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Teenage Diagnosis: Now what?

KaloJaro

Hi,

I was diagnosed a few months ago with Aspergers Syndrome at the age of 17, at first I was glad, because, as my dad so kindly put it, 'theres something wrong with me, I'm not just a freak'.(Mum chewed him out big time for that one).

The problem is, since the diagnosis, I've had my school's attitude towards me do a 180 spin on me from cold and uncaring to almost smothering, and hardly any time or method of coming to terms with this new information.

On one hand, I'm upset it took this long to get diagnosed. It took a small mental breakdown over homework and getting referred to CAHM's for OCD to finally realise why I behave the way I do i.e. not like 'normal' people, as well as years of struggling and suffering at the hands of an ignorant and apparently careless education system that is full of contradictions and expectations. Also, all the help packs and websites I got refferred to are aimed at kids under the age of ten, meaning I'm still virtually on my own.

On the other hand, I've made it this far by myself without any real assistance, so I don't feel very constrained by my diagnosis, because I've managed to overcome some aspects of my condition that I would have otherwise avoided/been sheltered from.

Usually I express myself through drawings and artwork but lately I haven't been able to draw a single thing on my own, which I've learned means I'm struggling with coping with this new information.

Any advice from others that got diagnosed this late on how to cope/deal with it will be much appreciated.

Thank you.

 

 

Parents

  • Hi KaloJaro, 

    Once I got my diagnosis 2 yrs ago - Im 18 - the only info I came across for ASD was aimed at toddlers and to the rare chance at those entering year 7.

     

    I also got it through CAMHS  but had been diagnosed with OCD first.

     

    Most of wht I learnt about ASD was from NAS website - as i really didnt know what ASD really was - apart from a little 'bout communication and social difficulties i'd been having for a very long time and always feeling odd or as I now put it being unique. Everyone with asd is special; hence my name. Bringing the positiveness about ASD back.

     

    Anyway, try reading a bit.

    Though if you need some extra support and can get it then you might not want to go in too much detail - as it brought me down - asd people can't do this, that and the other.

     

    We CAN and Have and WILL  but just have difficulties. These difficulties vary from person to person.

     

     

    If you’re still at school you might want to ask for a statement of special educational needs - you probably wont get one but can still ask!

    Might also want to look into the future - i know scary right - but the following might be good once youve finished school and need a helping hand:

     

    Transition Plan - Connexions, your local council etc. This has your educational, housing needs etc that you have at the moment and may have and how these can be met. 

    You may want to ask for this now and it usually lasts until your 21 or 25 if still at college.

     

    Social Care Assessment - Child in Need (under 18s) or Community Care (over 18s)  Look out for things like Individual Budgets/ Personal Budgets/ Direct Payments - basically money from council to get the support you need.

     

     

    I hope some of this is useful to you an others.

    All the best!  

     

     

     

     

Reply

  • Hi KaloJaro, 

    Once I got my diagnosis 2 yrs ago - Im 18 - the only info I came across for ASD was aimed at toddlers and to the rare chance at those entering year 7.

     

    I also got it through CAMHS  but had been diagnosed with OCD first.

     

    Most of wht I learnt about ASD was from NAS website - as i really didnt know what ASD really was - apart from a little 'bout communication and social difficulties i'd been having for a very long time and always feeling odd or as I now put it being unique. Everyone with asd is special; hence my name. Bringing the positiveness about ASD back.

     

    Anyway, try reading a bit.

    Though if you need some extra support and can get it then you might not want to go in too much detail - as it brought me down - asd people can't do this, that and the other.

     

    We CAN and Have and WILL  but just have difficulties. These difficulties vary from person to person.

     

     

    If you’re still at school you might want to ask for a statement of special educational needs - you probably wont get one but can still ask!

    Might also want to look into the future - i know scary right - but the following might be good once youve finished school and need a helping hand:

     

    Transition Plan - Connexions, your local council etc. This has your educational, housing needs etc that you have at the moment and may have and how these can be met. 

    You may want to ask for this now and it usually lasts until your 21 or 25 if still at college.

     

    Social Care Assessment - Child in Need (under 18s) or Community Care (over 18s)  Look out for things like Individual Budgets/ Personal Budgets/ Direct Payments - basically money from council to get the support you need.

     

     

    I hope some of this is useful to you an others.

    All the best!  

     

     

     

     

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