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New Diagnosis (level 1) 38, M, Fife.

JB33

Hello, im John

after knowing I was different for years I finally have a diagnosis and my life makes more sense (although still absorbing it). It sits along side ADHD for me. I work in a professional job. Have a high paying career, hobbies, wife and kid, family life etc so it seems normal from the outside, but inside can be difficult to navigate at times with frequent shutdown and routine protection. Was always told I’m being difficult but now beginning to spot patterns. 

im quite creative and compose piano music. Mostly classical style and also an hobbiest perfumer. Love cars (and motrcycles), being in nature and photography . Nice to see such a group here. 

  • Hi John, welcome to the group!

    It's funny when you finally get a diagnosis and start looking back on your life and seeing the signs were always there, you just didn't know at the time. I got diagnosed last month, and still getting used to it really. This group is really helping with coming to terms with it all and having people understand what you are feeling and have advice and tips. It's been fun joining in and communicating with people I've not done in a long time. 

    That's quite a skill to compose music, I was always so hyper focused on art I never really pursued it, but I think my kids have got lots of talent for music (and they definitely didn't get it from their dad!).

    I hope you feel you can start joining in and post again soon!

  • Hello John, welcome to the community.

    There is a good soure of information on the subject of shutdowns / meltdowns here: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/meltdowns

    Similarly for the protection (I think you mean masking): https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/masking

    I come from a similar background to you and I know how hard it is not to show how much it costs us sometimes - we come from a culture where men are given little opportunity to be acceptably vulnerable and where were our worth is often measured against how useful we are.

    There is a lot of info to take in post diagnosis but if you want any pointers or advice then fire away - we have a lot of people who have been through similar journeys and can offer some guidance.