• Replies 2 replies
  • Subscribers 69 subscribers
  • Views 66 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

What to do next

Ryan

Just been diagnosed with autism and don’t really know what to do next. I didn’t really tell anyone throughout the process and i’m not sure what to say or how to tell anyone or what i’m meant to now that I’ve got the diagnosis. 

It feels like something should be different now but nothing is.

  • congrats - it's a massive thing for you, take your time and learn as much as you can - it's a journey with new knowledge of yourself and hopefully you'll be kinder to yourself too

    Yes the disclosure - is tricky.  I was diagnosed a year ago - so my wife and kids know, 1 parent does , the other parent and my sister don't.

    Work - well HR know and my manager and their manager know - and I'm open to a ND group (we have a private channel on Teams).  Legally (UK) you don't have to disclose at work - so I've not really told any of the other people I work with: that may change in time but mask stays on, for now.  Luckily I largely WFH so that is very helpful.

    I rushed to disclose to some ppl I've know for about 6 years, but it didnt go well, so I've not seen them since - I get invited on WhatsApp but I decline. 

    One friend , I've know for over 30+ years (I only see say 2 times a year) but they have been great - so it's a good way to filter out  who the good friends are (not that I have many these days)

  • Good morning from America, Ryan!

    Ryan said:
    don’t really know what to do next.

    That’s actually a very common question post-diagnosis! So one thing I often recommend is trying out therapy/counseling with someone specializing in Autism. It’s not for everyone - some people don’t get a lot out of therapy - but it’s worth a shot since that can help with figuring out what to do with your diagnosis and managing any difficulties that you might be facing.

    Ryan said:
    i’m not sure what to say or how to tell anyone

    Ultimately, you don’t have to tell anyone if you’re not comfortable doing so. My advice is if you are going to disclose it, tell people you trust first and foremost. This could be a close family member, a trusted friend, or a coworker/boss that you think will understand. Keep it at just a few people at first, then if you feel more comfortable you can tell others. I believe that telling a boss can be a really good idea since they can assist with any accommodations you need, but I have heard some accounts on here that have been negative regarding that. You just need to have a sense of security with whoever you disclose to.

    Ryan said:
    It feels like something should be different now but nothing is.

    It’s kind of funny isn’t it? Learning that you are Autistic late in life feels like it is a HUGE revelation, yet it doesn’t really change who you are or who you have been. The important thing is that now you can take better care of yourself, knowing now that there are certain things you can handle and other things you need a little more support with.

    I wish you the best.