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Hi, I’m new here.

KLH

Hi, I’m a 60 year old woman who is about to have an autism assessment.

I come from a family with many neurodivergent individuals, some diagnosed, others not. Two of my daughters are diagnosed.

I’m currently off work due to what is probably autistic burnout, I feel like my brain has gone into standby mode and I can’t make the simplest of decisions. As an NHS scientist I am not going to work while I am like this, I deal with patient specimens and cannot risk making a mistake.

 I have tentatively told my manager that I’m about to have an assessment and that I am most likely autistic. It probably won’t surprise you to know that this came as a surprise to her! I’ve worked in the same laboratory for almost 20 years and have managed to cope for so long that nobody realised.

I’m worried about how to approach going back to work, how long I realistically need to take off to properly rest and I’m also dealing with the inevitable ‘what if I’m just imagining my autism and get outed as a fraud’ type thoughts.

 Sorry this ended up being so long!

Thanks for reading

Parents

  • The surprise reaction or disbelief from colleagues at work, friends or family is unfortunately very common. The reasons may not be malicious, sometimes might be though. Usually these people are used to you as they can see everyday, they don't have much idea about autism or outdated stereotypes and if you don't fit that old stereotype, then they wouldn't think you might be autistic. 

    I hope you find here support and like minded people in this community 

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  • The surprise reaction or disbelief from colleagues at work, friends or family is unfortunately very common. The reasons may not be malicious, sometimes might be though. Usually these people are used to you as they can see everyday, they don't have much idea about autism or outdated stereotypes and if you don't fit that old stereotype, then they wouldn't think you might be autistic. 

    I hope you find here support and like minded people in this community 

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