Feeling abit "lost" after diagnosis

Hi all,

Got diagnoised with Autism nearly 2 weeks ago (male 41 years old), waiting for the diagnostic report to get to me and Doctors in about a months time. 

Just feeling abit "lost" in terms of next steps and hope best to progress post diagnosis. I have done some basic research on Autism, but theres so much information out there (im aware not all good oreliable) it can feel overwhelming just thinking about looking into it more.  My diagnosis was validation of lifelong difficulties that did not fit another catergory(or the fact i never really fit in periodRofl) but also came with some sadness that it was not picked up on sooner and thus perhaps missing out on some better support and understanding. 

Its been a big year for me with medical retirement(not my choice) from a 16 year career i loved but couldnt do anymore as it was making me  ill and making existing conditions worse. Combined with my autism diagnosis, feels like a big year.

So currently im 41, retired but trying to find suitable work to help me recover from everything , whilst feeling like my world is flipped over to an extent. Also trying to figure out what my autism diagnosis means for work prospects and reasonable adjustments.

Suppose i am just trying to find my way again.

Sorry for the vent, thanks to those taking the time to read.

Parents
  • Hi  , thank you for sharing with the online community. It’s natural to feel this way after such a big year of changes in your life. You mention some basic research on autism, so I thought you may find it useful to have a look at our diagnosis hub. This includes information, practical and multimedia resources to support autistic people and their families before, during and after diagnosis.

    In terms of employment, when you’re ready you may find it helpful to have a read of the following. We have information and advice on applying for a job, tips for interacting and coping at work, advice on dealing with bullying in the workplace and what the law says about your rights at work: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/employment.

    You can also find our free online ‘Finding Employment’ module on our website: https://www.autismonlinetraining.com/. This module is designed to help autistic job seekers entering the job market understand their strengths and what next steps they could take towards gaining meaningful employment or work. 

    Evenbreak matches disabled job seekers with employers to build a diverse workforce. You can visit the Evenbreak website for listed job vacancies: https://www.evenbreak.co.uk/.

    The British Association of Supported Employment has a database of supported employment agencies, so you can search for one in your local area: https://www.base-uk.org/home.

    Maximus offer a range of employability programmes throughout the UK, including, programmes for disabled people who are struggling to find work: https://www.maximusuk.co.uk/.

    The National Autistic Society employment and volunteering opportunities are updated frequently. We particularly welcome applications from autistic people.

    I hope these are useful.

    Best wishes,

    Anna Mod

Reply
  • Hi  , thank you for sharing with the online community. It’s natural to feel this way after such a big year of changes in your life. You mention some basic research on autism, so I thought you may find it useful to have a look at our diagnosis hub. This includes information, practical and multimedia resources to support autistic people and their families before, during and after diagnosis.

    In terms of employment, when you’re ready you may find it helpful to have a read of the following. We have information and advice on applying for a job, tips for interacting and coping at work, advice on dealing with bullying in the workplace and what the law says about your rights at work: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/employment.

    You can also find our free online ‘Finding Employment’ module on our website: https://www.autismonlinetraining.com/. This module is designed to help autistic job seekers entering the job market understand their strengths and what next steps they could take towards gaining meaningful employment or work. 

    Evenbreak matches disabled job seekers with employers to build a diverse workforce. You can visit the Evenbreak website for listed job vacancies: https://www.evenbreak.co.uk/.

    The British Association of Supported Employment has a database of supported employment agencies, so you can search for one in your local area: https://www.base-uk.org/home.

    Maximus offer a range of employability programmes throughout the UK, including, programmes for disabled people who are struggling to find work: https://www.maximusuk.co.uk/.

    The National Autistic Society employment and volunteering opportunities are updated frequently. We particularly welcome applications from autistic people.

    I hope these are useful.

    Best wishes,

    Anna Mod

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