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32 and diagnoses

JM250626

Hi! My name is Joe and I've just recently been diagnosed with Autism. I've found that since I've had my diagnosis I'm looking back at decisions I've made or how I've acted in situations and realised that it wasn't me being "weird" or "strange" but was just because my brain is wired differently. It's been quite a revelation and has given me a greater understanding into how I work and that I should be ok with that, and not put myself down because I'm not doing what everyone else is doing. 


My biggest struggle is social events, especially with large family gatherings. Does anyone have any advice on how to tackle these situations? At the moment I tend to make up excuses as to why I can't make it but then feel guilty for days afterward for not going which causes me a lot more stress and anxiety. I don't really want to go to them but feel as though I have to, so any advice on how to deal with this would be greatly appreciated. 

Thank you and thank you for welcoming me into the community. 

Parents

  • Hi and welcome.

    I was 53 when I was diagnosed but I guess the writing had always been on the wall. I was also diagnosed with ADHD-i a few months later which explains why I feel like I've got two opposing magnets in my head! (Figuratively speaking)

    Social gatherings are dreadful and I'm always looking for an excuse to escape, I try to find a quieter corner or hang around a safe person and pretend to be more outgoing than I really am, it's exhausting.

    I try to be kinder to myself but it isn't always easy especially when you don't have a fixed idea of who you really are (if that makes sense).

    I'm hoping I gain some self acceptance sooner rather than later and lose the feelings of grief and anger for a life the could have been.

    Good luck and take care.

Reply

  • Hi and welcome.

    I was 53 when I was diagnosed but I guess the writing had always been on the wall. I was also diagnosed with ADHD-i a few months later which explains why I feel like I've got two opposing magnets in my head! (Figuratively speaking)

    Social gatherings are dreadful and I'm always looking for an excuse to escape, I try to find a quieter corner or hang around a safe person and pretend to be more outgoing than I really am, it's exhausting.

    I try to be kinder to myself but it isn't always easy especially when you don't have a fixed idea of who you really are (if that makes sense).

    I'm hoping I gain some self acceptance sooner rather than later and lose the feelings of grief and anger for a life the could have been.

    Good luck and take care.

Children
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