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 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

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