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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

  • Hello.

    Let's just step back a moment.

    What is it you are struggling with? Is it burnout, executive function problems, emotional issues, relationship problems, problems reframing the past, not knowing what to change, sleep problems, feeling lost, just general confusion?

    For ADHD to be prescribed something I think  you'd need a GP or GP referral to a  psychiatrist (or private appointment).

    They you would ask the the question I expect. So it helps to think about it a bit.

    I posted a thread related to masking a week or two ago, with info on what masking is with a bit on what to do. I think there was also another thread in the last couple of days.

    But don't feel you have to change. If you have a lifestyle and setup that works for you, then be happy.

  • in reply to Stuart333

    Thanks for replying. The issue is I just don't know - I do not recognise myself anymore and therefore am not sure what I need. I am on a titration wait list already for medication (with P:UK): it's just taking a long time for 'my turn'. I've done nothing but think about this since my autism diagnosis three years ago, I've tried reaching out locally for help but there's nothing in my county and no local diagnostic team so it's just all rather flaky. Thank you x 

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  • in reply to Stuart333

    Thanks for replying. The issue is I just don't know - I do not recognise myself anymore and therefore am not sure what I need. I am on a titration wait list already for medication (with P:UK): it's just taking a long time for 'my turn'. I've done nothing but think about this since my autism diagnosis three years ago, I've tried reaching out locally for help but there's nothing in my county and no local diagnostic team so it's just all rather flaky. Thank you x 

Children
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