Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi everyone,
I hope you are all well and I would like to ask for some advice. I have recently been diagnosed with Autism as an adult (in my late twenties) and I am really struggling. I don't know how to get proper support both in work and just for mental health support and also how to access any help for this. This is my first post, so I really hope someone can help or advise.
Firstly, I have tried to explain in work my struggles, which they are trying to help, but I don't feel like they are really listening to my desperate need for clearer instructions as its always vague and makes me unable to do tasks and my struggles with tasks involving new people and large groups due to social anxiety. Does anyone have any advice or someone to signpost me for work related issues concerning the diagnosis? I have contacted access to work, but there waiting time is 18 weeks and I don't know if I can last that long in the job.
Secondly, I really thought after receiving the diagnosis, I would have heard something from my doctor. I have told them but I haven't been offered anything apart from antidepressants and a year waiting list for CBT. Can anyone advise if there's an email or phone number for support with Autism. I thought the National Autistic Society would have a helpline or email, but I can't find anything and I really need to talk to someone. It's just really hard knowing I need to wait for so long for any help.
It would just be nice to hear from others who have been through a similar thing and what support there is, as I feel really alone and isolated as I don't know anyone in my immediate family and friends who have the condition and understand fully. I also only had the diagnosis recently, so although I have been living with it, I have without knowing and getting no support because I didn't know what would help me. I hope it was ok to share that here.
Thank you
Hi there
Sorry to hear of your struggles but glad to hear that your in a better place now.
Im undiagnosed so far but seeking this. I cannot really offer any advice on work related issues as I’m self employed and work on my own. I feel very fortunate to do so as I have minimal contact with others. I have found this place to be very calming and informative with very good people on here,
As Number said there has been a few asshats in the past but generally they don’t stay long.
I have found the information passed on from here very helpful and have spent all my free time researching and gathering information to better understand myself.
Wish you all the best in your journey and I’m sure you will find a balance over time
Thank you for your reply! :) I have been looking into possible remote work/ self-employment, I am glad that works for you, I do think minimal contact with others would help for myself too. And yes I agree about this place being calming and informative, I really appreciate everyone who responded and the information and links, definitely feel less alone and that people on here understand and empathise. I will watch out for the few asshats haha. Thanks again, and I hope you are well and I wish you all the best too!