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Newly diagnosed at 51

jaceygood1

Hi everyone. I was late-diagnosed as autistic earlier this year and am still figuring out what that means for me and getting to know myself a bit better with this new information.

I've spent a lot of my life feeling like I'm on the outside looking in. I find social interactions really difficult, and although I've got a few people in my life, I'm struggling with a growing sense of isolation that's come about with age and a lack of energy for what I need to fit in with people. I'm high-masking but that's gotten harder, especially now I'm perimenopausal.

But! I had a post-diagnosis session yesterday and have decided to do the scary thing and try to connect with other autistic people and hopefully find a little more of that sense of belonging. I've got a lot to learn still about autism and what that means for me, so I'd love to hear from others who have been on a similar journey, particularly anyone who's been diagnosed later in life (I'm early 50s).

I'm not always the best at knowing how to start conversations, but I'd genuinely like to get to know people here. So, hello and thanks for reading Slight smile

  • in reply to RH94

    Thank you so much! That is very reassuring Slight smile

  • in reply to Alexa

    Hello and thank you! I can really relate to trying to work out who you are without masking - I feel like it's going to take a long time to work out who I am

  • in reply to Orangegnome

    Thank you! Yep, I've had struggles with my mental health too and can link it with being neurodivergent for sure - although I chat to women at my workplace about menopause and I think it's a challenging time for all

  • Hi Jaceygood! 

    I was diagnosed when I was a teenager, so I can't really offer much guidance on what it's like navigating a later in life diagnosis, but just wanted to wish you a very warm welcome to this community, and I hope you can find the support and advice you are seeking! I have worked with a lot of people who have got their diagnosis at a similar age to yourself, and I can assure you that you will find a lot of people who will have went through the same journey you are now on 

    :) 

  • Hi jaceygood1
     
    Welcome to the community.
     
    Well done on overcoming the "scary thing" to connect with people here. Making that initial contact is not always easy but we are delighted to have you, and hope you enjoy being here.
     
    Best wishes.
     
    Christine Mod

  • Hi and welcome!

    I'm another late diagnosed - a couple of months ago, in my early 70s, though I've suspected for a few years. I've spent my whole life being an outsider, but found ways to minimise that until I retired, a few years ago. Diagnosis has made me realise that the life I'm living since retirement is much more the real me, and now I'm trying to work out how and when to shed the masking I have left. 

    This is a safe and interesting community for people like us. Slight smile

  • Hi Jacey, I hope you like it here. I am also diagnosed in my early 50s, perimenopausal. It’s been a bumpy ride! I have had a few mental health struggles throughout my adult life and never known why, until my diagnosis that it. I hope you like it here Slight smile

  • in reply to Iago

    It was the same for me! I've been on a journey of discovery about neurodiversity for literally years but now being diagnosed, it's all feeling very real and somewhat overwhelming. Thank you for your kind words.

  • in reply to Oscar

    Thank you for replying, that's very kind of you - and very true about the site, it's why I thought I'd give this a go here before seeking out any in-person local groups.

  • Hi Jacey,

    Like you, I was diagnosed late, about two months ago, at the age of 69.  And, like you, I have always felt like an outsider, the odd one out in any group.  Having a diagnosis was oddly very difficult at first, given that I had suspected for a few years.  But now, having read quite a bit on the subject and reflected on myself, I am much more relaxed about my autism.  That does not mean you should feel the same, far from it, as I have learnt we are unique in our presentation and we don't all have the same problems.  However, we do have enough in common to support our fellows, and I think you'll find plenty of people here who will happily share and talk.

    Good luck, and remember to take it slowly and be kind to yourself.

  • Hello and Welcome,

    Congratulations on your diagnosis.  I am 70+ and only diagnosed his year and I am still discovering new aspects to my autism.

    I can readily empathise with your feelings of being an outsider and the struggles with socially interacting. Also, the seemingly inevitable health issues that seem to go with growing older.  However, this site is easy on the social interactions, the written word so much easier - no eye contact, or body language required. You do not have to respond to any messages. So, it is quite relaxed.

    I hope you enjoy your time here.