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.
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...