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late discovered autistic woman - help what next........

SouthernWren

Newly diagnosed with Autism, female and in my late 40s, but what now......

Its a great feeling when I found out, such a relief that I am not going crazy. For me it has helped puts lots of things into perspective, especially on how I think and feel differently to others.

However only diagnosed in March this year and still finding my feet, and what are the next steps.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated, as I dont know anyone else with Autism to ask. 

Thank you all, and have a great Sunday Slight smile

Parents

  • I'm not yet diagnosed officially but since my realisation I've found that learning more about it, such as watching videos on YouTube/ listening to podcasts by women with autism helps me reach a greater point of understanding about me and my past, and also gives me a since of comfort.

    I personally struggle with loneliness as I feel a disconnect with most of my peers and it is common for me to feel isolated/ excluded in social settings and at work etc.. when I start feeling this way I have a list of quotes / little sayings in my notes app in my phone which I can read to myself. These are focused on my recognizing my value to be completely separate to how I may be perceived by others, and also shift my focus from the people who reject me to appreciating the people (or other beings such as pets) in my life who accept me exactly as I am. I got my quotes from chatgbt, but Pinterest is also a good place for that.

    A lot of the time the quotes work for me and I start feeling better and get on enjoying the day. But sometimes (especially after drinking - watch your alcohol intake as it's a depressant) it isn't enough. When I feel like that I post on here, or I try to find meaningful new connections through apps such as Bumble BFF (Google it if you're unfamiliar) / Bumble for friends - these apps are also quite normalized by the general population now too. I think it's natural to feel these feelings when you lack genuine connections, as it goes against some of the survival areas of our brain to be alone. Therefore being active in trying to change that situation can also be helpful, but I think seeking out genuine connections (even though it can be difficult) as opposed to any connection (where you will likely end up masking) is the way to go. 

    If im still feeling down, then I seek out mental health support through therapy. You should always be aware of the numbers that you can call if you get in this state such as Samaritans etc..

    The above is just what helps me and my specific struggles. If you have any similar struggles then hopefully it will help you also. Sending you lots of good vibes, good luck on your new journey 

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  • I'm not yet diagnosed officially but since my realisation I've found that learning more about it, such as watching videos on YouTube/ listening to podcasts by women with autism helps me reach a greater point of understanding about me and my past, and also gives me a since of comfort.

    I personally struggle with loneliness as I feel a disconnect with most of my peers and it is common for me to feel isolated/ excluded in social settings and at work etc.. when I start feeling this way I have a list of quotes / little sayings in my notes app in my phone which I can read to myself. These are focused on my recognizing my value to be completely separate to how I may be perceived by others, and also shift my focus from the people who reject me to appreciating the people (or other beings such as pets) in my life who accept me exactly as I am. I got my quotes from chatgbt, but Pinterest is also a good place for that.

    A lot of the time the quotes work for me and I start feeling better and get on enjoying the day. But sometimes (especially after drinking - watch your alcohol intake as it's a depressant) it isn't enough. When I feel like that I post on here, or I try to find meaningful new connections through apps such as Bumble BFF (Google it if you're unfamiliar) / Bumble for friends - these apps are also quite normalized by the general population now too. I think it's natural to feel these feelings when you lack genuine connections, as it goes against some of the survival areas of our brain to be alone. Therefore being active in trying to change that situation can also be helpful, but I think seeking out genuine connections (even though it can be difficult) as opposed to any connection (where you will likely end up masking) is the way to go. 

    If im still feeling down, then I seek out mental health support through therapy. You should always be aware of the numbers that you can call if you get in this state such as Samaritans etc..

    The above is just what helps me and my specific struggles. If you have any similar struggles then hopefully it will help you also. Sending you lots of good vibes, good luck on your new journey 

Children
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