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Hello

BeaE

Hello!

I am new to the community and recently diagnosed autistic, aged 20, after having suspected it for eight years!

I found the diagnostic process quite distressing and wondered if anyone else had had a similar experience. If so, how did you manage this? I feel as though I'm suddenly more aware of all the 'deficits' I have.

I don't really know what to do now I have the diagnosis. Do I disclose to my employer/university? I've managed pretty well so far thanks to help from my family and carefully managing my routines to avoid burnout, and I am worried that disclosing the diagnosis will be met with stigma rather than support.

My apprenticeship is my biggest interest at the moment, but I'm starting to struggle to balance everything. It's been great in that this route allowed me to avoid the university lifestyle, which I don't think I would have coped with, and entering the workplace young has seemingly worked in my favour, as coming across a bit odd is more expected for us youths. However, the workload and social/sensory aspects are becoming difficult, so any advice is appreciated.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to being part of the community and finding some like-minded people.

Parents

  • Welcome to the community, BeaE. Good to have you here. Bunny's post has lots of great resources so I will instead offer some lived experience if I may.

    The diagnostic process requires us to be candid and vulnerable. Receiving a diagnosis often leaves people disoriented by a mix of raw emotions - happy, validated, whole, confused, upset and grieving, maybe all at once. It can take a fair few months to settle.

    You are not broken or deficient, but different - and no two autistic folk are the same, either. Be compassionate with yourself, take your time and explore what being autistic means for you.

    Disclosure is a personal thing and, as you expressed so beautifully, you can't un-tell someone! Take people's reactions as you find them - some will get it/get you, some may find it hard. Hanging out with more neurodivergent people may help you feel connected and supported, and here is a good place to start. Blush

Reply

  • Welcome to the community, BeaE. Good to have you here. Bunny's post has lots of great resources so I will instead offer some lived experience if I may.

    The diagnostic process requires us to be candid and vulnerable. Receiving a diagnosis often leaves people disoriented by a mix of raw emotions - happy, validated, whole, confused, upset and grieving, maybe all at once. It can take a fair few months to settle.

    You are not broken or deficient, but different - and no two autistic folk are the same, either. Be compassionate with yourself, take your time and explore what being autistic means for you.

    Disclosure is a personal thing and, as you expressed so beautifully, you can't un-tell someone! Take people's reactions as you find them - some will get it/get you, some may find it hard. Hanging out with more neurodivergent people may help you feel connected and supported, and here is a good place to start. Blush

Children
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