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Newly diagnosed

A.Sarah93

Hello All,

I am newly diagnosed at the age of 33. I feel like a fraud and no longer know who I am and what I stand for. It all started this year when I attended a dyslexia assessment. The assessor highlighted some traits of ADHD and autism that I showed and recommended I refer myself for an assessment. I did just that and have since been diagnosed with both. I thought I would be happy to finally have all of the answers, it turns out it is the complete opposite. I have lost all of my confidence, I am currently signed off work due to burnout. The thought of socialising in any form just fills me with anxiety to the point I feel people will just see my autism for what it is. 

I have no support network right now, the few people I do know do not understand me and how my brain works. If I share something, my comment is disregarded and compared to everyone being a little bit like that. So that leaves me irritated and not wanting to share my insights with anyone. I am struggling with the fear that when I do decide to disclose my diagnosis to others I will be stereotyped and classed as making it up and following the trends.

I went into my autism assessment thinking I wouldn't be diagnosed and was completely shocked when I was. I then started analysing my whole life and seeing every autistic trait for what it was in that moment. I spent days crying and trying to process it all. I am currently researching and trying to connect with others for a better understanding of myself, so I can build my confidence again. I am just finding life very confusing and challenging right now. I am hoping for better days ahead. 

Parents

  • Hi and welcome. Many of us find we have to readjust our past in the light of a diagnosis, so you are not alone. Disclising one's autism is always a scary process. so far, I've only told two close friends and thankfully, they don't treat me differently. Most people doin't understand autism and I'd be irritated if anyone told me that everyone is "a little bit autistic" too. It just demonstrates their own ignorance. I would be happy to disclose it to someone if there is a need, but so far, I haven't seen any advantage to me to do so.

    Give yourself time to absorb what you know. it isn't easy at first. I felt relief to find out that I wasn't a lump of various failures, but just that my brain is wired differently. It gives me the confidence to refuse to socialise when an event is just going to stress me out. 

Reply

  • Hi and welcome. Many of us find we have to readjust our past in the light of a diagnosis, so you are not alone. Disclising one's autism is always a scary process. so far, I've only told two close friends and thankfully, they don't treat me differently. Most people doin't understand autism and I'd be irritated if anyone told me that everyone is "a little bit autistic" too. It just demonstrates their own ignorance. I would be happy to disclose it to someone if there is a need, but so far, I haven't seen any advantage to me to do so.

    Give yourself time to absorb what you know. it isn't easy at first. I felt relief to find out that I wasn't a lump of various failures, but just that my brain is wired differently. It gives me the confidence to refuse to socialise when an event is just going to stress me out. 

Children
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