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New to this place!

olivebreadsticks

Hi my name's Olive and I'm 18! I'm a little nervous to be joining this community as I've never really had a support network for my autism but I hope this will help me feel more welcomed and more, if anything, normal. I think interacting with people like me will be good for me as it will help me feel less alone, which I always have been when it comes to understanding my autism.

I am yet undiagnosed, but as I recently turned 18 and am seeking an adult diagnosis. My journey in discovering my autism is a long one and has been since I was a baby and only in recent years have I been comfortable accepting myself as autistic and talking about my autism to others, although still it makes me nervous. As a teenage girl living in this generation where there is a lot of stigma around mental disorders it's very easy for someone to accuse me of lying and whilst many have supported me, others haven't.

I hope there are other people in this community who can relate to my experience and accept me.

  • It is kinda a fear. The main aspect for me was looking after myself. I am reaching the end of my first year at University. I never thought I would get here. I was afraid my ASD would stop me. But with support from friends, family and the school and college I went to I made it here.

    My brother was diagnosed at 8 and my mum was told that he would never reach university. Hi is now 24 with a 2:1 degree in animation and a job as a 3D animation artist. 

    So it is possible. It can be difficult. My brother has to work a 4 day week or he cant survive in the environment (Although its not brilliant for non aspies either). But it is possible. He just needs to stay passionate and focused. I am attempting to become a lawyer because that is what I am passionate about, 16 year old me would not think I would be here. So although I understand it is hard to not focus on the future, try and get him to look slightly closer. Focus on getting the grades. To get to college/or apprentiship etc. I found that relieved my stress for the far future, by working to control the near future.

  • Hey,

    Thats good. And I know that, my brother is a prime example. Just try explaining. And if he doesnt, Then you can be the go between. It wont be as good but we can still support you and him as best as we can.

    You are very welcome and I am always here to help :) x

  • Hi Nike Woman,

    I would also encourage him to do so. My brother is also autistic and doesnt use this kinds of things and he struggles alot. I was nerveous about joining to start with. But I find hearing from other autistic people does amazing things. They can say the same thing my mum says but I take it in more hearing it from an autistic person as I know it works and helps and it isnt being said by an outsider (No offence to any none autistics as I dont know where I would be without my mum, it just helps to hear from other aspies.)

    So try and get him to join a website or find a local group as talking relieves so much (I found anyway)

    And definately check out the comics, they are on facebook or you can buy a digital or physical copy off amazon. They helped me a tremendous amount in an hour alone.

    Hope this helps

  • Hi, 

    I am 18 and got my diagnosis a few years ago. So I completely understand. I have had people tell me I dont look or act autistic or outright tell me I not (The latter only happened once thankfully).

    I know it is a struggle, try look at the comics 'Growing Up Aspie'. I recently found that and it helps me to put into words what happens with me, to see that others feel the same etc. I found it extremely helpful.

    Hope this helps