Um, hi? Another introduction/first post

Hi GeekyGirl.

I think 'coming out' as autistic can be very difficult as it is very hard to judge what the reaction will be.  I know initially I found it difficult, not that I was ashamed of being autistic.

At work I let my manager know (I had to do that because I was facing all sorts of problems at work (and still do) and I am convinced I would have been dismissed otherwise.  And many of my colleagues were not surprised at all, I am convinced that being autistic but not declaring it means others see that you are 'different' but try to figure out why, and many suspect it but are too polite to say.  Eventually,with me the word got out through the work 'gossip machine' (every workplace has one!) and so everyone there got to know.  I let my children know and their reaction was one of 'you don't say' and total acceptance. 

I tried to tell my mother (aged 89 at the time of my diagnosis) but she seemed to get it mixed up with Tourettes and told me that she didn't think I was because I didn't keep yelling out random swear words every few seconds.  So I let the subject drop.  (My mother by the way is not suffering from dementia but is just a bit naive when it comes to autism).

The 'I've been diagnosed, what next?' can be a difficult question, especially if ostensibly you act 'normal' having learned to mask your condition.  You may seem to function well on the surface, but deep down there may be problems ready to manifest themselves at some indeterminate point.  You may find a support group locally which can help you, but as you suggest there is a great deal of help available on this forum.  And you may also find some 'blogs' on the internet written by autistic people, I won't suggest any but if you google I am sure you will find some.

This forum has very good topics, if you take an active part you will find plenty to occupy yourself with.  Welcome and best wishes!

Hi GeekyGirl.

I think 'coming out' as autistic can be very difficult as it is very hard to judge what the reaction will be.  I know initially I found it difficult, not that I was ashamed of being autistic.

At work I let my manager know (I had to do that because I was facing all sorts of problems at work (and still do) and I am convinced I would have been dismissed otherwise.  And many of my colleagues were not surprised at all, I am convinced that being autistic but not declaring it means others see that you are 'different' but try to figure out why, and many suspect it but are too polite to say.  Eventually,with me the word got out through the work 'gossip machine' (every workplace has one!) and so everyone there got to know.  I let my children know and their reaction was one of 'you don't say' and total acceptance. 

I tried to tell my mother (aged 89 at the time of my diagnosis) but she seemed to get it mixed up with Tourettes and told me that she didn't think I was because I didn't keep yelling out random swear words every few seconds.  So I let the subject drop.  (My mother by the way is not suffering from dementia but is just a bit naive when it comes to autism).

The 'I've been diagnosed, what next?' can be a difficult question, especially if ostensibly you act 'normal' having learned to mask your condition.  You may seem to function well on the surface, but deep down there may be problems ready to manifest themselves at some indeterminate point.  You may find a support group locally which can help you, but as you suggest there is a great deal of help available on this forum.  And you may also find some 'blogs' on the internet written by autistic people, I won't suggest any but if you google I am sure you will find some.

This forum has very good topics, if you take an active part you will find plenty to occupy yourself with.  Welcome and best wishes!