Older late diagnosed or self identifying people, do you ever wonder how you made it to adulthood?

Hi Roy

To help me with context may I ask how old you are? Im 68, was diagnosed late, just four years ago..

To answer your question - the autism diagnosis explained pretty much everthing, especially in the light of abuse which led to C-PTSD which I am also diagnosed with. However knowing why I was/am like I was/am doesn’t help at all, its like understanding why say a car is broken but not having or being able to access the tools to fix it. ie: me. 

In fact the knowledge has made things worse, particularly as those who can help me won’t , and who want to help me can’t. I think it is might only be a matter of time before I make another attempt on my life. 

I don’t understand why people congratulate others on receiving an autism diagnosis, its not magical or wonderful or a special gift, well not in my experience. 

Hi Roy

To help me with context may I ask how old you are? Im 68, was diagnosed late, just four years ago..

To answer your question - the autism diagnosis explained pretty much everthing, especially in the light of abuse which led to C-PTSD which I am also diagnosed with. However knowing why I was/am like I was/am doesn’t help at all, its like understanding why say a car is broken but not having or being able to access the tools to fix it. ie: me. 

In fact the knowledge has made things worse, particularly as those who can help me won’t , and who want to help me can’t. I think it is might only be a matter of time before I make another attempt on my life. 

I don’t understand why people congratulate others on receiving an autism diagnosis, its not magical or wonderful or a special gift, well not in my experience. 

Hello  , I’m really sorry if I’ve opened up old wounds. In answer to your question, I will be 60 next year, I’m not  bothered by it as I don’t really celebrate birthdays, it’s just a number. 

I was diagnosed just over a year ago, as a child I was groomed and eventually abused, I didn’t mention it at my assessment as I felt too ashamed and thought they would think me too damaged to diagnose. I am aware abuse can come in many different forms.

To be honest I couldn’t have gone on much longer, stumbling upon autism really did save me and gave me a lot of the answers I needed.

I was asked at my assessment whether I had ever considered suicide, my reply was I had actually bought the rope, it seemed to unsettle the specialist. 
At the moment I have chosen life and will try and keep going, if I fail then the abuser wins and I won’t let them win. Sorry to be so frank but that’s how it is.

Hi   I’m also hoping you’re OK this morning  

Hi 

I hope you’re okay this morning

Hi Alice-nice-Alice,

Thank you for sharing how you’re feeling.  I’m really sorry to hear things are difficult for you. The community is here to listen and support you as best we can.

You wrote about finding it hard to find anyone who can provide some support, that can feel very isolating.

The National Autistic Society does not currently operate a crisis or emergency service. If you’re finding it hard to cope or have thoughts of harming yourself, please seek help. If you feel you are at risk of immediate harm, dial 999 or contact one of the mental health crisis lines listed on our Urgent Help Page: 

https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/help-and-support/urgent-help.  

You could call your GP and ask for an urgent appointment – they can help you get the right support.  

If it’s not an emergency but you’re still struggling, speaking to a health professional can help. If your GP is closed, you can call 111 for NHS support. In England, Wales and Scotland, you can now choose option 2 to speak directly with mental health professionals: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-use-111/.  

 Other free, confidential support includes: 

• Samaritans – Call 116 123, 24 hours a day 

• SANEline – 0300 304 7000 (4.30-10.30pm daily)  

• Shout – Text 85258, 24 hours a day 
• Mind Infoline – 0300 123 3393 (Mon–Fri, 9am-6pm)  

I hope this information is useful and you can access some support soon.

Take care

Suzanne Mod