Recently diagnosed and feeling lonely

I'm 21 and I was recently diagnosed (2 weeks ago). I've been going through the diagnosis process for about 2 years but when the psychologist told me I was on the spectrum, I burst out crying. I had expected it but it just made it real. I can't really explain how I felt. My mum was with me when the psychologist was going through the report of my results from the tests and explaining about Autism etc. 

I was the one who suggested getting assessed as I always felt like there was something different about me. My family always thought I was just shy and that I would grow out of it but I got to a point where I just knew that it was more than shyness, I couldn't change how I am. 

During the few weeks of my tests, my family were constantly saying that they didn't think I had Autism. I would tell them reasons as to why I thought I was Autistic and they would say stuff like "Don't be stupid" or "When I was your age I was quiet too!". They were probably trying to make me feel better but it was really invalidating.

Even after my diagnosis, I feel like they are still the same. Nobody has asked me questions about my Autism and how it makes me feel or how they can help accommodate me and make things more comfortable. I just feel like they are in denial about it. I'm very quiet and reserved so I think a lot of my symptoms are hidden and for the most part I understand what is socially acceptable. This probably makes it hard for them to believe I have Autism? 

I'm trying to figure myself out still and a lot of things are making sense. The fact I hate sharing my things, or people touching my stuff and I really dislike water in my face. I've tried discussing this stuff with my parents but they brush it off and I feel like they think I am putting it on and being over dramatic. I am just discovering why I experience these things and everything is clicking and it makes me feel better thst there is actually a reason but I don't feel like I can discuss this with anyone.

I just feel very alone and that my family aren't even trying to understand my diagnosis and in fact are acting in a way that really isn't "autism friendly" :-(

Has anyone else had issues with this? 

Sorry for the rambly post! 

Parents
  • NAS24164 said:
    Has anyone else had issues with this? 

    Yes

  • Slight smile I could have said just that, really, instead of my usual waffle!

  • Tom has pretty much said it all, Reading how you feel makes me very sad as I hate the thought of anyone suffering on there own, I have recently started giving out "virtual hugs" so here's one for you. I may have to change my user name to soft old thing! After all I'm a bloke aged 54 hard as nails! Yeah right?

    Years of showing no emotion and hiding my feelings but being on here I feel people will understand.I started hugging my work mates,only the ones who were ill or very sad but it took them by surprise, if they give me a wired look I tell them it's the new me,I still don't hug females as it may be inappropriate and could get me into trouble.

    I have told most that I am autistic,some say "makes sense mate" others belittle it and say"yeah but everyone does stuff like that" or worst of all "you can't be autistic as I know someone who is and they can't talk or rock back and forth or have tantrums about all sorts of little things.

    Some I try to educate others are never going to change.

    As I explain some of the key points they start to see how it is me and always has been.

    I went through a process shared by many,shock,disbelief,anger,joy and lots of tears as my whole life was there in front of me to read, I now have to say I am not formerly diagnosed as even now I know I am but due to others casting doubt through ignorance I feel a fraud. That last sentence has reduced me to tears as I feel I have found my people but don't have a passport to prove it.

    Right deep breath,,,,,,,,,I cannot wait to see your chosen user name,make it cheerful if you like,as you can see your so called ramble is nothing compared to some of us ha ha, join in and be part of our colourful world, you are never alone here.

    take care.

  • Cheers...have one back...

    and here's one for Mr T ... 

  • Thanks x have a hug,

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