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Introducing myself - newly diagnosed with autism

PHS3255

Hi there, my name’s Penny.

I’ve just been diagnosed with ASC, somewhat late inmy life (age 44) and thought I’d join this in the hope it might be able to offer me info to help me understand the recent diagnoses. It has been suggested I have further follow up for ADHD but I’m not sure if I want to go down this route.

I think I’m in shock, denial and slight bewilderment and I wondered if anyone else here has felt the same from a later in life diagnosis, as I also have BPD and OCPD.

it would be good to know what support networks might be out there. What there is out to read, and what online support and in person support people might advise? 

I’ve worked hard all my life to me ‘normal’ and have a busy yet stressful full time job, so it would also be good to hear how people are supported at work also.

Many thanks, and I hope I haven’t written too much here. 
Penny 

  • Hi everyone,

    thanks for your comments, reassurances and recommendations of books and blogs. I will defo check these all out, and take my time getting to grips with all this. Debbie your links to the comments are really helpful thank you.

    it is good to know I am amongst like minded people and I do hope I can support you all too.

    Lots to read and learn… 
    Thank you, Penny 

  • Hi Penny and welcome. If someone had said to me a year ago that I’m autistic, I would have laughed. I’m 55 and as others have said, we go through most probably every emotion trying to explain this life changing event. It takes a lot of processing, we are a friendly bunch here. Join in as much or as little as you are happy with and just take your time.

  • Shock, bewilderment, grief and relief are all pretty common reactions to late diagnosis - for me it happened just before my 50th. You will now spend a while reliving the past through a new lens.

    I'd recommend blogs written by autists and not clinicians - the real-life perspective they offer is much more useful.

  • Welcome to the community.

    Everyone has a unique post diagnostic discovery journey and whatever you are feeling about it is valid. Personally my initial reaction to being diagnosed aged 50 was euphoric relief. The emotional rollercoaster and and more negative emotions happened later. It will take time to process, possibly years.

    There is a useful article here, showing some common reactions to a diagnosis https://aucademy.co.uk/2022/01/20/six-common-reactions-during-autistic-discovery/. You may experience some or all of the stages in no particular order. You may alternate between them.

    As far as online support goes I have found the best place is right here. You may or may not have an in person support group in your area, they are quite sparse.

  • welcome

    if you'd like something to read, try this https://autistic-village.com/

  • hi penny welcome to the forum

    every thing u feel rn is normal theres no rong or right way to feel. this is a big thing to go thru and its gonna take time n throw u.

    Im glad you found the forum its a grt place full of amazing people

    Theres some really good books out there there was a post here few days ago about books to get n read

    Enjoy

    N u can right as much as you like Slight smile

  • Hi Penny, welcome!