• Replies 10 replies
  • Subscribers 74 subscribers
  • Views 337 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

  • Hi  

    I can respond from my personal experience.

    First of all I had a problem telling myself - denial and confusion was somewhat problematic.  The impression that I have from your post indicates you seem to be quite well sorted on that.

    Telling others might inform you more about them based on their responses rather than you telling them about yourself.  It takes time for others to readjust and they might not be as well informed as you or as willing to reframe their perspective of you too.

    I have found some discrimination, stigmatisation and simple ignorance from some I have told.

    When telling others I find myself balancing protecting/being myself, gaining acknowledgement, the desire to let everyone know what to me at least is a big thing and also what I see as a wider social need for increased understanding of autism.

    You may find that the issues you encounter are not possible to resolve - personally I find this the hardest part to come to terms with.

    I suspect that you're in an ideal job for you and the people you work with - as regards telling employer depends on whether any benefits re: reasonable adjustments and how you're being treated maybe.

    All the best!

  • in reply to Phased

    Thank you for your kind words and advice, good to know how others have gotten on following diagnosis

Reply Children
No Data