Hello

Hi Silverback022 

Thanks not looked into PIP myself. I suspect I may not qualify however I will check.

I've also found a local support group that is of help - we have had some online workshops so good to meet others online - they do provide chance to meet each month in person ( I haven't done) or provide phone support.  I know they are not everywhere but worth checking the autism-services-directory to see if there's a group near you

Pip

Out of interest why seek a diagnosis at all ? if there was risk you could be diagnosed with ASD.  That said I think where you are right now (post diagnosis) is common to many following diagnosis, so go easy on yourself and I believe acceptance will come in time.

I'm a recent late diagnosed - who has done very limited disclosure since.  The diagnosis has helped me start to understand things and more importantly I've been able to access therapy which has been helpful.  3 months ago I was heading to a bad place and was lucky to get assessed and diagnosed within 6 weeks and start therapy 2 weeks later, I do wonder what state my mind would be if I didn't seek diagnosis.   There's still lots for me to fathom out and work on, but hopefully my future will be easier to navigate.

Also as a newbie (well recent knowledge to me)  there's some great support and wisdom on here, particularly those with more experience of living with autism.  Just take you time for the diagnosis to sink in , hopefully you'll stick around too - so wish you well

It sounds like you feel imposed upon and/or dictated to by the medical establishment. They can have that effect. I often feel like a statistic in their system. Not a person but a box to tick - test for this, monitor for that, do the minimum and follow the standard playbook for everyone regardless of personal needs...

However, sometimes they do hit on a "good idea", so you never know. Maybe being here and interacting will help - no harm in trying, it won't cost you anything.

I joined because after diagnosis I did a lot of reading and it was one of the suggestions for "things you ought to do". I'm still here and it is an interesting space with no pressure to interact if you don't want to. It's also good for getting different views from people who share at least some similar characteristics and have faced some similar problems as you.

You could just lurk for a bit and see what you think. You're welcome either way.

Unless you got a tattoo....then you are NOT branded.  You still get to choose who knows what!

FYI - EVERYONE knows I am a freak and weirdo.......but I chose not to explain why they have that impression of me.

Personally, I would NEVER use the "A" word in relation to my reality (despite knowing full-well that this is my reality)........but being here has helped me form that "appropriateness" about "personal presentation."

I get the sense that you would benefit from being here brother!  Give this place a try (but DON'T trust it with your privacy!)

Hello Silverback022.

Perhaps, just perhaps, don't try to "burn down the stables" just because your prized horse (aka you) has already bolted?!

It is always nice to be able to return to the stables.....later.....if you find that "us collection" of freaks and weirdos are MOST akin to you.

Learning that we are autsits, is a b'stard and/or enlightenment, in equal measure......if we let it be that way?!

You are welcome here - despite (or perhaps because of) your scepticism and disregard!  This is OFTEN how we present ourselves.....brother....in the early days!!!!

Yours

Number.

Not really now am branded with asd something I don't want 

I may have been diagnosed but I'm keeping it a secret and not telling a soul it's embarrassing  

Hi Silverback.

If I may say, you are looking at this wrong. You haven't been GIVEN ASD by your diagnosis. ASD has been identified as ALWAYS there. This can only be useful information for you to find better ways of coping. It's not unfortunate. You are actually very lucky because there are lots of people on long waiting lists, or put off by long waiting lists who would love to get this information.

Not many of us are people people. But a lot of us still find this site useful.

Hello and welcome! I hope you find some benefit from being on here.

I am not really a people person but have found this space to be very welcoming and very nice in the sense of feeling less alone.

It's lovely to have you here

Hi Silverback022, welcome to the forums, I hope you do stick around and give it a go. All the best.

Good morning Silverback022,

Welcome to the community and congratulations on your diagnosis. I hope you find support and useful information here.

If you would like to find out more may I recommend exploring some of our advice pages. 

Please find the topic list here:

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance

After Diagnosis:

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/after-diagnosis

With best wishes, 

Anna Mod

Welcome Silverback022People from all walks of life are here, young and old. I hope you find your time on the forum beneficial.