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Now what?

Tabitha_Teacher

Hi, I am an Autistic adult - diagnosed 4 months ago at the age of 25. I am sure lots of people relate to that feeling of ‘Now what?’ 

I teach in a secondary school and my colleagues are really supportive but I feel like they want to help soo much that I feel pressured in to figuring out solutions to my challenges so quickly. I feel guilty when I say that I don’t know what support I need. I know I struggle both with the executive function side and with emotional regulation but I do a great job of masking. 

Outside of work is a bit easier as I don’t need to mask as much, but there is a lot of emotional baggage to unpack following decades of feeling weird or damaged or somehow insufficient. My self esteem has really suffered over the years and I know my diagnosis, although welcome, has definitely not solved anything yet. I am still working on unmasking around my siblings. Mum, Dad and my husband are the only people who see the genuine me, and they spend half their time dealing with the fallout of my masking, burnout an overwhelm.

I feel like I have a long road ahead.

Parents

  • Welcome.

    It is lovely that your work colleagues are being so supportive, as I know from some of the posts I've read on these forums that this isn't the case for everyone. Although I know it may be easier said than done, I really don't think you should feel guilty for telling your colleagues you don't know what support you need. If you haven't already done so, my advice would be to thank them and say you will let them know as and when you require additional support.

Reply

  • Welcome.

    It is lovely that your work colleagues are being so supportive, as I know from some of the posts I've read on these forums that this isn't the case for everyone. Although I know it may be easier said than done, I really don't think you should feel guilty for telling your colleagues you don't know what support you need. If you haven't already done so, my advice would be to thank them and say you will let them know as and when you require additional support.

Children
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