Recently diagnosed

Hi to anyone who may read this. My name is Jonny,  This will probably be an introduction you’ve heard many times before so I apologise if you’ve heard it all before . I was diagnosed with Autism on Monday this week I’m 43 years old.

It has been a total shock I’m also currently in the middle of an adhd assessment I will get my diagnosis 12th November. My life has been dogged for many many many years with severe anxiety and depression, that I’ve now been told has probably had a lot to do with the autism and potentially adhd and because I have become an absolute professional at masking. I’ve prided myself all of my life in being able to get up and work. That is until 5 months ago when I have ended up having a massive breakdown my mind and body finally gave up. 

I’ve spent all of my adult life being treated for anxiety and depression but 5 months ago in a very very dark place I paid to have a full psychiatric assessment, this is when I was told about autism and adhd concerns,it was a massive shock and I’ll be honest I didn’t even know what either thing meant or was really. Then I tentatively started exploring and looking into them and it was like an explosion in my mind of so many things I was relating to that I just thought were me. I quickly became very overwhelmed and stopped. 


I’m aware it’s very early from the diagnosis but I feel like I’m grieving for my life that has been. I feel very lost and alone but most of all I feel very sad wondering if my life could’ve been different. One slightly more positive thing is I think it has given my mum some much needed answers too she has been with me through the assessments so far and has really began to understand why I am the way I am, I think she has found relief from it that there are now answers.
if anyone read all of this thank you for your time. 

Parents
  • Hi Jonny,

    Welcome to our online community and thank you for sharing your story. 

    No need to apologise. It is completely normal to experience a whole range of emotions following a late diagnosis, from relief and validation to sadness, anger, confusion and even grief for the life you might have had. There is no right or wrong way to feel. Please give yourself the time to process everything.

    Our website has a diagnosis hub, this includes information, practical and multimedia resources to support autistic people and their families before during and after diagnosis. You may want to visit the other resources on our website, we have advice and guidance on a wide range of information about autism, socialising and relationships, communication and education: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance

    You can try searching on our Autism Services Directory for diagnostic services in your local area. The Directory also includes listings for support and social groups for autistic people, their families and friends. 

    As you have recently been diagnosed, you may like to view our podcast ‘What's next?’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-9Mn0XjJQM

    I hope you find this information helpful.

    Take care,

    Rishma Mod

Reply
  • Hi Jonny,

    Welcome to our online community and thank you for sharing your story. 

    No need to apologise. It is completely normal to experience a whole range of emotions following a late diagnosis, from relief and validation to sadness, anger, confusion and even grief for the life you might have had. There is no right or wrong way to feel. Please give yourself the time to process everything.

    Our website has a diagnosis hub, this includes information, practical and multimedia resources to support autistic people and their families before during and after diagnosis. You may want to visit the other resources on our website, we have advice and guidance on a wide range of information about autism, socialising and relationships, communication and education: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance

    You can try searching on our Autism Services Directory for diagnostic services in your local area. The Directory also includes listings for support and social groups for autistic people, their families and friends. 

    As you have recently been diagnosed, you may like to view our podcast ‘What's next?’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-9Mn0XjJQM

    I hope you find this information helpful.

    Take care,

    Rishma Mod

Children
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