Hello, I had a late diagnosis of Autism last September. Relief in one way but hard in another. Anyone else feel that way? Thanks!
Hello, I had a late diagnosis of Autism last September. Relief in one way but hard in another. Anyone else feel that way? Thanks!
Congratulations on your diagnosis and welcome to the community!
Following a diagnosis, it can be common for us to experience a lot of emotional dysregulation. Besides perhaps feeling some relief about now having an explanation for our past difficulties, this can also include working through a phase where we experience confusion, uncertainty, so-called "imposter syndrome", and/or (backward-focused) anger, frustration, grieving, and more.
So please don't worry - it's normal, and it can last for quite some time, not least because - especially for late-diagnosed adults - there's a lot to look back on through this new lens.
As for many others here, my own diagnosis turned out to be much more of the start of a new journey, rather than a conclusion full of instant solutions for my difficulties.
I know your diagnosis was a while ago, but if you haven't yet seem them, the NAS has a great set of articles focused on "after diagnosis", which you might still find helpful:
NAS - How you might feel after a diagnosis - includes perspectives from other autistics
NAS - Other advice covering post-diagnosis including:
Therapy (or counselling) is often recommended after a diagnosis, as a follow up action for your GP to arrange. If you haven't yet had this - or if you're planning more in the future - you might find it helpful to borrow or buy this book. It discusses various types of therapy and counselling, and offers advice on choosing the right therapist or counsellor - all from an autistic person's viewpoint. Several of us here have found it very helpful:
The Autistic Survival Guide to Therapy
This book also taught me some important principles and enabled me to make some immediate, helpful changes - perhaps you might find it useful, too:
Self-Care for Autistic People: 100+ Ways to Recharge, De-Stress, and Unmask!
Congratulations on your diagnosis and welcome to the community!
Following a diagnosis, it can be common for us to experience a lot of emotional dysregulation. Besides perhaps feeling some relief about now having an explanation for our past difficulties, this can also include working through a phase where we experience confusion, uncertainty, so-called "imposter syndrome", and/or (backward-focused) anger, frustration, grieving, and more.
So please don't worry - it's normal, and it can last for quite some time, not least because - especially for late-diagnosed adults - there's a lot to look back on through this new lens.
As for many others here, my own diagnosis turned out to be much more of the start of a new journey, rather than a conclusion full of instant solutions for my difficulties.
I know your diagnosis was a while ago, but if you haven't yet seem them, the NAS has a great set of articles focused on "after diagnosis", which you might still find helpful:
NAS - How you might feel after a diagnosis - includes perspectives from other autistics
NAS - Other advice covering post-diagnosis including:
Therapy (or counselling) is often recommended after a diagnosis, as a follow up action for your GP to arrange. If you haven't yet had this - or if you're planning more in the future - you might find it helpful to borrow or buy this book. It discusses various types of therapy and counselling, and offers advice on choosing the right therapist or counsellor - all from an autistic person's viewpoint. Several of us here have found it very helpful:
The Autistic Survival Guide to Therapy
This book also taught me some important principles and enabled me to make some immediate, helpful changes - perhaps you might find it useful, too:
Self-Care for Autistic People: 100+ Ways to Recharge, De-Stress, and Unmask!
Thank you, these look great resources!
