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Diagnosis confusion

Take5

Just wanted to ask if anyone is willing to share their experiences post diagnosis of autism? 
It’s been 5 days since it was confirmed for me and 8 days since my assessment. I’m now obsessed with gathering information about people post diagnosis experiencing doubt and trying to play down your own challenges? I was told the outcome on Thursday because of the terrible state I was in and that there was no doubt as they put it, why am I beating myself up like this. Although I am relieved to hear I’m neurodivergent my mind is all over the place and I’m unable to make sense of it all. I’m creating stories in my head about people’s reactions and overthinking what they will think of me. I wish I didn’t care but I obviously do. I’m actually getting on my own nerves now with these ongoing repetitive thoughts.

My wife doesn’t even know yet as I have gone through this process alone. Although I’m told I can be a little strange and not very sociable (among many other things) she flatly refused to talk about it a few years ago. She invalidates me constantly and for that reason I have not shared that I was even having an assessment. 

I feel really stuck and I’m unsure where I go from here, I understand it is very early days and this may take quite some time but it’s tough atm.

Thank you for listening 

Take5

Parents

  • Educate yourself on all things Autism. Listen to podcasts, read blogs, books, websites by and for Autistic people. There is a lot of good information out there that can help you feel like you're joining a community, rather than being singled out as a weirdo. (Are we allowed to use that word?) I've found this approach to be very helpful for me.

    There is a lot of good information here on NAS. Another site I particularly like is Reframing Autism, it is very clear, very positive and they even have a "Welcome Pack" (a big PDF) to help you get settled in to your diagnosis. The Thinking Person's Guide to Autism is good site, too, but maybe not the place to start.

    Regarding "people's reactions": you are under no obligation to tell anyone anything. There is no hurry. You've been Autistic all your life, so if you've waited this long, what's a few more weeks or months?

    Go easy on yourself. Take your time.

Reply

  • Educate yourself on all things Autism. Listen to podcasts, read blogs, books, websites by and for Autistic people. There is a lot of good information out there that can help you feel like you're joining a community, rather than being singled out as a weirdo. (Are we allowed to use that word?) I've found this approach to be very helpful for me.

    There is a lot of good information here on NAS. Another site I particularly like is Reframing Autism, it is very clear, very positive and they even have a "Welcome Pack" (a big PDF) to help you get settled in to your diagnosis. The Thinking Person's Guide to Autism is good site, too, but maybe not the place to start.

    Regarding "people's reactions": you are under no obligation to tell anyone anything. There is no hurry. You've been Autistic all your life, so if you've waited this long, what's a few more weeks or months?

    Go easy on yourself. Take your time.

Children