Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi I'm Joe I'm a 21 year old guy who discovered the other day that I'm autistic I genuinely had no idea. Ive always struggled fitting in always watched from a far never quite felt like I belong. I struggle socially and every friendship and meaningful relationship Ive had seems to collapse. its given me social and anxiety and depression. I'm shocked despite me having dyslexia and dyspraxia nobody has picked up on it. i came on here maybe to find people who have experienced similar. maybe you feel scared angry happy relived? kind of how I feel rn. idk what will happen rn barely anyone knows im scared to share with the world. scared of the label the judgement. scared of losing the people around me due to being different.
Welcome. Whatever you are feeling is valid and it will take time for you to mentally process your diagnosis.
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.
You may want to take your time in telling people, there is no rush. If you tell too many people too quickly you are putting additional pressure on yourself, having to try and process their reactions as well as your own.