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No help since diagnosis

Clarkie

Hi,

Not sure what I'm asking for here, but I needed to reach out. I've been diagnosed with both ADHD and autism for a while (autism about 3 years, ADHD about 1). I'm 57, female and not medicated (ADHD diagnosis was most recent and although it was a while ago I've still not got to titration stage yet).

I don't know who I am. I've masked so successfully all my life (without knowing it was masking, just thinking it was trying to keep up with others) that I do not know where the mask ends and I start. I've tried to work out who I am since the diagnoses and all that's appeared is more confusion.

I've had no help or support since diagnosis either. After my autism assessment I was sent a bunch of photocopied info sheets, where it turns out most of the groups and support listed no longer exist or are suspended because of funds. There is no diagnostic team. The only thing on offer was a 6 week online course which turned out was aimed at parents of autistic children. and just explained what autism was (thanks, I can google that myself), so I left that.

I feel I am drowning more than I did before. I expected there to be a grieving and shock process, but I feel worse off now than when I was clueless about my diagnoses. it feels empty and alone.

Has anyone accessed anything useful in their acceptance and unmasking journey that perhaps I could look into? I realise I'm going to have to be proactive: no one (in the NHS) is going to actually supply any help.

Parents

  • Good morning from America Clarkie!

    AuDHDer here, too. Being from America, there’s probably very little help I can offer in terms of assistance in joining groups or getting support, but I can share what helped me. After I got my diagnosis I managed to find an art therapist that specializes in Autism. Her experience was a little more centered around Autistic children, but we used the sessions to kind of learn more about how Autism affects me together. That really helped a lot. Strangely, I got the therapy through a grant given by my daughter’s school. I’m still a little confused how that was possible lol.

    Getting medicated for ADHD has also helped me. I feel way more balanced with my current medication than I did without. There’s less brain fog and I feel more comfortable socializing. Medication isn’t for everyone, but it has helped me.

    I hope you find the help you need. Do know that experiences with feeling grief after diagnosis is fairly common, as I have seen others mention that on here countless times. You’re not alone.

  • in reply to profdanger

    Oh that's so good to hear, how lovely you've found such support. Useful to know that medication has helped too. Thanks for your reply xx

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