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Diagnosed at 47, wish I didn’t know

Nexus-7

Hi everyone, I’m a 47 year old woman who was diagnosed with autism and adhd through right to choose around 5 months ago.

I feel like I wish I didn’t know I was autistic. It was a huge shock to me. I was only diagnosed because my GP suggested I might have ADHD and part of the assessment process included autism tests. 

No support was given after diagnosis. They said they’d send info but I haven’t even received my report yet. 

Ever since I’ve been diagnosed I’ve felt extremely paranoid about any interactions with other people. I’m really struggling. I can’t seem to find anywhere to get support. Does anyone know of support groups for late diagnosed people? I live in east London. Thank you. 

Parents

  • Hi - hopefully you'll come to accept your AuDHD in time, whatever that is for you.  For me its taken weeks and months - I'm more comfortable with who I am, so hope you feel the same soon.

    You're right about support from NHS there isn't much TBH- am awaiting NHS Talking Therapies but the wait is a few months, and I've not heard much on this forum, which may speak it yourself.

    Do search for local adult support groups (mostly charities) in the NAS Service Directory - and reach out to them.  There's one local to me that run online workshops and you can contact them, they run drop-in sessions but these are daytime, so no good if you work like me.  There may be a similar group in your area - but from what I read on here, what's available locally does vary.

    1-2-1 Therapy options, as far as I know, are largely pay for it yourself or if you have health insurance that may cover it.

    I'm 5 months in from finding out I'm Autistic, I wasn't assessed for ADHD but I feel for me that would of been good to know one way or the other.  I wasn't aware of AuDHD at the time and was entering burnout and needed help fast, which I did get via my insurance.  From therapy I've been screened with GAD and Social Anxiety - but at moment just see them integral to my ASD, so not seeking diagnosis for those right now.

    For various reasons I've done limited disclosure, even 1 parent and sister don't know, but my manager & HR do know.  I feel disclosure is very personal and so its down to the individual who they disclose to, also when, how + what they disclose. 

    Wishing you well.

Reply

  • Hi - hopefully you'll come to accept your AuDHD in time, whatever that is for you.  For me its taken weeks and months - I'm more comfortable with who I am, so hope you feel the same soon.

    You're right about support from NHS there isn't much TBH- am awaiting NHS Talking Therapies but the wait is a few months, and I've not heard much on this forum, which may speak it yourself.

    Do search for local adult support groups (mostly charities) in the NAS Service Directory - and reach out to them.  There's one local to me that run online workshops and you can contact them, they run drop-in sessions but these are daytime, so no good if you work like me.  There may be a similar group in your area - but from what I read on here, what's available locally does vary.

    1-2-1 Therapy options, as far as I know, are largely pay for it yourself or if you have health insurance that may cover it.

    I'm 5 months in from finding out I'm Autistic, I wasn't assessed for ADHD but I feel for me that would of been good to know one way or the other.  I wasn't aware of AuDHD at the time and was entering burnout and needed help fast, which I did get via my insurance.  From therapy I've been screened with GAD and Social Anxiety - but at moment just see them integral to my ASD, so not seeking diagnosis for those right now.

    For various reasons I've done limited disclosure, even 1 parent and sister don't know, but my manager & HR do know.  I feel disclosure is very personal and so its down to the individual who they disclose to, also when, how + what they disclose. 

    Wishing you well.

Children
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