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Newly Diagnosed Woman

NAS88236
Hi,
I hope this is okay to post here.

I was formally diagnosed yesterday, I have to wait a few weeks for the full report, but the assessor went over the criteria and told me how I meet each one, and that both assessors were agreed in diagnosing me.
I don't know how to feel really.
I think I feel sad, and unsure. It's my 30th birthday next week, and I'm sad that I'm just finding this out after being diagnosed with various mental health conditions, and being in and out of therapy and hospital for almost a decade.
I'm unsure how to process this or where I go from here. Does anyone have any tips or advice?

Thank you.
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  • Hi, I can relate. I was diagnosed less than a year ago at age 25, after many other mental health diagnosis, various counselling and even some time in hospital- I felt like I was collecting diagnoses at some point. When I first realised I might be autistic, I was very confused, I went through feeling like I finally found somewhere I belonged, then doubting everything, questioning whether I really am autistic, feeling broken etc. When I got the formal diagnosis I also struggled. It felt weird to get this letter spelling out exactly how I was different. It seemed so 'pathological' when it was all listed like that on paper. I struggled with feelings of brokenness eventhough We are not broken. I think it really helped me though to know I am autistic. I still struggle and sometimes it feels like I now struggle more with situations that I thought I was fine with, but I think I am just more aware and more tuned in to how certain things affect me. It's normal to feel confused, it takes time to process. I still haven't. I am glad though that I know. It has really helped. Give yourself time and remind yourself that being autistic is perfectly fine! And you will probably make a lot of progress with the other mental health issues. I struggled for years with eating/food, IBS, always loosing weight then painfully regaining and loosing again... For the first time in 8 years I am doing better than ever. Because I finally stopped trying to fix problems that weren't there and I understand myself so much better. It takes time and it is confusing. And I think everyone processes this differently. Take it easy and take it one step at a time :) 

  • in reply to Ann :)

    Also remember, you are still the same person that you were before the diagnosis. You are now simply in possession of a useful piece of information about yourself which can ultimately help you navigate in life and figure out what works best for you. You might also want to consider if you could benefit from any reasonable adjustments at work if you think this could help? 

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  • in reply to Ann :)

    Also remember, you are still the same person that you were before the diagnosis. You are now simply in possession of a useful piece of information about yourself which can ultimately help you navigate in life and figure out what works best for you. You might also want to consider if you could benefit from any reasonable adjustments at work if you think this could help? 

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