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Late diagnosed at 44 looking to connect in or near Chichester.

CharlotteChi

Hi everyone,

I’ve recently been diagnosed as autistic at 44 and I’m still processing what this means for me. I’m especially interested in learning more about unmasking and connecting with others who might share similar experiences.

My 11‑year‑old son was also diagnosed last year, so I’m navigating this both for myself and as a single parent.

I’m based near Chichester (West Sussex) and would love to connect with other autistic adults either online or in person locally if there are meet-ups or groups or other parent with kids a similar age. Any recommendations or just saying hi would be really appreciated.

Thanks so much!

Charlotte

Parents

  • Hi Stuart,

    Thanks for getting back to me! Lovely to connect with someone also late diagnosed. How old were you?

    I've always felt different and on the peripheral of all social circles.  I was diagnosed with GAD 30+ years ago and then fibromyalgia after my son was born. But now looking back after receiving the Autism diagnosis, I think more likely those times were autistic overwhelm and burnout unrecognised. I didn't even realise what a master at masking I was until recently! I never considered I was autistic until my son started to have difficulty at school and then  he got diagnosed and I could see a lot of the same traits I had myself. 

    Tbh I feel relieved. As now so much of how i've struggled to fit in, sustain the pace of life, find my place and my people, all throughout my life has got an explanation. 

    How did you feel about it all when you got the diagnosis?

    Are you working? And do you have good social connections?

  • in reply to CharlotteChi

    I was 56 when diagnosed. I work full time.

    I'm pleased it has answered some questions for you.

    Diagnosis has been painful as it highlights some missed opportunities and the life I wished I'd lived may have been possible after all. If if known 30 years ago what I know now ..., but times were different and I was hiding from myself.

    If I had good social connections I may not have got the diagnosis. I didn't think they were important.

    You can click on people's names at the top of the post and it will open their profile. If they put something you can see some details.

Reply
  • in reply to CharlotteChi

    I was 56 when diagnosed. I work full time.

    I'm pleased it has answered some questions for you.

    Diagnosis has been painful as it highlights some missed opportunities and the life I wished I'd lived may have been possible after all. If if known 30 years ago what I know now ..., but times were different and I was hiding from myself.

    If I had good social connections I may not have got the diagnosis. I didn't think they were important.

    You can click on people's names at the top of the post and it will open their profile. If they put something you can see some details.

Children
  • in reply to Stuart333

    Hi Stuart,

    I completely agree. I thought I would be relieved but I've been reflecting a lot and feel sad at the missed opportunities and lack of social support/ connection that I've struggled to make and maintain and have craved throughout life. I guess it explains why and how life has turned out the way it has but it's a confusing mix of feelings of relief and grief at once I'm experiencing.

    That's good to know about the profiles. When I have time I'll add something to mine.

    Charlotte