I’ve just received a diagnosis of autism - AMA

[EatTheBastard]

Thought I’d do an AMA as 1) it will help me process the diagnosis and 2) some of the answers may help others

Did you struggle in school OP? DD was always a high flyer up until her A levels when she absolutely crumbled, both academically and friendship wise. Her mental health suffered to badly that she isolated herself from the world for months on end. Now I do my research this seems to be alarmingly common with autistic girls - they mask for so long and then it all falls apart at that age

What do you feel, think, live with right now, work , job, school, married?

Thanks for your question.

yes I did. In fact, during the assessment process yesterday, I realised that I was very bright and got out into the top set at secondary school, yet only managed to get 3 GcSE’s at grade c or above.

it really bothered me. I wasn’t given any support or encouragement, so i was never considered for A levels, and never went to University. However, 4 years ago, I was sponsored by my work to do an MBA and a senior leader apprenticeship and graduated in Dec 2022.

so sad to hear of the impact to your daughter, has she been diagnosed?

I have a senior job in financial services, I’m not married or in any relationship and live alone.

have I answered your question? I’m not quite sure what you mean by ‘what do I think’ - can you give me a bit more? Think about what exactly?

Currently awaiting assessment, I am fairly certain what the outcome will be - looking back there have been signs for years which are becoming clearer the older she gets. She stims, struggles with eye contact and is very unsure of what to do with herself in group social settings for example. DD knows that she has always felt ‘different’ from other girls but is scared of being labelled with a formal diagnosis. It will be helpful to have for university accommodations etc though

I would also say that I was so happy to discover there was post diagnostic support. One of the services is talk therapy which specifically is there to ‘unpick’ everything so you can refind the real you. So the diagnosis will not only support your daughter at university but also support her confidence in being herself

How did you come to seek a diagnosis? Was there a trigger?

I have a good female friend who is autistic (and proud!) and she certainly presents very differently to the stereotype which is largely based on boys I believe.

thanks for your question.

it was in my late teens that I really realised that there was something ‘different’ about me. No-one sought me out to socialise with. That triggered many years of self discovery trying to find out if there was a reason (lots of personality tests and exploring various possible answers). Over the course of my career, I’ve received very negative words. The main trigger was when work introduced an initiative last year to make the workplace more neuroinclusive. The training I attended rang a few bells with me and so I wanted to get an assessment to explore if this was something that would explain me.

i hope that answered your Question. The way I’ve answered is reflective of the ‘swirl’ I have in my brain.

What are the general thoughts that you love to live with? I have my own interests ...and for me thought life is very very important, I nurture it.

Hi OP. Me too, well actually I got my diagnosis about 18 months ago. Found any good books or websites or online support groups?

Even I’m confused by your questions.. they’re quite trivial and don’t really make sense.

Is the post diagnostic support from your work? I don’t know of any adult services here or even for children over the age of about 9.

How do you feel about the diagnosis? Are you glad you got it?

In what ways would you say you were different from a non-autistic person of your age, sex, class, situation?

I was diagnosed with autism as an adult too. In my experience there’s no support post diagnosis unless you’re still in education. What you’re saying rings a bell with me - social rejection and negative treatment in the workplace - that’s if I even got hired at all. Lots of discrimination!

Just signing in and saying hello OP - also diagnosed with autism (plus ADHD, lucky me) in the past few months and still coming to terms with everything. I’m interested in what support you have found (or created for yourself?). I have the means to pay for support but no idea what that might look like, and it’s hugely frustrating.

Have you ever met someone, and felt that 'click' with them, but now you think it might be because they were also neurodivergent?

I’m really sorry but I’m not quite sure what you mean. I love nature, I feel content sitting by a stream in the forest or watching bees happily buzzing in the red and white clover I planted in my garden. Am I in the right area?

Hello fellow Autistic person! Thanks for your question. So far, the book that the assessor recommended was ‘untypical’ by Pete Wharmby. I’ve downloaded it but not read yet. I’m sure I will be recommended lots in the future. I promise to share anything on this thread

Yes, the support is offered through the service provider that work use in the Uk. The provider is called Problem Shared.

I do feel glad because I feel like, for the first time, I have an ‘explainer’ for the challenges I’ve had in life.

You are. Sorry, I might be autistic too if my question sounds bizarre ...yes, what do you like pondering?

I was diagnosed with autism just last week.
I've known for about 18months and the assessment was a few weeks ago. It was good to have that validation.
They've also referred me for ADHD assessment but that could take years.

What are your special interests?

Did you seek a diagnosis because you were:

• curious
• unhappy with life
• struggling to function/ want help to be ‘better’ at life
• a mixture of those reasons
• another reason?

How do you hope the diagnosis will impact your life?

Do you think either of your parents or other close relatives are autistic?