Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello all
I've been recently diagnosed with autism. It cam as a surprise, but it shouldn't have. I had a miserable educational experience myself, yet I started teaching in my 30s and quickly found myself drawn toward the teaching of autistic young people.
My youngest son was diagnosed with autism a little over a year ago, and watching how he struggles with his school experience is like looking into a mirror onto my own childhood experiences.
It led me to seek a diagnosis for myself. The results aren't surprising really. I'm autistic. It's led me to reassess many of the struggles I've faced in my life, and also the toll that those coping methods have had on my mental health. The methods have been very successful really. I'm very senior in my work, I have money, I have a beautiful partner and wonderful children. However, I know my methods for dealing with it all aren't sustainable, and I'm going to have to change.
Just wanted to say hello, really.
Hello!
The graceful swan on the surface with the legs furiously kicking out of sight beneath the water - indeed, many of us here are all too familiar with it. While it may be disheartening, it's good that you've recognised that the bubble-gum and string that keeps it all together is only a jury-rig that may not get you to the other side of the pond. Welcome aboard our virtual life-raft - it's a bit rickety sometimes, but it has a very generous, helpful crew!
My personal situation is very different to yours, as it was when I was diagnosed a few years ago, so there's not much specific advice I can offer. Of course, you now have some legal protection should you request "reasonable adjustments" at work (though be prepared for some squabbling over the weaselly "reasonable"). But my main advice would be to let it all sink it a bit before making any big changes, and to try to avoid the temptation to overwhelm yourself by gorging on information and advice. Most people experience a few ups and downs following their diagnosis, and as you settle in here, you'll almost certainly have a few "Eureka" moments as you find those people who's experiences click with yours. Advice "from the horses mouth" has benefitted me far more than anything offered by people in lab coats with letters after their names - so coming here was a fine choice of first step to take.
Best wishes to you and your family.