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Introducing myself

Starscream84

Hello,

I was diagnosed yesterday (40’s male ASD) and it’s already been good to see posts here from people whose stories I feel I can begin to identify a bit with (never feeling like a proper adult, having had breakdowns, anxiety and depression, not quite sure how to process having a diagnosis, etc). 

I appreciate there being this forum to say and hear experiences as part of trying to understand myself. 

THank you Slight smile

Parents

  • Hello and welcome to the forum! Congratulations on your diagnosis.

    The best advice is to give yourself plenty of time to learn and accept your diagnosis. It took my a while to accept my diagnosis but it’s got a lot better with time and learning. 

    Hope to see more posts from you soon Slight smile

  • in reply to Andy

    Thanks Andy. Helpful advice after perhaps initial relief I seem to having what feels like a ‘grieving’ for some reason. 

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  • in reply to Andy

    Thanks Andy. Helpful advice after perhaps initial relief I seem to having what feels like a ‘grieving’ for some reason. 

Children
  • in reply to Starscream84

    I completely understand how you’re feeling. I went through exactly this after my own diagnosis. At first, there’s that relief of finally having an explanation for so much, but then the grief can hit, often unexpectedly. For me it was mourning the years of struggle, misunderstanding, and missed support, as well as realising how much easier some things would have been if I’d known sooner. I also went through a stage of anger, towards my parents and the professionals in my life as a child, such as teachers etc, as I think to myself why didn’t they see it sooner. All of these feelings are perfectly natural responses, and it doesn’t mean your diagnosis is a bad thing, it’s just part of processing everything. Be kind to yourself, and remember that these feelings will pass as you adjust and find peace with this new understanding of yourself.