Good afternoon, I am just looking for some support / guidance (I think). My son, just turned 17 and has recently received an autism diagnosis but what happens now? I really feel like the hospital have gone yep this is your label go deal with it. With no support, no next steps no follow up no nothing?! Is that what actually happens?
We have suspected my son has been unique for probably around 10 years, however we have battled with schools as they just wouldn't accept he was any different, he's a people pleaser and excellent at masking. Ill be honest I never expected him to be diagnosed with autism, I thought more along the lines of ADHD however after assessments for both he has been diagnosised with autism only.
My son leads a relatively "normal" life for a 17 year old, he goes to college, enjoys sport and plays football and cricket. He doesn't go out with friends, isn't great with friendships but I THINK he manages. He has recently got into quite a serious relationship (5 months in) and thinks the absolute world of this girl. Luckily she is a lovely girl, puts up with a lot of his unique ways but sometimes I feel a little overwhelmed by it all and how much it seems to consume him. I feel his life could be so much better (and ours too) if he had some more support/understanding around his autism.
I think given the fact we have lived like this for so long it's our norm, but surely that doesn't mean we have to accept that and not look to make things better for us all right?
Im just trying to find out if there is anywhere we can get some support from following his diagnosis. Things we can do and try to make life / understanding smoother for us all?
Thanks for reading....sorry if I have waffled.