Hi

I am Jo, Inwas diagnosed with Autism 2 weeks ago, I always knew I was different and never felt like I belonged, but I didn’t suspect Autism. My daughter is 11 and I have known since she was little that she was autistic, we both went down the right to choose so her assessment shouldn’t be long. I seem to be struggling more now with household tasks. I used to work and was a support worker to adults with learning disabilities and Autism for 9 years. I had no idea I was Autistic myself though, I struggle with people and feel scared in social situations.

Parents
  • Good afternoon from America, Jo1978!

    I went down the journey of getting diagnosed not long after my first daughter (who was later also diagnosed with AuDHD) was born. So us discovering I have it helped us to recognize it early in her life.

    I also work with folk with disabilities! I help them find employment. However, I am trying to ease my way out of the job since I’m seeing a trend that it’s causing me some nasty depressive spells. Still, it is a noble job and I do feel like I do a decent job. If you ever need advice on looking for more work, let me know! I can’t help a ton because I’m from the States and know practically nothing about the UK, but I can probably offer some small universal tips and tricks that I’ve learned on this job.

    I seem to be struggling more now with household tasks.

    That sounds a bit like you might be facing some skill regression or burnout, both of which are surprisingly common after getting an Autism diagnosis. The biggest advice I can give if you are going through either of those is to be kind to yourself. As an Autistic parent, that’s easier said than done, but remember that you cannot help others if you are struggling yourself. It’s like on an airplane: If the plane is crashing, you’re supposed to secure a mask on your own face before anyone else’s. Same goes for self-care. Take care of yourself and stop blaming yourself for failing, then you’ll be ready to help others.

Reply
  • Good afternoon from America, Jo1978!

    I went down the journey of getting diagnosed not long after my first daughter (who was later also diagnosed with AuDHD) was born. So us discovering I have it helped us to recognize it early in her life.

    I also work with folk with disabilities! I help them find employment. However, I am trying to ease my way out of the job since I’m seeing a trend that it’s causing me some nasty depressive spells. Still, it is a noble job and I do feel like I do a decent job. If you ever need advice on looking for more work, let me know! I can’t help a ton because I’m from the States and know practically nothing about the UK, but I can probably offer some small universal tips and tricks that I’ve learned on this job.

    I seem to be struggling more now with household tasks.

    That sounds a bit like you might be facing some skill regression or burnout, both of which are surprisingly common after getting an Autism diagnosis. The biggest advice I can give if you are going through either of those is to be kind to yourself. As an Autistic parent, that’s easier said than done, but remember that you cannot help others if you are struggling yourself. It’s like on an airplane: If the plane is crashing, you’re supposed to secure a mask on your own face before anyone else’s. Same goes for self-care. Take care of yourself and stop blaming yourself for failing, then you’ll be ready to help others.

Children
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