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Hi

MrsP

Hi,

I’ve been recently diagnosed with having both ADHD and autism. I’m 48 and had no idea. I just thought I was weird and over sensitive. 
 
I’m not really sure yet what to do with the information. I feel sad, relieved, embarrassed, bemused and like a fraud, cycling and constantly shifting in a random order. 

So, what is next? Who needs to know? Does anyone need to? 

Thanks,

S

  • Hi, 

    Recently diagnosed with both at 54. I'm still processing it and I can relate to all the feelings you describe, sometimes all at the same time. 

    I've told my parents, my boss and some friends so far, mostly because they knew I was struggling day to day before the assessments. 

    My parents were confused, but mostly due to not fully understanding things. No-one else seemed particularly surprised.

    As others have said I don't think there are hard and fast rules.

    You don't have to tell anyone. Take your time to get to get used to things, and then see what you feel is right

  • Hi and welcome.Hugging

    I wouldn't say there are any hard and fast rules. It’s such a unique experience, maybe just try to listen to what feels comfortable in your body and take your  time and be gentle with yourself.

    Hopefully you settle in here soon.Blush

  • Welcome! 

    I haven't really told people, just two of my siblings, though my parents know my son was diagnosed. 

    It's personal choice if you want to tell people or not, and no rush, you can take your time deciding who you want to talk to about it. 

    Some good advice from   and  , and it helps to read some more experiences like those on the pages  linked to about how to prepare for different reactions. 

    Best of luck.

  • Hello.

    I'm sure many others will say this: you don't need to feel like a fraud or any of those other emotions; you are you, and that's all that matters.  That is easier said than done, though, as much of what you are going through I have gone through as well.  My diagnosis was about a month ago, and I am still processing; I was always a slow learner!  :-)

    No doubt we'll learn much over the weeks and months; I hope that this place helps us both in doing that.

  • Hello   

    Welcome to the NAS community - we're glad to have you here, and I hope you find it to be a helpful space.

    That is a very good question: "Following a diagnosis, what steps do we take next"? It makes sense that we might have a lot of feeling to process, always on the move... managing and knowing what to do with them can be quite difficult, especially if they are constantly shifting from within.

    One thing is very clear, you deserve to understand and be in control of yourself.

    While I can see that    Has started the conversation, and I know that our community will have a lot to say on the matter of useful steps to take following a diagnosis, I would to in the meantime, direct you towards several NAS approved resources:

    After diagnosis

    Formal support following an autism diagnosis

    Going forwards - I wish you the best in receiving the support you deserve.

    Thanks - Zac Mod.

  • Hi, welcome. Just take your time, tell who you want to know. When I was diagnosed over 10 years ago the only people who knew was my Dad, who has since passed, and my mum, and that was it. Over the years only a few other people know like my mum's sisters and a few of my closest cousins, but apart from doctors, that's it. I think from personal experience, people who know you, and people who you trust, you will automatically tell them over time, but here is no rush. Sometimes just coming on here and telling people who you don't know and will never know helps.