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Recently Diagnosed

MooreThanPhil

Hello to everyone in the community.

I have recently received my autism diagnosis and my report mentioned it may be beneficial to use the forums to connect with others, especially other males in their 30’s who had a late diagnosis.

I have suspected autism for a long time but have only recently pursued a diagnosis, I put it off as I questioned how a formal diagnosis would actually affect anything at this stage in my life. What pushed me was the thought of it helping others understand me and maybe help me understand myself.

I am struggling a little after receiving the diagnosis despite me suspecting I am autistic for a long time, I guess hearing it after the assessment felt different.

Im sure I’ll move onto the acceptance stage in time.

  • in reply to SkyLines

    Hey SkyLines and MooreThanPhil,

    33, diagnosed at 30. I got my diagnosis primarily to prove to loved ones that I have more than just ADHD. It took me a few years after that to really start getting involved with learning more about Autism and get more involved in the community.

    It takes time to digest and learn who you really are. “Lurking in the background” is actually a great idea; Get to know what other people with Autism experience and you’ll learn things about yourself.

    I’m here to talk if y’all ever want “other males in their 30’s who had a late diagnosis” to talk to lol

  • Hi MooreThanPhil (and everyone else!), I'm in the same situation - diagnosed last week at 49, and also lurking in the background at the moment until I've started to digest everything. Relieved to have validated what I've suspected for years, but rather unsettled by "but, who actually are you?"

  • Hi MooreThanPhil, Congratulations on your diagnosis and welcome to the community. 

    I’m in my 60s, a woman and my relatively recent diagnosis was a huge relief. 


    I hope you enjoy the journey into discovering who you are, and that you gain appreciation and understanding of your being.

  • Thanks for responding, I’m just having a bit a lurk at the moment. Great meet you and hear from you.

  • Hi MooreThanPhil, good to have you here and welcome. I'm a bit older than you in my 50's, only in the last few months I have discovered that I am autistic. I really struggled for many weeks following this but have come to a better place, although there is still a way to go. Interesting to read your comments about questioning diagnosis and its benefits as I am currently in this camp, not seeing the benefit for me and being nervous/fearful of the process. 

  • Hello  

    Thank you for sharing this with the Community. It's understandable that you're struggling after your diagnosis - many people have expressed similar feelings. You may find the following page on our website useful: 

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

    All the best,

    ChloeMod

  • Hello MooreThanPhil.  Welcome.

    I'm an old coot! (50+ male)......but what you have written above, resonates with me.

    In my experience, hoping for others to understand you better is a bit of a "dream".......but hoping for you to understand yourself better = DEFO possible here (if you can give it some time!)

    "Acceptance" is REALLY important, but that can take some considerable time to achieve.  I hope you will find a few connections here to help that happen for you.

    Yours,

    Number.