Newly diagnosed female 41

Hi Asd41,

If you were interested in accessing support services in your local area, you can search for them on the Autism Services Directory:

www.autismdirectory.org.uk This includes services such as: support groups, social groups, advocacy, befriending, residential settings, outreach and respite.

You may also want to contact your local social services, if you are not already receiving help from them. Please take a look at the following articles for further information on getting help from Social Services:

(Child England and Wales)

www.autism.org.uk/17378

(Adult England and Wales)

www.autism.org.uk/17377

(Child and Adult Scotland)
http://www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/benefits-and-community-care/care-and-benefits-for-parents-and-carers/care-support-for-children-with-autism/social-services-getting-help-for-children-and-adults-scotland.aspx

Services provided by the National Autistic Society may also help, you can read more here:

www.autism.org.uk/en-gb/our-services.aspx

Our Autism Helpline may also be able to help. Advisers can talk through the different types of support and search for services in your area, if you would like to call.

The Helpline is open Monday to Thursday 10am – 4pm and Friday 9am – 3pm on 0808 800 4104.

Please see the following link for further information:

http://www.autism.org.uk/services/helplines/main/contact.aspx

Hi Vicky

Although a male, I know what it feels like to be diagnosed later. (I am 62).  I was diagnosed only two months ago.

Like you, it was no real surprise, but that did not stop me having to come to terms with what might have been had I been diagnosed earlier.

The diagnosis does not alter who you are.  I think I have dropped my guard a bit since diagnosis, not so consciously trying to fit in with NT ways, but that is just me thinking why should I try to be something I am not.  The diagnosis proves to cynical NTs you are not some sort of hypochondriac, there are unfortunately a lot of people who will not accept self diagnosis despite it being blatantly obvioius that it is a strong possibility.

In one way, I am proud to be autistic.  I think in a certain way, am not easily swayed and can cope with being on my own.

The main thing that a diagnosis has done for me is to get support at work, to be able to have adjustments made.  What is debilitating for me is to be not understood when I say I cannot do something, to be put somewhere that is totally out of my comfort zone and to be put somewhere noisy and busy in an environment which has not been considered may be a problem for many people, not just autistic.  They are making these aspects a lot easier for me now.  In my autistic mind, I am not disabled, I think differently and it is society that disables me by the way and conventions of society.

There may be a local autism support group available to you. There is for me in the West Midlands who are providing the support I need at work.  But I am very comfortable with being autistic, and I hope you are too.  It is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. 

Best wishes

Hello Vicky

You've joined a good bunch of people who can understand and offer friendly advice.

The diagnosis simply confirms you're on the autistic spectrum, like you always have been. You must have a lot of ability within you to raise a family and cope with a daughter that is also autistic.

You'll probably be able to access some support services (not sure what), but I find that having friends, even if you don't know them, is the best support of all.

So, just ask and I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who have experience to offer you to give you confidence on a way forward.

All the best