hi, I'm a 27 year old woman and 10 weeks ago I was diagnosed with high functioning autism, I'd like to know what happens now? I've been discharged from
the autistic diagnostic team but feel like I'm in a bit of a strange place.. on one hand I'm pleased I've received my diagnosis (I knew deep down for a while) so it's nice for the clarity but on the other hand I feel a bit embarrassed and also hurt by the way I've been dealt with in the past. I recieved CBT for ocd about 4 years ago as well as suffering from gastro problems for a long time including recurrent stomach ulcers since I was 15. I soent months with specialists ruling out bacteria, infections etc and other causes for stomach ulcers and wonder why no one ever thought maybe these are down to anxiety? my mum feels guilty that I wasnt diagnosed earlier however I've told her not to be and that I am glad I wasn't diagnosed earlier as I believe I wouldn't be where I am today if I had been. I'm a professional photographer and business owner and feel if my diagnosis had come sooner I'd have been molly cuddled. But that doesn't stop me resenting the way Ive been treated at university and stuff like that. Anyway the reason I'm here is I'd like tonknow whether there is help for people like me to help me deal with some of my struggles? I dont mean cbt as that was stressful for me. ive tried researching women with high functioning autism but find it hard to relate to anyone as I seem to be reading about a lot of extreme cases. Is there anyone out there like me? I work full time (it can be a struggle), am in a relationship and very few people know about my autism. people just generally think I am quirky, rude or arrogant.. but I'm not I just don't know what to say to them half the time. i haven't told my dad or dads side of the family as I'm embarrasssed and don't think they would understand. I know I shouldn't be embarrassed. *sigh.. sorry for rambling.. I'm not looking for sympathy or anything like that just some advice on what's next.
