Newly diagnosed at 51

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

Parents
  • 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 

    :) 

Reply
  • 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 

    :) 

Children
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