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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

  • Hello SerSer, 

    Welcome to this site.  It sounds like you have been having quite a tough time recently. I find this site really useful for information and lots of autism related experiences. I find it a safe place and helpful place with lots of information. 

    It seems that it is pretty normal for someone to feel more autistic after receiving their assessment.  Personally, the assessment liberated quite a lot of autistic traits that I had been masking for 70+ years.  I was possibly even masking from myself, too!  I certainly feel more whole now, after only 6 months.   

    I do understand your problems with form filling. It took me nearly a year to complete my autism assessment request form.

    Regarding your issue: “not knowing whether my problems are related to anxiety or autism.” 

    I think I would, if it were me, do a little bit of online research into anxiety, autism and their characteristics. There may be some overlap, for instance I get anxious about loud music not because of any anxiety issues but because I am simply very sensitive to sound. A poor example, but the best I can think of just now.  From what you have said, your issues with anxiety, followed a bereavement and led to a diagnosis of anxiety disorder. Then on the other hand, your autism assessment made sense of preferring your own company, meltdowns at works and these were in some cases issues from  childhood and before your anxiety disorder. 

    So, why not just make a list of all the problems you have, each on its own Post-it note. Then relate them to the characteristics of autism, anxiety order or both.  Then review them as being pre-or post-bereavement. 

    Hope this is of some practical help. 
    Oscar

  • in reply to Oscar

    Hi Oscar. What a good idea to write characteristics on post it notes. I'll give that a try. Thank you. 

    I know exactly what you mean about sound, I'm the same. 

    Thank you for replying and offering advice Blush 

  • in reply to SerSer

    Hi SerSer, 

    You are more than welcome, it is one of the things this place is for - helping. 

    Oscar  

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