Published on 12, July, 2020
Um, hi. Since I've very recently been diagnosed, I thought I'd turn to a place like this to see if I can start trying to make sense of what it all means...By which I mean, I'm fine... I'm OK... And it's true that having this label now I'm 27 doesn't change who I am, or who I have been up to this point, but... I dunno... Now my struggles have been validated, and I feel the relief of an explanation, I'm keen to try and understand how it can change things going forward. Y'know?Anyway, I've rambled, sorry. And I'm also sorry for my choice of username, in case it offends anyone. I'm fascinated by the whole idea of "normal" and how fluid the concept really is. Describing myself as "normalish" is just my own way of poking fun at it. There is no such thing as normal, but I do find it helps others understand things when you put it into their language, so...I think I'll shut up now, and have a look around - thankyou!P.S Can you tell I like ellipses...?
Hi Normalish,
Being of a similar age to you (I'm 26) and currently waiting for a diagnosis, I wanted to say you are not the only one thinking that a diagnosis doesn't change who you are.
I have until recently struggled through life. But a series of mishaps at work forced me to try and find an answer as to why I struggled so much with certain aspects of my job (police officer) than others. And while I'll always be the same person, having a diagnosis has made me realise there are some things I just won't 'get' like NT people.
Having a diagnosis (or suspected) means an employer has to make reasonable adjustments under the Disability Discrimination Act. Mine have, and have moved me to a desk job until I have my diagnosis.
What I have noticed however is the number of people who tolerated me when I was 'normal' but who have now turned round and just accepted I have AS. Or gone 'actually, yeah, now you mention it you're like my cousin who has it' And suddenly they've treated me a lot better.
If you want to chat, feel free.
Jess