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Newly diagnosed and now feel more lost!

DanFee

Hi all, 

Not sure if this is the right place to post, the psychiatrist recommended I join here. I am 34 and newly diagnosed with Autism level 1 (new being lunchtime today!) I am sat at work and cannot focus, I felt this would give me some clarify and some relief, but feeling more lost than I was trying to find answers. 

I keep getting a feeling that, maybe they got it wrong and I don't really have it, it fits, in so many ways it explains a lot but cannot help my brain telling me that maybe I answered wrong and got the diagnosis, even though I just answered truthfully. 

But my question is, what happens after? they have diagnosed me and will write a report and that is it, so although I now have an answer as to why I feel and think in a certain way, but no way to help myself lol

anyone felt the same after diagnosis? I mask a lot and it is exhausting, I just want to be able to be myself and I don't know how 

thank you for reading! :) 

Parents

  • Hello from America!

    I’m about the same age as you and I was diagnosed around age 30. My feelings were primarily of relief after I was diagnosed, but i do understand feeling lost or having imposter syndrome. Some things that I think might help to know:

    1) As  mentioned, it can take some time to process. Be patient with yourself. It is common to feel a whirlwind of emotions post-diagnosis and it will likely change over the next few months.

    2) Therapy isn’t for everyone, but it is a good option if you are not sure what to do after getting a diagnosis. One thing that helped me post-diagnosis was getting art therapy with a specialist in Autism.

    3) You don’t necessarily need a diagnosis to be a member of the Autistic community, but you have one! There are Autistic groups out there that you can join. There are also organizations that stand for social justice for those with Autism, if that is something that interests you. Knowing you have Autism means that there is a whole new community that you now have similarities with.

    4) Work can be very difficult for us with Autism. A good thing about getting a diagnosis is that you can potentially get accommodations in the workplace. Unfortunately, it can be hard to get better arrangements even with a diagnosis, but it’s practically impossible without one. If you cannot get accommodations such as a quiet space to work or clear and concise instructions, knowing that you have Autism can help you to know what you need in order to succeed. For example, for my work I have to talk with people on the phone. I have managed this by planning my conversation ahead of time and writing down important details like my own phone number so that I am ready for anything.

    If you’ve got any questions I’m happy to help as best as I can. Best wishes!

Reply

  • Hello from America!

    I’m about the same age as you and I was diagnosed around age 30. My feelings were primarily of relief after I was diagnosed, but i do understand feeling lost or having imposter syndrome. Some things that I think might help to know:

    1) As  mentioned, it can take some time to process. Be patient with yourself. It is common to feel a whirlwind of emotions post-diagnosis and it will likely change over the next few months.

    2) Therapy isn’t for everyone, but it is a good option if you are not sure what to do after getting a diagnosis. One thing that helped me post-diagnosis was getting art therapy with a specialist in Autism.

    3) You don’t necessarily need a diagnosis to be a member of the Autistic community, but you have one! There are Autistic groups out there that you can join. There are also organizations that stand for social justice for those with Autism, if that is something that interests you. Knowing you have Autism means that there is a whole new community that you now have similarities with.

    4) Work can be very difficult for us with Autism. A good thing about getting a diagnosis is that you can potentially get accommodations in the workplace. Unfortunately, it can be hard to get better arrangements even with a diagnosis, but it’s practically impossible without one. If you cannot get accommodations such as a quiet space to work or clear and concise instructions, knowing that you have Autism can help you to know what you need in order to succeed. For example, for my work I have to talk with people on the phone. I have managed this by planning my conversation ahead of time and writing down important details like my own phone number so that I am ready for anything.

    If you’ve got any questions I’m happy to help as best as I can. Best wishes!

Children
  • in reply to profdanger

    Thank you! I do feel some sort of relief, I think what made it harder was I told my manager as she knew I was having an assessment and the reply was "oh that was quick I may go get one" then walked away when I was mid sentence, so felt very dismissed straight away! But I am going to definetly be using this forum so far everyone seems great!