• Replies 2 replies
  • Subscribers 70 subscribers
  • Views 27 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

Newly diagnosed at 42

latediagnosed

Hi, I’m not sure what to expect here, but thought I’d reach out. I was recently diagnosed with autism, six weeks ago. 

I never anticipated:

- The amount of shock my body would experience from a diagnosis

- The physical crash, plummet in capacity and sensory overwhelm that’s hit since the diagnosis

- How hard and lonely it’s felt navigating others’ reactions to the diagnosis. Funny how you expect it to bring more understanding and connection, but it’s not been the case for me unfortunately. 

Here to find some like minded people who are on the same journey Yellow heart

  • Yes - people’s reactions are not always as we would hope. My mother had dementia so couldn’t even understand that I’d been diagnosed, my dad was just sceptical and dismissive, and my brother wasn’t interested basically! However my children were massively supportive (they’d already been diagnosed as autistic) and my husband wasn’t interested basically great. Ultimately how people react depends on the level of their understanding and their kindness and empathy - and not everyone has that. 

    I had a lot going on at the point that I actually got the diagnosis and I barely had time to properly take it in. But as my children had already been diagnosed I was neither surprised or shocked - so it was easier in that sense. But gradually over the next few weeks and months it did give me moments when I felt some sadness and grief that during my childhood I’d been misunderstood and had little support and understanding as I struggled with many aspects of life.

    i think a diagnosis is a positive thing - because the more we understand ourselves hopefully the better we can be at taking care of ourselves, and blaming ourselves when we struggle. Self acceptance and kindness towards ourselves is such a helpful thing. I feel I’m more forgiving of myself now - I was always so hard on myself before. 

  • Hey latediagnosed, sorry you've been experiencing the negative side fo telling people, it is very sad when people aren't supportive when you tell them, as you are very vulnerable at that point, and just need acceptance and not to be shut down. I have to admit to not telling more that a couple of people for the same fear, though I think if you can get support I think it would really help.  At least here you can talk about it without that fear, and it helps to feel understood. Try to remember you are still the same you as before, and you can still enjoy the same things too. It helps to have something to hold onto when your world is turned upside-down. 

    Welcome, hope you can find a safe space here!