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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

  • Hi and welcome to the community. I'm a woman in my sixties, retired, and I enjoy reading and playing video games. I'm not formally diagnosed, but discovered that I was on the spectrum around 9 years ago.

    Sorry to hear that the diagnostic process caused you distress, but remember that as well as deficits, autistic people also have lots of positive qualities which can include unique problem solving skills, focus, creativity, honesty, loyalty, rational thinking, high emotional empathy and a strong sense of justice.

    If you need adjustments due to social or sensory issues you could just ask for adjustments, for example "I find noisy environments distracting, so would it be ok if I wore ear defenders/noise cancelling headphones while I'm working?" Or " The light from the window behind me is affecting my eyes, could a blind be fitted? ". If a reasonable request is denied, you could then consider disclosing your diagnosis, as it is classed as a disability and so they should take it seriously.

    I hope you find the forum useful.

Reply

  • Hi and welcome to the community. I'm a woman in my sixties, retired, and I enjoy reading and playing video games. I'm not formally diagnosed, but discovered that I was on the spectrum around 9 years ago.

    Sorry to hear that the diagnostic process caused you distress, but remember that as well as deficits, autistic people also have lots of positive qualities which can include unique problem solving skills, focus, creativity, honesty, loyalty, rational thinking, high emotional empathy and a strong sense of justice.

    If you need adjustments due to social or sensory issues you could just ask for adjustments, for example "I find noisy environments distracting, so would it be ok if I wore ear defenders/noise cancelling headphones while I'm working?" Or " The light from the window behind me is affecting my eyes, could a blind be fitted? ". If a reasonable request is denied, you could then consider disclosing your diagnosis, as it is classed as a disability and so they should take it seriously.

    I hope you find the forum useful.

Children
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