Hello all
I have just recieved my Autism level 1 diagnosis this morning. I feel relieved and shocked even though I knew I was on the spectrum. My dad was undiagnosed and he never spoke until he was 8. My son is on the spectrum, Aspergers and PDA and my youngest granddaughter is non verbal autistic.
The psychiatrist was lovely, she explained things to me as to how she came to my diagnosis and highlighted I had done well to get this far. Her report will be ready in 2 weeks and hopefully I will be understood more.
I hit rock bottom last spring when I broke down and couldn't continue pretending (aka masking) anymore. I struggle with instructions in work settings, being told I am dramatic or that I am miserable and speak to people in an arrogant way. I dont have any friends and moved 250 miles in February this year to be nearer my son and daughter in law. I can finally have answers for the difficult childhood I had interacting with children and understanding schoolwork and social settings, I struggled in every way up until my burnout last year. I cant keep a job for long and getting told off by managers over the years for my behaviours. I want to be me now, no more trying to fit in or stressing and preparing to interact with people every day.
I hope all undiagnosed older adults like myself get the diagnosis that is right for them and live a happier life, we deserve that after living a lot of years being misunderstood.
