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Undiagnosed

bbykc
over 2 years ago

Trigger Warning - self harm, suicide, substance use

Hi everyone,

This is my first time on here but I’m really struggling whilst being on the waiting list for an assessment. I believe that I am autistic however as I child I experienced multiple adverse childhood experiences as well as now using a substance to cope and I’m concerned about how this might impact and affect me getting a diagnosis. I began using substances when I was 13 so I am aware that it has also impacted the way that my brain has developed from that point forward. However I know the reasons that I began using substances was to forget trauma, slow my thoughts down, calm my thoughts down, blur out the parts of the world I couldn’t cope with and as a bonus it helped me to make friends with people who were not classed as ‘popular’. I know that before I began using substances I was struggling with my mind a lot and was dealing with self-harm and suicidal thoughts. I’m not quite sure what I want from this post but I suppose if anyone has had any similar experiences or can give me some advice that would be great. Please be real with me as I can handle any harsh statements etc. If you need any extra information to give you better understanding I’m more than happy to elaborate if you’re able to ask specific questions.

Thank you :)

Parents
  • over 2 years ago

    Im in the same boat waiting for an assessment....

    Substance abuse, yup.....I've done it.  Substances actually make me less visably autistic.  More confident ect.......obviously alcohol gave me more confidence to talk to people, well....try.  They will be well aware of the self medicating aspect of autism....the need to fit in.

    Age wont be a problem as, im sure substance abuse wont cause any autistic symptoms.....They should be able to access you from how you act and your history.

  • over 2 years ago in reply to Deleted user

    I hope you're ok and coping well during the waiting. If you don't hear anything be sure to call them up so they don't forget. My mum had to do that twice where I'd somehow got lost in the system.

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