Acceptance?

Since I've finally managed to write a post here I may as well go all in and ask the question that's been the monkey on my back for a long time now; how did you move towards acceptance of your autism? 

Long story short is I know a fair bit about ASD, recognise many traits in myself, accept that I probably am autistic (have told family and friends I'm awaiting formal diagnosis) but honestly don't feel that I am until I get the official badge from said formal diagnosis. (I imagine this to be quite common among autistics - it's quite an autistic thought process in itself?)

So yeah, I'm awaiting a late diagnosis (late 40's) which in reality given it was picked up in relation to a mental health issue (that I now realise was probably a second major burnout episode) 15 or so years ago shouldn't have been quite so late...

I've always known I was different, always felt outside, spent years fearing I was various degrees of plain old crazy while just about managing a job, life, family etc. 

For those of you with similar tales how did you get that doubt out of your mind? Did it actually go with the diagnosis - did that make acceptance easier? And yeah, I guess what do I do towards accepting myself for what's pretty much odds on - that I am autistic. Perhaps posting here is the first (or another) step? Help?!

Parents
  • I reckon it might also be useful just for anyone who reads this to tell me yup, you're autistic...

    I've never felt like I fit anywhere, I unintentionally copy mannerisms of folk I deem sound, I constantly feel like I'm being watched, all of my hobbies are solo, I need a lot of time alone, I've burned out several times, I don't understand people, I have very obsessive interests, I'm niche, I communicate far better over text as I can't understand what people say to me in the moment, but then can't keep even the most inconsequential of interactions out of my head, I hate being touched... I could go on. 

    Sounds like autism?

Reply
  • I reckon it might also be useful just for anyone who reads this to tell me yup, you're autistic...

    I've never felt like I fit anywhere, I unintentionally copy mannerisms of folk I deem sound, I constantly feel like I'm being watched, all of my hobbies are solo, I need a lot of time alone, I've burned out several times, I don't understand people, I have very obsessive interests, I'm niche, I communicate far better over text as I can't understand what people say to me in the moment, but then can't keep even the most inconsequential of interactions out of my head, I hate being touched... I could go on. 

    Sounds like autism?

Children
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