Hi

It varies day-by-day, almost hour-by-hour, but i think it's on a rising plane. I still think self-identification might have been enough, but the diagnosis was at least a wonderful opportunity to talk someone with some real empathy, understanding and probably common experience. If I eventually fall off the spectrum as a result of say a new DSM, I think I'm likely to just continue thinking I'm something a bit neurodiverse, as an approximation of that thought (without any label being then available) has been with me for decades. On the other hand, i don't really feel I'm on the Wrong Planet. Lots of supposed neurotypicals obviously have very similar issues. So overall, it is positive. The comorbidity of GAD and depression is perhaps more difficult to deal with. I retired because work was making me almost constantly anxious, but now I'm anxious about finding things to do and affording retirement. It would help to have some online work to do.

Your smile isn't really coming across that clearly in this online format! I'll have to imagine it!...just like you'll have to imagine talking to a woman with a trunk!

how do you feel about your diagnosis? 

Cheers EITR!

Hey you!

i am a 42 yr old self diagnosed female elephant...there are lovely, supportive and helpful people here!

....and me! :)

Better perhaps to just say I self-identified a couple of years ago. I wonder if perhaps my diagnosis might eventually drop off the spectrum under a new DSM say, but hell I would still call myself neurodiverse anyway. I would welcome DNA tests or MR Scans, but I guess they are not practical just yet

More coming! This is likely to be brief because the board is playing up a bit with longer posts from this remote outpost. I self-diagnosed a year back, self-referred, and a very helpful UK clinician gave me a private neurological assessment to confirm it a couple of months back. I'm too long out of the country for NHS. Adulthood ASD is probably a taboo subject in this country,  No one will talk about it, even in my local family. And few people in the UK seem able to be constructive about it either. No UK vote either. Complete Catch-22, but I suppose you could say I have always adapted.

Hi Senior Moment,

Welcome to the community. I thought I'd include the following link in my post (http://www.autism.org.uk/about.aspx) which will take you to a page all about autism, including a section on adult life. I hope this is useful. Members of the community may also post on this thread with their own information, advice or welcomes.

Best wishes,

Nellie-Mod

I live abroad, but was diagnosed in the UK - my home country.