Hey :)

Nice to meet you! I was diagnosed at 11, and I wish I had that positive mental attitude about my diagnosis at that age. Keep that up and i'm sure you'll get far!

Hi April

I also love Harry Potter, it’s one of my goals in the new year to reread the entire series. There is a series on YouTube called A Very Potter Musical by Team StarKid which I really recommend if you’ve never seen it before!

I also love to read, and I want to be an author one day. I love musical theatre although I’m a terrible singer, I prefer to volunteer backstage

You’re definitely not alone  

I’ve got to ask, what’s your favourite Lego set or sets?

Hi thanks!

How's your day going so far?

Any plans? :) 

Hi, thank you for sharing your insightful story and reflections—it really resonated with me.

It's fascinating how the understanding of autism has evolved over the decades, and your experience highlights the importance of awareness and support. I really can't imagine how difficult it was being autistic during a time when you couldn't openly be yourself. That must have been so hard. I can only imagine how challenging it must have been to navigate your childhood without a clear understanding of your own identity.

You raise an important point about labels and the potential impact they can have on self-perception, especially during formative years. It's encouraging to hear that despite the challenges you faced, you were able to achieve so much in your adult life. Getting married, pursuing education, and travelling are all incredible accomplishments that showcase your resilience and determination.

I think that's amazing. Married and having children are two things I want to achieve in my life but I'm an anxious wreck and withdrawn from the outside world. I don't know how to act around others, I'm mute and keep my head down.

Your journey of self-discovery is so inspiring, and it’s a reminder that it’s never too late to learn more about ourselves and embrace our true identities.

Thanks, this has been really interesting to read. Very inspiring.

Hi Andy.

I like your PFP. I'm a big Lego fan :) 

Thank you. I'm glad I'm not alone in doing this. I remember feeling like the only person who felt a lot things for most of my life so far, at times I forget that there's thousands of others who are like this now. It's a comfort to know it isn't just me. I wasn't sure about joining a community at first but then I thought I would. I'm glad I did. It feels right being here.

Hi.

I like Harry Potter and Doctor Who, my special interests.

I like to read, history, listen to music and do a lot of singing. I was singing in a group before my anxiety put a stop to it.

What about you?

Hi everybody,

Thanks so much for the welcomes and great advice. I really appreciate your taking time to reply.

Thank you!

Hi April, I’m also 21 but I was diagnosed at 15. What kind of things do you enjoy? 

Greetings April!

Hi and welcome to the forum.

It's something I've thought about from time to time - what if I'd known when I was younger? Because I grew up in the 1960s and 70s nobody would have thought about it, as back then autistic people were almost exclusively boys with intellectual impairment and as a girl with slightly above average intelligence, I was just shy, sensitive, and quiet in lessons.

If there had been more awareness then, I'm not sure a diagnosis would have been good for me, to be honest - it might have given me the mindset that I couldn't do things, and during my teens I was depressed enough without having a label that others could use to possibly bully me with.

Of course, if a.child or young person needs support, an autism diagnosis can certainly help with that, and it's important for their self esteem that children are helped to reach their full potential.

I didn't realise I was probably on the spectrum until I reached my mid fifties - in fact, I didn't really know what autism was until then. Although my childhood wasn't the happiest, I've done some things in my adult life that some autistic people haven't managed to do - such as getting married and setting up our own home, gaining qualifications through distance learning, and travelling to various places in Europe, plus one long haul trip to Malaysia (after which I said never again to long haul flights!)

Because I learned about it so late in life, I had had decades to practise "normal" with varying success, but it meant I was masking and people pleasing most of the time I was not in my own home. It took some years to uncover the real me, but I think I've got there now. I'm quite happy to tell people I enjoy video gaming!

I wish you luck with your own journey.

Hi April! Welcome to the community. Congratulations on your diagnosis!! I hope it helps you learn more about yourself and can begin to unmask. 
It will take time to process the diagnosis, everyone is different, but for me I’m still processing it about 14 months on from my diagnosis. Looking back and thinking if you would have been better equipped knowing earlier, is a very natural thing to be thinking. The way I describe it, and many others do to, is that you’re grieving your childhood. I would say to not think what could have been, and instead focus on the now and embracing it. You’re doing the right thing by being part of this community. I have found learning from others on here very helpful. I have also found watching loads of autistic YouTubers helpful too.