Hi All,
I recently got my ASC diagnosis in my early 50s and feel like I've emotionally regressed. I'm not sure exactly how to explain what I mean. I think it might be part of the unmasking process, I feel like I've regressed to where I was when I was 14 or 15. I've picked up some of my childhood hobbies again (I've rediscovered my love of Warhammer and model painting) and I feel a bit embarrassed and maybe a bit ashamed that I'm engaging in stuff that I "should have grown out of by now". I know that I shouldn't worry what other people think, and I do try not let it alter my authentic self. I worry that it feels self-indulgent and childish, and even though I'm enjoying it I feel some guilt and shame.
Is this just what it feels like to begin to unmask and enjoy a special interest? I wonder if I'm unconsciously retreating into a place where I felt safe, or maybe a pivotal time in my life before I unlearned who I really am?
Is this a common experience, has anyone else had the same thing as a late-diagnosed adult? Any reflections and wisdom gratefully received.
