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Recent Diagnosis, A little bit scared?

CharlieWolf
over 7 years ago

Hi, I'm Charlie.

I went for a private diagnosis yesterday 4/4/17 at the age of 24. My whole family and partner of 5 years attended and we spoke with a consultant and doctor for around 4 hours! 

I have to admit, it was my mother who suggested I might be autistic but I always shrugged it off because I felt like I was nothing like autistic people that I had seen through media or social gathering. The majority of people I had seen were male and I genuinely had no idea that it shows in women differently. So when I sat down i was very sceptical but I kept an open mind.

In the end I think we all had our ideas about what autism is broadened by what we were told and a lot of the things I considered to be completely "normal" were actually pretty different compared to the rest of my family, such as thought patterns and reactions to various sensual stimuli. 

It seems that a lot of my difficulties make so much more sense to me now and my family seem to realise that a lot of things I did in my past especially dring childhood is far more explainable with this diagnosis. 

Im not really sure what else to say or if writing all this out is of any help or use to anyone? I do not feel that I look or act Autistic (In a non-offensive way) So I am also pretty scared that people who have initially the same experiances as I used to think from lack of knowledge will not believe me.

Please feel free to give me a bit of advice or comfort. I really feel strange.

  • over 7 years ago

    Hi im 24 too an havr just been diagnosed with aspergers via nhs referral

  • over 7 years ago

    Hey,

    This is exactly what happened to me, I found out I had high functioning autism or aspergers but I refused to accept it as I didnt want people to see me differently. But now, I just know deep down that im still Jess, just Jess that needs a little more time to take things in and I know that I like to be on my own. Think of it as a good thing, you now know more about yourself!

    I still havent told anyone apart from family 4 months on as im a bit embarrassed and to be honest, I think its a private matter. However,if you feel like you want to tell everyone it may help people to understand you more x

  • over 7 years ago

    Hi Charlie

    Be reassured that everything you are is normal, normal for an autistic person. And thats a perfectly valid normal. The diagnostic process can make you feel pathologised and abnormal and it will take some time to get over that.

    I would agree with Starstruck that you should be careful who you tell. For me the diagnosis was a new beginning, a relief and the removal of a burden. I rushed to tell others, certain that they would be as pleased as me. Not so, some disbelieved, some wanted to 'cure' me, some were aghast and others horrified. I lost some friends and became more distant from others. I would not tell anyone who does not absolutely need to know. And I wouldn't tell your employer yet, if you have one.

    You are very welcome to our tribe and I really hope that a fuller knowledge of what and who you are will enrich your life and make you happier. Remember that we define ourselves and our identity does not belong to the medical profession but to us.

  • over 7 years ago

    Hi Charlie,

    You sound like your in shock.  You are still the same person just that now, you have some explanation as to why you behave in a way that is different in some situations then the expected norm.

    So good that you have support from family & your partner.

    This site has lots of info on Autistic behaviour.  

    I found it helpful to read when getting a diagnosis for my Son.  

    You will then be able to think about how it effects

    you to a greater or lesser degree. On a daily basis.

    I also was diagnosed Atypical Autistic at 30 some thing. Many people live a long time being unsure why they struggle with or act differently from the crowd.

    Confusion will pass. We all should try to love our authentic inner person. 

    Autisim has always been there. Your a person first before the diagnosis.  

    I would be cautious as to who you tell because of some stereotypes. Some people feel asd must mean low IQ.

    Then they do the dum down voice. Lol. By then you may switch your brain off purposefully out of bordom for their silly assumptions.

    Other then that live your life as fully as possible.

    Hope this helps.

    Starstruck