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Just been dignosed

Jessica52556

Hi there my name is Jessica I’m 24 years old and and last week I was dignosed with autism my emotions are all. Over the pace with it I know I’ve had it for a while now but been told I actullay have it hit me a bit hard I know it’s not always a bad thing just looking for tips and advice 

  • Be curious about your emotions.

    Think about what is behind them as it will tell you something about yourself. E.g. if you are sad, think about what you are sad about.

    Then think about whether it is true and whether it matters, or if there is something you can do about it.

    If you can gain some level of control you will feel less lost and confused.

  • Hi Jessica, welcome to the forums, take your time and hope you find some help and support here

  • Hi Jessica, welcome to the community. I was also late diagnosed, and it's a rough patch getting accustomed to the realizations and labels that come along with ASD, but you'll get through. My only advice is: don't let the diagnosis swamp your identity. It's so, so important and life-changing to have that confirmation, and I would never take that away from anyone, but you are a special person whose ASD only makes you more yourself. Keep your strengths in mind as you navigate this time, because in the end, autism is a part of you, and it is an integral part of you, and you are still able to live your full true life with it. 

    Lots of love,

    Max

  • Hi Jessica - congratulations on your diagnosis and welcome to the community!

    You're far from alone in feeling that way! After diagnosis, it can be common for us - especially as late-diagnosed adults - to experience a lot of emotional dysregulation. Besides feeling relief about getting our diagnosis, this can also include working through a phase where we experience confusion and/or (backward-focused) anger, frustration, grieving and more. So please don't worry - it's normal! 

    The NAS has a great set of articles focused on "after diagnosis", including one covering how you might feel during the subsequent days / weeks / months. You might find them of interest and/or helpful:

    NAS - How you might feel after a diagnosis

    NAS - Other advice covering post-diagnosis including:

    • Talking about and disclosing your autism diagnosis
    • Emotional support for family members after a diagnosis
    • Formal support following an autism diagnosis
    • What can I do if formal support is not offered or is not enough

    In terms of what to do next, my advice at this point would be to give yourself plenty of time and breathing space to process and absorb everything that you've been through, and let your feelings settle down.

    As for many others here, my own diagnosis turned out to be the start of a new journey, rather than a conclusion full of instant solutions for my ASD-related difficulties. 

    Therapy (or counselling) is often recommended after a diagnosis, as a follow up action for your GP to arrange. In anticipation of that, you might find it helpful to borrow or buy this book, which includes discussion of various types of therapy and counselling, together with advice on choosing the right therapist or counsellor - all from an autistic person's viewpoint. Several of us here have found it very helpful:

    The Autistic Survival Guide to Therapy

  • in reply to Alien0n3arth

    Thank you so much just feeling a mix of elations that why I joined here 

  • Hi, congratulations for getting the confirmation and it’s normal to have mixed emotions afterwards. I hope you find here support and connections. Welcome to the community!