• Replies 6 replies
  • Subscribers 29 subscribers
  • Views 223 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Feeling different?

Mac78321

I was diagnosed with Autism in April 2024

In October 2023, I wasn't doing well mentally, I kept thinking and asking myself,

What is going to happen if I do Autism?

Would I still be able to work? 

Is my life going to change? 

Will people think about me differently? 

Will anyone want to be friends with me? Everything like that, 

I didn't let it get to me as much, when I went for the first screening, I was a bit nervous, But I felt good about it, and then at the second screening and being told I have Autism, It felt like a relief, I felt happy about it, It answered a lot of questions, But then a few weeks after that, It started to get to me a bit, I thought to myself, I don't need to change, I am still the same person, 

When you found out you were Autistic, did you feel like you're life was going to be different?

Parents

  • I've struggled with anxiety and depression all my life and I somehow thought that there'd be specific help once I was diagnosed, nope it was worse, the NHS mental clinic that was "helping" me just discharged me as autism isn't a mental health condition. 

    Now I'm on another waiting list with my local ASD group.

    I've not told many people about my diagnosis other than my wife and son and that took me 3 months to get the nerve to do it.

Reply

  • I've struggled with anxiety and depression all my life and I somehow thought that there'd be specific help once I was diagnosed, nope it was worse, the NHS mental clinic that was "helping" me just discharged me as autism isn't a mental health condition. 

    Now I'm on another waiting list with my local ASD group.

    I've not told many people about my diagnosis other than my wife and son and that took me 3 months to get the nerve to do it.

Children
  • in reply to Hergé

    I've not heard of a ICB offering ASD support via the NHS in a very long time, and I fear this is now going to be charity / voluntary provision only in most areas - if at all

    When I asked Secondary Care in my area for support relating to ASD they assured me there was provision, but couldn't be more specific.  I seem to recall they then sent me a bunch of A4 photocopies through the door detailing some ASD services that helped only children, or those awaiting a diagnosis.  So there was nothing.  

    The important point here (and I've argued long & hard about it, with them) is that their provision for (other) mental health (conditions) for NT persons should not be the same as it is for ND people.  ND people don't take in information in the same manner, and courses etc should be adjusted to take this into account - but this has yet to register.