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Newly diagnosed at 53

MimiLexis

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.

Parents

  • Welcome to the community MimiLexis!

    Congrats on your diagnosis and finally getting recognised after all these years. It can be liberating to discover you were always autistic and all the things you struggle with have a word to describe it. I hope it gives you self forgiveness for all those hard times you describe. It's funny also when you realise it does run in families and you can see it in them too, but I hope also better able to connect with them through shared experience.

    Lovely to have you here, it can take a while for all the emotions to settle, do take it extra easy on yourself! 

Reply

  • Welcome to the community MimiLexis!

    Congrats on your diagnosis and finally getting recognised after all these years. It can be liberating to discover you were always autistic and all the things you struggle with have a word to describe it. I hope it gives you self forgiveness for all those hard times you describe. It's funny also when you realise it does run in families and you can see it in them too, but I hope also better able to connect with them through shared experience.

    Lovely to have you here, it can take a while for all the emotions to settle, do take it extra easy on yourself! 

Children
  • in reply to Cinnabar_wing

    Thank you for your response. Indeed it is a very emotional time... it has helped having professionals finally see over the last year that I am showing signs of being neurodiverse. A mental health lady met for the first time earlier this week said have I been assessed for Autism, before I was able to tell her im currently under Psychiatry UK. 

    My adult son with Aspergers said my diagnosis today is amazing and eldest said finally they recognise i am on the spectrum, bless em! My children and grandchildren are all I need and finally I will have a report explaining my difficulties, that are real! The Psychiatrist said you cant have a sticker on your head saying please be gentle with me I have Autism... but she would hope my diagnosis would help improve my quality of life.