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Understanding new diagnosis report?

KimmySunshine

Hello everyone, I’m very newly diagnosed (at 48 years old) as meeting the criteria for a diagnosis of ASD as described by DSM 5. I’ve had a draft report from the Autism Assessment Centre but I don’t understand it. I expected it to have a level of which they deem me to be at, and obviously I’ve googled it but am getting conflicting information. Do you have a level or score? Your help would be massively appreciated. Thank you 

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  • in reply to Bunny

    This is all so helpful thank you! I’m currently going through an imposter syndrome phase, I’ve lived 48 years without diagnosis so surely I’m not autistic, also great sadness because I now recognise behaviours and past experiences as me being autistic  and I feel lonely. This is all so helpful though and gives me plenty to read through whilst processing it 

  • in reply to KimmySunshine

    You're welcome!

    Following a diagnosis, it can be common for us - especially as late-diagnosed adults - to experience a lot of emotional dysregulation. Besides perhaps feeling relieved about getting an explanation for our difficulties, this can also include experiencing confusion, uncertainty, and/or (backward-focused) anger, frustration, grieving and more. So please don't worry - it's normal! 

    For me, as for many others here, my diagnosis turned out to be much more of the start of a new journey, rather than a conclusion full of solutions for my ASD-related difficulties.

    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