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Just diagnosed and feel like I’m going backwards

Scentsibubble

Hi all,

I was diagnosed with Autism on Monday and even though it will take a while to process, I do feel hope for my future in terms of understanding myself for the first time; but at the moment, I’m just exhausted and it feels never ending. Unable to do basic chores, eating food out the packet - I never really feel hungry anyway. Washing my hair is even harder than normal and I hate the feeling of freshly washed hair next to my face on a good day. 


I’m a 49 year old female and I’d really love to connect with other Autistic people. It would be great to hear how others cope. I have a lot yet to learn but I’m grateful that I don’t have to feel so alone on this planet anymore.


I struggle to rest and end up in a scroll hole on my phone, which I can’t seem to stop once I’m in, even though I know it will exhaust me further. Although on the plus side, I do think I’m feeling a little more self accepting.

Apologies if I’m rambling on and for any typos. I’ve been editing and re reading this for far too long now Upside down

Anyway, thanks for having me on here Blush and I hope to hear back. 

Parents

  • Hi Scentsibubble,

    Similar to you, I have recently been diagnosed (38, male) and similar to you, I was in a state of overwhelm. I had never had any sort of neurological or mental health issue in my life (although was obviously undiagnosed as Autistic) . Then about a year ago I was on a work trip away from home, and froze up in the hotel, completely lost the ability to talk, and couldn't hold a thought for more than a few seconds, I thought I was having a stroke! Long story shot it put me on a path to a diagnosis of ASD. 

    With that context, I completely understand what you have said above, I have found that the things that seem to focus my mind help, a big one for me is playing computer games, or reading up on areas of interest (Autism and world war 1 seem to be the current trend!) . But honestly, and I say this so that you don't feel alone, coping is something that I have yet to master! I think it may just be that we are on our own Autistic rollercoaster, and there will be highs and lows! It's been amazing to be able to jump into this community when the coping gets hard, sometimes just replying to a comment or posting for advice releases the pressure. It reminds me that there is a lot of people who can help and who feel the same, and that I am not some alien!

    I also find solice in praying too. When I remember that it was God who made me this way, it makes me realise I should embrace my uniqueness.

    One thing is for sure, you are not alone, there is loads of us!

  • in reply to TwelveTwelve

    Hi TwelveTwelve,

    Good to read this and I agree in embracing our uniqueness. I think I am happy being me regardless. 

    Thanks - we are definitely not alone anymore. I am still discovering what helps, but I know that creative writing and wordplay bring me joy. Find it hard coming out of it though - I think that's an autistic thing too. Always learning.

    Enjoy your Sunday.

  • in reply to Scentsibubble

    If you like wordplay too... From your initial subject title: have you tried turning around? Nerd

  • in reply to Maja

    Haha I love that.

    When I look at the Ladbrokes sign I think they must have the s in the wrong place. Shouldn't it be Lads broke?

  • in reply to Scentsibubble

    I sometimes think I spend far too much time fixating on signage and stuff that is clearly meant to make sense but which, technically, fails completely to do so Laughing. I'm forever misreading and mishearing things. One song I've known for years is about someone needing help and they ask (in the lyrics) "would you take me out for lunch?"

    ... There's me blissfully singing away to that and thinking 'why on earth is being taken out for lunch going to help a mental health crisis?'. 

    Was a real Easter bunny thing for me when I finally read the lyrics to learn he was asking "would you talk me off the ledge". 

    Oh, yeah, okay, can't argue there... That's a pretty viable ask in such a situation.

  • in reply to Maja

    Haha that took me a minute. I actually just turned around lol then I realised what you meant when I re read the title.

    When I paid by card in a shop it said World pay and I had to double take because I thought it said Word play.

Reply Children
  • in reply to Maja

    Haha I love that.

    When I look at the Ladbrokes sign I think they must have the s in the wrong place. Shouldn't it be Lads broke?

  • in reply to Scentsibubble

    I sometimes think I spend far too much time fixating on signage and stuff that is clearly meant to make sense but which, technically, fails completely to do so Laughing. I'm forever misreading and mishearing things. One song I've known for years is about someone needing help and they ask (in the lyrics) "would you take me out for lunch?"

    ... There's me blissfully singing away to that and thinking 'why on earth is being taken out for lunch going to help a mental health crisis?'. 

    Was a real Easter bunny thing for me when I finally read the lyrics to learn he was asking "would you talk me off the ledge". 

    Oh, yeah, okay, can't argue there... That's a pretty viable ask in such a situation.