Skip to main content
Close Button
Donate
  • Replies 15 replies
  • Subscribers 92 subscribers
  • Views 3934 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
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

Newbie, middle aged and newly diagnosed

NAS63047
over 4 years ago

Hi all, 

I have recently received a diagnosis at the grand age of 52. it's a game changer but at the moment i am feeling a bit sorry for myself. My life has been fraught with broken jobs and relationships, loneliness, not fitting in, anxiety, fear and suddenly vanishing friendships. at least i have some insight now but i can't undo the past and all the loss that went with it. How have others managed to reconcile the fact that life could have been so different if only you, family, friends, employers might have known? 

I live with my three dogs and have been off sick from my job for four months with the anxiety that I now know is driven by autism. I will not be returning to my job but i have to find a way of paying the mortgage, on my own but how? really I need to work for myself as I am just no good working with or for others. 

while i'm thinking aloud i would love to hear from others, particularly older autistic people and those diagnosed later in life. I would love to hear your stories and how diagnosis has changed life for you or how you have reevaluated life before diagnosis... 

so, Hi and thank you for having me here

silver

Parents
  • over 4 years ago

    Hi Silver

    I'm not autistic but have a daughter that is.

    It's not the end of the world and you've come this far in life. I'm so sorry you sound very upset and fed up about the whole situation. It must be very difficult.

    Financially paying the mortgage might have to come from initiative as you suggested, working on your own.

    but you must have had skills to get you this far in life so I'm sure you still got some tanacity and  skills somewhere.

    Get on the internet and get searching for organisations that can help you.I know that the Jobcentre gives you extra help if you're autistic and I think there's a scheme that can help you back into employment or self-employment. Maybe you could have a look at this.

    I'm sure you'll get lots of help on here.

    Take Care.

Reply
  • over 4 years ago

    Hi Silver

    I'm not autistic but have a daughter that is.

    It's not the end of the world and you've come this far in life. I'm so sorry you sound very upset and fed up about the whole situation. It must be very difficult.

    Financially paying the mortgage might have to come from initiative as you suggested, working on your own.

    but you must have had skills to get you this far in life so I'm sure you still got some tanacity and  skills somewhere.

    Get on the internet and get searching for organisations that can help you.I know that the Jobcentre gives you extra help if you're autistic and I think there's a scheme that can help you back into employment or self-employment. Maybe you could have a look at this.

    I'm sure you'll get lots of help on here.

    Take Care.

Children
  • over 4 years ago in reply to NAS50003

    Hi, thank you for your concern. I have union involvement to help me with my current job situation but I will not be returning. I have done the job for five years and have been off sick with overwhelming anxiety and stress every year. they ailed to make reasonable adjustments each time. I need a new start but do need to pay my mortgage. unfortunately for me one of my difficulties is accessing organisations and support. I cannot ask for help, I have to sort things out myself. its a rigid fixed idea. I have a ridiculous fear of benefits and the job centre but nothing to stop me looking on line, thank you.