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Relieved but confused

SerSer

Hi. I was diagnosed as autistic a few weeks ago and only now feel ready to look further into it.

It wasn't until I filled in the assessment forms that lots of things fell into place - how I was as a child, preferring my own company, my meltdowns at work which I put down to stress and anxiety. So much makes sense now.

Since a bereavement in late 2024, I have had problems leaving the house alone and I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder early 2025. I don't work now because of my problems being around lots of people, not wanting to go out alone etc. It's like my body, or mind, has decided that I'm not going to hide/mask how or who I am any more and my autistic traits are a lot more obvious (if that's the right word) 

I now have more forms to fill in for DWP and I'm confused about whether my problems are related to anxiety or autism. It's stressing me - I just want to leave the forms and forget about them but I have to do them. 

Any advice? 

Parents

  • Dear SerSer, 

    Congratulations on your diagnosis! We hope you find support here. 

    First of all, I wonder whether you may like to explore our advice and guidance pages. We cover a variety of topics and subjects. You can find the tab at the top of the page "Advice and Guidance". To start I am signposting you to the "What is autism?" page just to give you some general advice but please do explore any topics that interest you. 

    https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism

    With the forms, I would suggest filling them out in small parts and having breaks in between. Complete the sections that are easy to complete first then allow yourself a break before completing another section. Take your time. If you have someone to support you say your answers out loud before writing them down. 

    I wish you good luck, 

    Anna Mod

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  • Dear SerSer, 

    Congratulations on your diagnosis! We hope you find support here. 

    First of all, I wonder whether you may like to explore our advice and guidance pages. We cover a variety of topics and subjects. You can find the tab at the top of the page "Advice and Guidance". To start I am signposting you to the "What is autism?" page just to give you some general advice but please do explore any topics that interest you. 

    https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism

    With the forms, I would suggest filling them out in small parts and having breaks in between. Complete the sections that are easy to complete first then allow yourself a break before completing another section. Take your time. If you have someone to support you say your answers out loud before writing them down. 

    I wish you good luck, 

    Anna Mod

Children
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