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Late Audhd diagnosis and big feelings!

Veb

So I finally pushed myself to get the assessments for adhd and autism that were recommended to me years previously. I felt validation and relief to learn I was diagnosed combined adhd (because I heavily resonated with, and experienced, all the traits).

I expected the adhd diagnosis. I didn't expect the autistic diagnosis to confirm I'm autistic too... and I'm feeling a lot of big feelings about it. Logically it makes sense when I go over the traits and behaviours (and the contrasting experience of AuDHD), but I'd spent so long focused on the adhd side of my experience that autism was always something others had... not me, so I'm struggling to align my sense of self with it being part of who I am. 

Feeling confused and emotional. Anyone else feel this, or have any suggestions how to work through the big feelings and gain some self acceptance?

  • Hi  and welcome 

    I understand where you are coming from. I seemed to accept the ADHD diagnosis much easier than the Autism one.

    For me it’s the sadness from my childhood experiences that are related to my autism that I’m finding hard to process. I feel like I’m much more aware of how my autism affects my life and that has helped me but it has also brought about lots of changes that I’ve had to deal with.

    Therapy has been a life saver for me it’s the only place where I can process this stuff.

    I would say it’s part of the process to feel emotional and confused but the most important thing now is to look after your needs moving forward, having a safe person to talk to will help you get through and also being kind and gentle with yourself. 

    It’s easy to name all the negatives about being autistic but the real work is finding the positives and that’s where the beauty lies.

    It will take time and much learning and it may be sad at times but it will also be worth the effort to finally meet the real you.

    Blush

  • Hi Veb 
    Welcome to the Online Community! 
    Your big feelings are perfectly valid and very common. Have a search through previous posts here and you'll see so many people in the same situation who also felt confused and emotional, especially after a late diagnosis. 
    This community is such a supportive and welcoming place and you will find people who get it. When you're ready, you may find our web page How will I feel after receiving an autism diagnosis helpful: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/diagnosis/after-diagnosis/how-will-i-feel-after-receiving-an-autism-diagnosi
    Kind regards
    Sharon Mod