Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello,
I'm new to this community and just recently joined NAS as a member after thinking about doing so for the last few months.
I am a woman in my late 20s and was diagnosed with autism in my early 20s. I was only referred for a diagnosis after I had developed an eating disorder, anorexia, which greatly impacted my ability to work and live normally.
During childhood I had been referred to many counsellors and therapist's because of a delay in development, selective mutism and my difficulties in making or maintaining friendships. I believe the lack of help in childhood did lead into the 5/6 years I struggled with an ED. It has only been very recently that I managed to get into work and lead a somewhat regular life, though I find myself struggling again (I currently work as a carer/support worker but I feel like that was an awful decision so I've had to quit and look for work elsewhere).
Finding work that suits me has been a challenge and I'm still looking. With the current increase in cost of living it has left me feeling really stressed. I am sure I am not the only person who feels this way.
I hope to gather advice and hopefully provide some advice whilst in this community. From what I have seen there are many discussions on topics that affect me, so I am glad that there is advice and guidance put there.
Hi there,
I'm new myself so have no advice to give but just wanted to say hello.
Daz
Hi Amedeo,
I've not long ago found and joined this community, so don't suppose i'm in a position to give any decent advice, but hope to find it, it helps to be able to chat.
Have you got anyone at home, who do you live with ? You talk about the difficulty making friends, but how are things with your family ? It's funny you should mention some of your problems going back to childhood. I found someting on the internet about CEN (chilhood emotional neglect). I'd necer heard of it, but so many of the things this woman was saying seemed ro make me see things in my life as a grew up. I'm still reading up on it. Is it an American fad by someone trying to sell a book ?..... I'm not sure. But i'm sure lots of my autism traits go back to childhood.
Hope being helps you, and answers the questions spinning around inside your head.
Bill.
Thank you for suggesting the CEN woman to me. I shall have a look when I next have free time.
To answer your question about family at home; yes, I have a reasonably good relationship with most of my family members. My sisters (one of which lives at home with me and my parents, along with her huband and children) don't get on that well, we mostly just co-exsist or tolorate eachother - they never took the time to read about or consider my autisum. My older sister is the most critical of me..
My relationship with my parents on the other hand is quite good. I do have to say, it was after my diagnosis that my relationship with my Mother became better. She took the time to learn about autisum, which really helped me. Before that, however, I do remeber my Mother being very confused and even struggling with me. The memories are somewhat vauge now but I do remember that a common answer to my meltdowns, shutdowns and difficulties was shouting and being told off - of course, this was all because I was never disgnosed and given support earlier. Further to that my Mother and Father where never provided with the information and support to help them help me, or themselves cope with the difficulties I faced. I try not to dwell on the past to much because there is nothing I can do to change it, but maybe looking back at those expiriences with more knowledge would help uncover something.
Hello again Amedeo,
Coincidence, but i've just received a latest email from that CEN woman. As i said i feel she may try to sell you her latest book, but see if any of the things she has to say remind you about your time growing up.
If you want to google ....CEN: Janice Webb PhD she says, "False notions have a profound effect on how you feel about yourself"