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Introduction

Simon79

Hi, I'm Simon and two weeks ago I was diagnosed with autism at the age of 47. I'm still processing it and trying to figure out how to tell friends, family, work colleagues etc. However I have found the diagnosis helpful to understand why I've never felt like I fit in, why I struggle with certain things and it not just being a case of 'trying harder'.

Parents

  • I think it’s valuable to know you’re autistic because, for many people in the past, they never really understood why they struggled with certain things and may have tried the wrong approaches to help themselves. For example, years ago I had problems at work adapting to a new and challenging environment and just couldn’t cope with it. The company eventually sent me to see a couple of so‑called psychiatrists or psychologists, but autism wasn’t even considered. I also attended NHS therapy and was given CBT, which is inappropriate for autistic issues. I ended up trying to follow something that was never going to work, which made me feel like a failure. It felt like they were implying I should just pull myself together, which of course is impossible since it’s a neurological issue, not an attitude problem.

Reply

  • I think it’s valuable to know you’re autistic because, for many people in the past, they never really understood why they struggled with certain things and may have tried the wrong approaches to help themselves. For example, years ago I had problems at work adapting to a new and challenging environment and just couldn’t cope with it. The company eventually sent me to see a couple of so‑called psychiatrists or psychologists, but autism wasn’t even considered. I also attended NHS therapy and was given CBT, which is inappropriate for autistic issues. I ended up trying to follow something that was never going to work, which made me feel like a failure. It felt like they were implying I should just pull myself together, which of course is impossible since it’s a neurological issue, not an attitude problem.

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