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Newly Diagnosed after two years at 39

Marnee101

Hi all,

After first hearing my sisters (both in the psychology profession) discuss autism in 2024 and how they saw in schools, it was being picked up quickly. I went and researched the symptoms, then the realization struck, that I had nearly each one. At this point, I knew was autistic. Things finally made sense, I realised I wasn’t just a odd person, I had been like this since a child. The waiting game with NHS was a nightmare, I finally went private and completed part 2 of the ASD today, and the Doctor diagnosed me and said I met all the criteria. I found the assessment a struggle in itself the wait between each appointment, a certain questions I felt they were trying to align my symptoms to OCD or trauma. Therefore, I had to advocate and give thorough examples of how these symptoms differed.

My question now is what support is available out there? I am currently on sick leave due to burnout, and also have social anxiety. My work do not understand me and I feel they want me out.

Going into my 40’s I feel life will make so much sense now. I understand why I do certain things, such as masking, stimming and having sensitivities to noises.

How was everyone else’s post diagnosis experience, and what did everyone find useful sources/tools for support?

Parents

  • I think it can really help to give yourself time to process it first, it can take a bit to let it sink in and work through the feelings that might be whirling around. If you can get some professional support like some autism-friendly talking therapy, you might find that a good way to process it. I would probably check out the links Bunny sent to see what you can get on your area, as it's a bit of a lottery!

    Take some time and make sure you are ready to tell people -It's great your best friend has taken it on board it can really help if you feel someone believes you, you just need to be strong enough to deal with people not reacting well, or not the way you want them to which is hard. The more support you can get though, the better, just take it one step at a time. 

    I do hope it all goes well for you. Reading websites, books, listening to podcasts and watching videos might help you take it in, and chatting on here to others in the same boat! There are always lots of people starting out on their journeys of self-understanding and acceptance, it honestly helps to be brave and reach out, it's a safe space to chat about what it means to you!

Reply

  • I think it can really help to give yourself time to process it first, it can take a bit to let it sink in and work through the feelings that might be whirling around. If you can get some professional support like some autism-friendly talking therapy, you might find that a good way to process it. I would probably check out the links Bunny sent to see what you can get on your area, as it's a bit of a lottery!

    Take some time and make sure you are ready to tell people -It's great your best friend has taken it on board it can really help if you feel someone believes you, you just need to be strong enough to deal with people not reacting well, or not the way you want them to which is hard. The more support you can get though, the better, just take it one step at a time. 

    I do hope it all goes well for you. Reading websites, books, listening to podcasts and watching videos might help you take it in, and chatting on here to others in the same boat! There are always lots of people starting out on their journeys of self-understanding and acceptance, it honestly helps to be brave and reach out, it's a safe space to chat about what it means to you!

Children
  • in reply to Cinnabar_wing

    Aw thank you, I think I’m still a little on the edge, as I have found the build up to the appointments exhausting. Now I have to wait a further, 10 days for the report. Until I receive this and I read it, in my mind it still won’t be official. Ofcourse, I have started researching support, I will use the links Bunny sent me, they are very useful. I have started watching videos. It’s good to finally know, what years of confusion is down to.