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 
Welcome to you and I hope you find the support the guidance you require.
I I'm a recently diagnosed person with autism in their early forties. I have spent the majority of my life working in special educational Needs, so I was under the impression that I knew a lot about autism, however it was very interesting to begin learning that the only experience I had, which autism from a learning needs point of view. In reality there are formal people in the world who have autism without learning needs than do.
That is a range of different literature out there which is a great way of starting your journey of understanding and hopefully embracement of the condition. I began by reading Tony atwoods guide to aspergers.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Guide-Aspergers-Syndrome-ebook/dp/B0050IY61G
DDon't let the title put you off, since publication and changes in attitudes, the term Asperger's and autism are quite interchangeable and don't specifically preclude someone with autism from understanding more about their condition.
The book mixes quotes from Hans Asperger's original 1944 texts describing the condition, and contemporary accounts from people of a modern generation. It is a useful comparative tool to show how regardless of the decade, being autistic appears to have some universal similarities.
Much of what is written probably won't be a surprise to you, but it is reassuring to hear how these collective similarities and ways in which the autistic mind perceived the world is felt by many.
There will be topics like "stimming" the way in which autistic people can take comfort from repetitive motions or "jigs" - and the embarrassment it can sometimes produce! Bullying at school; special interests and obsessions - and loads of other things which might make you think "yeah! I do that!"
Having all these things laid out, helps you to recognize the reason you do things, why you do things, and so will help you and your family understand you better.
Welcome to the family 
Welcome to you and I hope you find the support the guidance you require.
I I'm a recently diagnosed person with autism in their early forties. I have spent the majority of my life working in special educational Needs, so I was under the impression that I knew a lot about autism, however it was very interesting to begin learning that the only experience I had, which autism from a learning needs point of view. In reality there are formal people in the world who have autism without learning needs than do.
That is a range of different literature out there which is a great way of starting your journey of understanding and hopefully embracement of the condition. I began by reading Tony atwoods guide to aspergers.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Guide-Aspergers-Syndrome-ebook/dp/B0050IY61G
DDon't let the title put you off, since publication and changes in attitudes, the term Asperger's and autism are quite interchangeable and don't specifically preclude someone with autism from understanding more about their condition.
The book mixes quotes from Hans Asperger's original 1944 texts describing the condition, and contemporary accounts from people of a modern generation. It is a useful comparative tool to show how regardless of the decade, being autistic appears to have some universal similarities.
Much of what is written probably won't be a surprise to you, but it is reassuring to hear how these collective similarities and ways in which the autistic mind perceived the world is felt by many.
There will be topics like "stimming" the way in which autistic people can take comfort from repetitive motions or "jigs" - and the embarrassment it can sometimes produce! Bullying at school; special interests and obsessions - and loads of other things which might make you think "yeah! I do that!"
Having all these things laid out, helps you to recognize the reason you do things, why you do things, and so will help you and your family understand you better.
Welcome to the family
