Published on 12, July, 2020
A brief review of the posts here suggests there is a theme about the dearth of specific mainstream/NHS support for autistic adults in getting adjusted and adjustment to things after diagnosis later in life.
Age 58 I was diagnosed as autistic last year.
So, guess what I came to this site to look for? :-)
Even if this were available it makes sense to me that the best counselors will be from within this community - as they have lived experience of it.
It would be lovely to have a simple one step at a time process to things after diagnosis.
Seems though that it's not that simple. There's a whole lot of stuff that seems to flood out when the dam bursts.
Perhaps re-interpreting and reconsidering all the "masking" that one might have been using is part of the process of self discovery in the early phase?
What sort of priorities have other members found greatest in the early post diagnosis phase please?
Can you share how you found to address them?
Hello. It’s quite common to feel a whole range of emotions after your autistic discovery. You are not alone.
Automonistic has already posted a very useful link about common reactions to autistic discovery, so I hope this helps you.
There are also autistic therapists who can support you through the emotional process of autistic identification. I have posted a link to Neurodivergent Therapists some of whom specialise in post diagnostic support:
https://neurodivergenttherapists.com/directory/
I have also posted a link to some peer support sessions led by Autistic UK. In these sessions you can chat with other autistic people regarding your emotions and thoughts about your diagnosis:
https://www.autisticuk.org/peersupport
Phased said:It would be lovely to have a simple one step at a time process to things after diagnosis. Seems though that it's not that simple. There's a whole lot of stuff that seems to flood out when the dam bursts.
It seems that you know this but the autistic discovery journey is not linear so be kind to yourself. Your emotions are valid after all late autistic identification is life changing.
I hope this helps.
Ausomely Autistic said:I have also posted a link to some peer support sessions led by Autistic UK. In these sessions you can chat with other autistic people regarding your emotions and thoughts about your diagnosis
Thank you for posting that. I have not come across this site before and the concept of peer support sessions looks very interesting.
I was exploring the site a little and the page titled 'Support Services for Autistic Adults' made me laugh. Derbyshire appears to be the centre of the autistic universe. Yorkshire and Cardiff are both out at sea
https://www.autisticuk.org/adultssupportmap
The only support service listed is the Samaritans. I'm sure it's not supposed to be funny. Maybe a work in progress or just very realistic about the actual lack of support services out there
Autonomistic said:Thank you for posting that. I have not come across this site before and the concept of peer support sessions looks very interesting.
You are very welcome. Sharing experiences with other autistic people is so helpful and meaningful for me. I hope it is for you too.
There are some other autistic led groups that offer peer support sessions particularly after autistic identification but they are mainly regional I think.
I thought that Autistic UK was a national charity, however it appears not! I think the website has recently been redesigned though so maybe it’s a work in progress.
Autonomistic said:I was exploring the site a little and the page titled 'Support Services for Autistic Adults' made me laugh. Derbyshire appears to be the centre of the autistic universe. Yorkshire and Cardiff are both out at sea