Late diagnosed autism in my 50's but no idea what to do next??

I am 56 aand got my diagnosis 2 weeks ago. am I surprised? No. Several of you habe brought up important points ; imposter syndrome, the mixture of sadness and reliefr, a list of possible avenues ( vestibular sense etc ..). What i take away from your posts is that diagnosis is the first step. I look foward to reading you all and learning from you. Best wishes to you all, wherever you may be on life's pathway!!

Hi, I was diagnosed last year, I’m now 58. I found the podcasts Aut-hour really helpful. The autistic author Sara Gibbs interviews and basically chats to other autistic authors, most have written autobiographies, I then went on to read a lot of the books. They helped me feel not so alone, I had forgotten some of my own autistic childhood experiences,  they also helped me to not feel so much imposter syndrome. Each story was very different to another. 
As for practical help, I was just given a pamphlet, help or therapy does vary from county to county.

Hi Hollyanne thanks for this information yes I agree it is hard to find actual guidance and support and there is so much information out there its difficult to pick through what is relevant but these suggestions are helping! 

Me similarly, I was diagnosed in November 2021 at age 48.

Hello. 

I was diagnosed in October last year with ASD. I'm 52.

I have a supportive wife and a few supportive friends, which is brilliant. 

Personally I've found books by Dr Megan Neff helpful and surprisingly ChatGPT.

I find a mixture of sadness and relief around my diagnosis. 

I'm still processing and reflecting on it.

Probably try and reflect on your life and what you need now. 

Take care 

Hi Jsp72 Welcome to the community.

I was diagnosed just over a year ago, and I found being here was a great help as there is a wide variety of experiences and reading posts helped me feel less alone and learn more about autism. 

I also read lots of books on autism and looked at some other websites. The autism clinic gave me a book list but they recommended one book above the others for me to begin with. I know you have said the amount of stuff available made you feel more confused, so perhaps just stay around on this community, even if that means lurking, to see if that helps illuminate the right path forward for you. 

The alternative is to find different ways to start learning more about the things you are interested in categorised by themes. E.g., structure/sensory experience - vestibular sense, proprioception, interoception etc./communication/stimming/special interests/socialising/burnout/shutdown/executive function and so on. Take one theme at a time and find out what you want to know about it. 

Good luck.

Hi,

I have found the Late Discovered Podcast really helpful in hearing other voices who discovered later on in life that they are autistic. Some are officially diagnosed, some are self-diagnosed but the podcast speaks to women across a broad spectrum of life. I have found it really comforting hearing their stories as well as their successes. There is also a book written by the Late Discovered podcast host called: 'Rediscovered' by Catherina Asta which I found a good read as well. I can't help with any advice or support as it seems hard to come by/find.

Hollyanne 

Hi Est

Thanks so much for replying I'm definitely still in the confused stage but it helps you've took the time to message and I'll have a look at the book you recommended. I hope you're doing well. 

Hi JSP72 I am a female diagnosed with Autism 18 months ago aged 53 at the time, so I think we've probably been through some similar experiences! This is my first post on here. I recommend a book called Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things? by Pierre Novellie who is a comedian in his 30's. I found his book about late diagnosis is both informative and very funny. I hope you are doing OK and please know you are not alone - there are so many of us out here, friends you have yet to meet. Best of luck to you. xx

Hi Cinnabar wing yes it is very confusing!!! Just need to figure out what it means to me I guess! Thanks for your input 

Will do!

Yay! Let us know how you get on!

Hi Christine Thanks for this any help is appreciated! 

Hi Iain many thanks for the advice that sounds like a sensible way forward!

Iain said:

Nothing in your life has changed other than you now know the root cause of the strangeness in your life so carry on as normal and work on learning as you go. A good therapist will listen, answer questions, help you deal with your issues and grow the skills to come out of the confusion armed with the skills to live the type of life you want.

I agree with Iain on this. Finding out later in life is, on the one hand, a huge relief, as it finally gives explanations, but also a bit scary when thinking about how to move forward.

Since discovering autism in my 60s, I've done tons of research and listened to a lot of podcasts and workshop videos. One guy I really like is Paul from 'Autism from the Inside'. He speaks on YouTube - is a life coach (Aussie, I think). I've listened to quite a few of his talks on various Autism-related subjects and his personal experiences. Found they make really good sense. Hope they may help you too!

Jsp72 said:

I just looked at loads of stuff online and got even more confused!

My advice is to speak to a professional who has helped others in your situation.

In your situation I found a psychotherapist who had raised a neurodivergent family and they were able to help me make sense of it all, gave me targetted reading material and helped me adjust.

Nothing in your life has changed other than you now know the root cause of the strangeness in your life so carry on as normal and work on learning as you go. A good therapist will listen, answer questions, help you deal with your issues and grow the skills to come out of the confusion armed with the skills to live the type of life you want.

Welcome Jsp72 , this is a good place to start. If you think of a question start a post, or join in with anything else people are talking about.  

A good place to start is finding a book you relate to.  I have been reading Unmasking Autism, (though I am have issues with it to be slightly controversial, but it is generally well regarded.)

I hope you can find your feet, it is a very confusing to find out later in life!