Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi I'm newly joined as I have just been diagnosed as autistic at age 63.
Looking to discuss strategies people use to get used to the idea of being confirmed as autistic, and tips for contacting groups etc.
Welcome to the forum.
If you are a reader then there are a few books that can provide a lot of context and advice for those in your situation:
Very Late Diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome - Wylie, Philip_ Beardon, Luke_ Heath, Sara (2014)ISBN 9781849054331
Understanding Autism For Dummies - Stephen Shore, Linda G. Rastelli, Temple Grandin (2006)ISBN 0764525476
I found it most helpful to start with a therapist who understands autism well - they gave me lots of pointers to other resources relevant to my specific autistis traits, talked me though working out what was autism and what was just me as an individual, unpacked early life traumas that were still having an impact and helped me develop better coping strategies for autistic traits that were intrusive for me.
Hello Iain, many thanks for your reply. I've just ordered a couple of books, thank you for your suggestions.
I am waiting to return to counselling and now I have my diagnosis, my counsellor will put me on autism courses he runs, as well as being able to discuss my diagnosis in our 1-1 sessions.
Dealing with childhood traumas around undeveloped social skills will be a big focus for me, as well as obsessional interests which give me enjoyment but stifle social opportunities.