Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello
Not entirely sure what to write to introduce myself - it's almost as bad as having to talk to strangers in real life. I got my diagnosis of autism yesterday with a recommendation of also getting reassessed for ADHD (I had an ADHD assessment over 2 years ago but wasn't given the diagnosis as they felt my inattentiveness was possibly due to autism - and I presented no evidence of hyperactivity)
So at the age of 64 I now have a new identity as an autistic person! This is something I have assumed for quite a while but it does feel different to actually be given the official diagnosis. I don't yet know what it will mean to me and what difference it will make to my future life but I do feel a sense of vindication and relief. After a lifetime of feeling slightly out of kilter with the rest of the world, and gradually realising over the last 10 years or so that I do have a number of autistic traits, it feels good to have that affirmed.
But for now I feel I need to slowly get used to the label - and explore more about what it means to be an autistic woman. Suspect it might become my new special interest for a while....
Congratulations to you :)
I am also newly diagnosed with Autism, so know that feeling
Hello and welcome
I'm also a woman in my sixties, discovered I was on the spectrum in my fifties. Autism is a very interesting "special interest" as we're earning more all the time.
hope you enjoy chatting with us.
Hello, BrummieWomen ,
Having been diagnosed four and a half years ago at 67, I have an idea how you must feel.
"...out of kilter with the rest of the world." I couldn't have put it better!
Welcome to the forum; I hope you gain something from joining.
Ben
I understand that feeling, welcome aboard.
Hi and welcome, congratulations on your diagnosis.
Congratulations on your diagnosis! I was diagnosed very, very young, so I don't know what it's like to be newly diagnosed, but I do know what it's like to start exploring myself as an autistic person, as I did that this year. Again, congratulations!