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Newly diagnosed

Tina

Hi all, I was diagnosed with autism 3 days ago and although I had expected it, I have been in a bit of a mess lately. I'm 66 years old now and I really don't know what to do anymore. I know there is help out there but I don't like going out of my house and I struggle to navigate the Internet as well as having such a bad memory that once I learned of something I forget again. I also can't leave my 93 year old father in the house alone for too long as he has dementia. Does anyone know of an organisation that would come and help me through this difficult time? 

  • Hi and welcome.Hugging

    I hope you have managed to get some help from social services.?

  • in reply to Oscar

    Hi Oscar, I am feeling a bit angry and confused at the moment but thanks for the reassurance that this is normal and it  will pass. I think that I may have found a nice place to be here. 

  • in reply to SMH

    Hi SMH, my first reactions to my diagnosis weren't what I expected but I believe I will feel better once I've come to terms with it. I hope you are doing ok. 

  • in reply to Chloe Mod

    Thanks Chloe, that should be helpful.

  • in reply to lostmyway

    Thanks it's good to know I'm not alone 

  • in reply to Roy

    Hi Roy, thanks for your reply, sorry for the late reply from me. I have had a phone call from social services and they are coming round tomorrow to offer some help, also my doctor has been informed and she might change my medication but I have to wait 2 weeks for the phone call appointment. I am trying to just let it happen and not worry too much. 

    Thanks for the advice.

  • Hi Tina, I hope you enjoy it here,

    I’m also a lateling. I hope you don’t mind but I read your bio, I was in the top sets at school and also left with no qualifications. School was very much ‘one size fits all.” I was diagnosed last year, I’ve found finally knowing why I’m different similar to the stages of grief, sorrow, anger and acceptance being forefront.

    Is it possible for you to get some restpite for your father, it is available through the NHS. It will give you time to rest and not be a carer for a few days at a time. Your GP and the District Nursing Team should be able to organise some help. MacMillan also offers help with dementia, they have respite and also a sitting service.

  • It must leave you all at sea, Tina, but you'll find plenty of info and people to chat with here so at least that's something. You're not alone,

  • Hello  

    Thank you for sharing this with the Community. Congratulations on receiving an autism diagnosis if this is something that you have been waiting a long time for and is affirming for you. I'm sorry to hear that life has been difficult for you recently. It's understandable that navigating the internet and socialising can be challenging.

    Firstly, you may find it useful to have a look at our information and support on managing after an autism diagnosis. This includes coping with potential new feelings, talking about and disclosing your autism and support you may be entitled to: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/diagnosis/after-diagnosis

    You may also like to have a look on our Social care pages for support that may be available to you: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/social-care

    It may also be useful to use our Autism Services Directory to search for organisations that may be able to support you: https://www.autism.org.uk/autism-services-directory

    All the best,

    Chloe Mod

  • It takes a while to come to terms with it. It took me a while to be honest. It depends what sort of support you're looking for but there are autism charities in many areas that could help.

  • Hi Tina, I was diagnosed today and have similar feelings. I've just joined this community and you are the first person I've replied to.

    I'm looking forward to reading more on here, seeing what support I might be able to find, and also what I might be able to offer.

    Take care.

  • Hello Tina and welcome to this site,

    Congratulations upon your autism assessment.  I am 70+ and only got my assessment 6 months ago. 

    Welcome to this site.  It sounds like you are having tough time. 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 is good that you managed to get here and you didn't need to leave your house. There is a lot of information on this site and if you have the time, it is worth pursuing. I find other people's experiences of autism give me a feeling of belonging. 

    For adults at least, it appears there is a common response when receiving an assessment. Generally, people feel a bit numb, empty, angry and confused. This is just some of the things and not everyone experiences every one of them. Mainly, I felt empty and a little angry at the loss of so many years and opportunities. However, after 6 months I feel very different. Now I am much more relaxed and happier than I have ever been. In part, this is due to discarding much masking with my partner and also on this site, although old habits die hard. Personally, I do not feel the need to extend this to family and the world at large. More importantly, I no longer feel like I am just fitting in to a world that is rather alien to me. Now, I know I fit into a different world that is autistic. I found this acceptance very important.      

    I am not sure about organisations who can help. Hopefully, the moderators or others may be able to help. Usually, one of the moderators will send you a message with some links to help in the area(s) you have mentioned.

    At least you have made contact with people that have autism or understand about autism, and are helpful.
    Best wishes,
    Oscar