Published on 12, July, 2020
...Autism is a spectrum and everyone is different. What characterises a diagnosis of autism is if it has an impact on ones daily life. I am classed as "high functioning" but currently do not know what this means. Overload as a result from doing less than what someone who is not autistic can do. This means currently bare minimum of activity because intolerance and sensory input cannot be regulated. Working hours are reduced because of the struggle to cope with full time even though preference is to work more. The load is primarily from executive function difficulties which also include the social aspect and sensory. Fatigue on a daily basis which impacts everything. So, when people make throwaway comments like "we're all a bit autistic" or "I think my dog is a bit autistic" (yes, I was present), or labels like "high functioning", or someone gets imposter syndrome thinking they are "not autistic enough", just remember - the difficulties faced - on a daily basis - which many people do not face. I'm not saying no-one else has problems, but they are of a different kind.
I've contacted the support group in North Wales about getting a post diagnosis assessment, they don't seem to know what I'm talking about though, does anyone know how to get one?
Everything seems to have changed so much since I was diagnosed 12 years ago, either that or was particularly poorly served, which wouldn't surprise me. I was told I had coped for 50 years so I didn't need any help of support, I wasn't even told what if anything was available.
I'm lucky to live in an area with a charity that provides one. I've hot actually had it yet, but my 6 week course starts in September. I guess it is luck of the postcodes