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.
Hi SnrDiggan, I'm sorry I don't specifically have information on the best way to get the support you need as I'm also trying to work this out myself but the fact you are here asking for help is a good start I reckon! I'm 49 and just been diagnosed a few days ago so I'm in a similar situation. It's going to take time to process the news and we are bound to go through all sorts of emotions in the process. For me it's realising that being vulnerable due to social difficulties has made me a target for bullies in the past that's made me angry. Don't be too hard on yourself and remember you are still the same person you were before but now we have the chance to understand ourselves better.