Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi Everyone,I am a 43 year old man who has just been diagnosed with high functioning Autism. Following my diagnosis I have struggled to process the news. Don't get me wrong I was sure I had it but now it's official I seem to have more questions and anger than I did before. In the two weeks since diagnosis it has been a rollercoaster of emotions. I have laughed more than I have in ages but I have also had to call 999 because I felt suicidal (I'm fine now).There is either very little support, or I cannot find it, for me between diagnosis and being taken on by my local ASD service. I feel that I am still going alone through this and no-one is helping me through this incredibly hard time of transition and acceptance. My wife has described it as me going through the 5 stages of grief:- denial- anger- bargaining- depression- acceptanceCan anyone help point me in the right direction or give me a good starting point. I'm not sure what I want, I guess I want someone to help me avoid taking the long route to understanding, accepting and working with my condition. I don't know the best people to turn to for advice and support. Any help is greatly appreciated.
I, too, felt on my own after my assessment (which was at the Lorna Wing Centre). By the end of the assessment, I was too exhausted to ask any questions and would need time for processing before I could think of any anyway. So I, strongly, feel that an assessment should include a follow up session to look at the implications and impact of the diagnosis - where to go from there.
Like Iain, I presently found an online counsellor who has helped me to explore things.