isn’t necessary, she didn’t realise how much I struggle with everyday life. I’m not under so much pressure to try and fit in all the time. I’m seen now, if that makes sense?

That’s been most worthwhile reason for a diagnosis, I’ve asked if my partner if she believed me, her reply was that she had felt unsure and didn’t really understand autism. When she did her training, autism was covered in about 20 minutes one morning, She is now doing a part-time autism awareness course, she keeps apologising, which obviously isn’t necessary, she didn’t realise how much I struggle with everyday life. I’m not under so much pressure to try and fit in all the time. I’m seen now, if that makes sense?

I don’t get berated for ‘radio silence’ anymore, if I go off to my man shed, it’s not because I’m in a strop, it’s because I need some alone time to decompress. Even small adjustments help.

It does make sense. I need less pressure to fit in, because I really don’t! It takes its toll on family life and I am at a point where I need a bit of help.