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Advice for newly referred person - Autism

Moggsy_12

Good afternoon everyone, 

I have very recently been referred for an Autism Assessment via my GP surgery.  This was initiated by their occupational therapist, with my full agreement. 

I am in my mid-40s and have struggled with depression, anxiety, and social anxiety for as long as I can remember.  I have been considering whether I may be autistic for some time and I welcome the referral. However, I did not visit the surgery for that reason so was not fully prepared for the outcome of my appointment.  I have been researching the processes, so I know broadly what to expect. However, I was unprepared for the strength of my emotional response to the situation, and It seems that navigating this news is more difficult than I anticipated. I am wondering if anyone has any advice or can signpost me to some resources for people who do not yet have a formal diagnosis but are finding things quite overwhelming. 

Thanks, 

B

Parents

  • Speaking for myself (male aged 60 diagnosed ASD lvl1 four years ago if that means anything :-)

    Nowadays I recognise that being autistic is overwhelming to most people with the condition to start with - so in a strange sort of way you might be getting a hang on reality there.  So although it seems pretty sh1tty it could be a good thing to realise that is how you are feeling - then comes the skill of identifying what can be done about it and putting what you learn into practice.... 

    Diagnosis does seem to provide some people who report on this forum with quick ease - others not.  Personally there is still the anxiety loaded process of learning how to reduce one's anxiety and remain "functional"! 

    I found satisfaction and relief to start with, then denial, anger, then gradually coming to terms with it and eventually some happy times.  ( kind-of like a weird Kubler Ross grief cycle maybe) 

    Realisation that one has been judging oneself by neurotypical expectations (in an autistic fashion) and learning to recognise what is objectively taking place is tricky for someone coming to diagnosis later in life maybe.  Having perhaps having had an partially informed and/or distorted perspective on some things and how one fits within them for one's life thus far.

    Hold on to the prospect of happier times and learn as much as you can about the condition and yourself and how to negotiate life to a happier you I would suggest.  Revel in the greatness of your autistic super-powers but realise that autism it does come with some things that require hard work to keep monitored and managed.

    Be kind to yourself and seek out kind, trustworthy people to be with.  :-)

    Best wishes 

Reply

  • Speaking for myself (male aged 60 diagnosed ASD lvl1 four years ago if that means anything :-)

    Nowadays I recognise that being autistic is overwhelming to most people with the condition to start with - so in a strange sort of way you might be getting a hang on reality there.  So although it seems pretty sh1tty it could be a good thing to realise that is how you are feeling - then comes the skill of identifying what can be done about it and putting what you learn into practice.... 

    Diagnosis does seem to provide some people who report on this forum with quick ease - others not.  Personally there is still the anxiety loaded process of learning how to reduce one's anxiety and remain "functional"! 

    I found satisfaction and relief to start with, then denial, anger, then gradually coming to terms with it and eventually some happy times.  ( kind-of like a weird Kubler Ross grief cycle maybe) 

    Realisation that one has been judging oneself by neurotypical expectations (in an autistic fashion) and learning to recognise what is objectively taking place is tricky for someone coming to diagnosis later in life maybe.  Having perhaps having had an partially informed and/or distorted perspective on some things and how one fits within them for one's life thus far.

    Hold on to the prospect of happier times and learn as much as you can about the condition and yourself and how to negotiate life to a happier you I would suggest.  Revel in the greatness of your autistic super-powers but realise that autism it does come with some things that require hard work to keep monitored and managed.

    Be kind to yourself and seek out kind, trustworthy people to be with.  :-)

    Best wishes 

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