Published on 12, July, 2020
Just had confirmation that I am autistic. I am in my late 50s and in the end my life experience couldn't really be explained any other way. It's been like trying to finish a jigsaw puzzle and finally finding the missing piece. I can start to let go of the past and maybe continue studying after I finish an MA. I would find it reassuring to read other people's experiences of late diagnosis. I feel a mixture of relief tempered by regret, if I had had help and support earlier I think many things would have been easier.
Hello ....6172, welcome to the forum.
Like you, I received a late diagnosis (aged 67). Quite simply, getting assessed was the best thing I ever did. 'Relief and regret'.. yep, I've read that on the forum many times; you are certainly not alone in your thinking. I particularly like your jigsaw analogy, in fact I wish I'd thought of that one.
If you're going to stick around for a while, can I suggest you give yourself a screen-name, it's much more friendly than a number, and makes it easier to recognise you if you join in on other posts.
Ben
Same! I am 55 and only got my diagnosis a few of months ago. Like you, I knew the outcome anyway as I ticked far too many boxes for it to be any other way.
I'm pleased in some ways, because I feel I can give myself a different adjective other than just "weird", and inwardly I've given myself permission to not force myself to do things I've hated doing all these years.
On the other hand, it makes me sad when I look back on my younger self (child, young adult, later adult) and just want to give that person a great big hug!
I feel I can now start a new life, so I am searching for a community of like-minded souls to meet and befriend in person...
Congratulations on your diagnosis!
And yep! That's about the size of it. I was 56. It's a relief, and I am happy I am autistic, but oh I do so wish I were younger, it would have made such difference. There is so much that could have been done differently by me and for me.
Better late than never, huh?
Good luck with your future.
I haven't got a formal diagnosis yet, but I am going to press for one, despite being 66, as I think having a diagnosis might be beneficial if I need care in later life, in the way care and support is given.
Like you, being autistic makes sense so much of my life history, and life would have been easier if it had been recognised.