• Replies 7 replies
  • Subscribers 72 subscribers
  • Views 176 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

New diagnosis

AndyB

Hi all, I'm Andy, 46 and after having an assessment several weeks ago, I finally have my diagnosis. Still processing at the moment, I suspected for a long time, but good to have things validated. I'm not entirely sure what to do next really, but I do already know quite a lot about ASD already as I've worked with disabilities for 25 years and am currently working in a supported living house with four very different autistic individuals. I'm not too sure what to do next on terms of who to tell and when etc, why thoughts? Thanks

Parents

  • Good afternoon from America, AndyB.

    Congrats on your diagnosis! I hope it helps with answering some of your questions.

    That’s awesome to hear that you have so much experience with people that have disabilities! I’m in a field adjacent to the care industry; I am an employment specialist that helps people with disabilities find jobs. I’ve only been in it for a little over half a year, though. I am very lucky that my supervisor is actually very accommodating. I’m sorry to hear that yours doesn’t sound quite so. From my experience, it’s good to be cautious who you tell, but it is nice to have coworkers that know and can help you when you need it. Right now pretty much all of my coworkers know, but at my last job at a factory I was way more careful. The region I live in is kind of notorious about misinformation regarding things like Autism.

    AndyB said:
    I'm probably going to tell her about my diagnosis anyway, it will be interesting to see what her reaction will be! 

    Honestly? If you’re already considering leaving, what’s the worst that can happen? That’s just my opinion judging by what you’ve said.

    AndyB said:
    My wife doesn't seem very convinced by my diagnosis

    I had a very similar situation. My wife didn’t buy it for the longest time because she is used to working with higher support Autistic individuals in a hospital setting. It took my mother hearing about the diagnosis and saying “Oh, that makes sense” and my daughter also getting diagnosed for it to eventually click for her. Now she’s a huge supporter. Just give it some time, maybe she’ll come around if you wait a bit.

    Best wishes!

  • in reply to profdanger

    Thanks Prof, I really appreciate your message, it's great that there is such a fantastic community on here. 

    Yes, it has definitely put a lot of pieces in place for me about my childhood and adult life. I'm done essays I wish I'd known years ago, but then again, would I be the person I am if I had received an earlier diagnosis?

    I can understand your reluctance to tell too many people. I'm sure it didn't help in the states when a certain person started talking nonsense about Tylenol in pregnancy, based on absolutely nothing!

    Thanks again and all the best, Andy

Reply
  • in reply to profdanger

    Thanks Prof, I really appreciate your message, it's great that there is such a fantastic community on here. 

    Yes, it has definitely put a lot of pieces in place for me about my childhood and adult life. I'm done essays I wish I'd known years ago, but then again, would I be the person I am if I had received an earlier diagnosis?

    I can understand your reluctance to tell too many people. I'm sure it didn't help in the states when a certain person started talking nonsense about Tylenol in pregnancy, based on absolutely nothing!

    Thanks again and all the best, Andy

Children
No Data