Hello everyone.

Hi and welcome

I'm new here too and and newly diagnosed. This feels strange to me this online thing, but I'm starting to get to grips with it and it has been worth the effort.

I hope you settle in soon.

I'm new here as well.  Welcome.

Thank you. I’m glad I’m here. 

Yes. Exactly. 

Cheeky_monkey said:

I promised myself I’d make an effort

All credit to you; for both your perseverance through the Autism assessment process and your effort to connect with us on the community here (welcome).

Ha ha. Thanks!

Cheeky_monkey said:

For the first time in a long time I feel hopeful.

That's been my experience, too. Not broken, just different. No big deal.

Hey! Snap on the age! Good to have you on board. Like the shades!

Thank you. 

Thanks. That’s good to know.  It’s also good to know it’s not like social media. 

Cheeky_monkey said:

Anyway, I’ve avoided finding out for years because I felt if it wasn’t autism then I was just a bit broken and I did t know if I could handle that.

Hello.

I was a little worried about that too. If I was not autistic it was going to be hard to explain everything.

Still thought I wasn't bad enough though to meet the criteria.

Hi and welcome to the community. Most people on here aren't social either, but many find it helps to talk online to others who have similar experiences, and it can help to foster a sense of connection.

I'm a woman in my sixties and retired now, and we have a huge range of ages here and most of the time we all get along ok. It's usually much better than "Social" media. Hope you find the forum useful.

Hello and congrats on your diagnosis!

I hope you find yourself comfortable on this forum!