Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello, I'm Katdog
I'm 31, female and I've just been diagnosed with autism.
For me the diagnosis is a relief, because it explains a lot and now my whole life makes sense.
I've always felt different and I've never fit in anywhere. I always say it's like I'm a cat and everyone else is a dog. But no one knows I'm a cat, so I'm expected to act like a dog, and do dog things, but those things never felt right to me and it's not natural, because I'm a cat (Hence the nickname 'Katdog' ... my real name starts with a K).
So it's a relief to know that I'm not a weirdo or an alien or stupid or acting up or exaggerating... I'm autistic. I feel a lot more accepting of myself now.
Can anyone else relate to this?
Also, is this website always really slow at loading/switching pages or is that just my android devices?
Hello Katdog, welcome to the community.
For me the diagnosis was also a relief and a new understanding. It gave me the key to reexamine my past and come with the answers. It made me to re-conceptualise a lot of my past and my concept of mental health conditions and disability. It was really a journey. It is not unusual to experience a range of emotions over a period o time. There is a very good video about it here: https://ndsa.uk/content/just-diagnosed-now-what/
Thank you I'll check that out I'm glad your diagnosis was a relief too.