Support thread for autistic women

[IsItCoolThatISaidAllThat]

I've very recently received an autism diagnosis in my 40s. Had suspected for a while and then became more certain about it after some online research. I'm not sure how I feel about the whole thing. At first it seemed to help make sense of my life, but now I feel a little lost and "what do I do now?" I've not been offered any support in real life and haven't found anywhere online that offers this either.

I wondered if anyone might like an ongoing thread where we share thoughts, experiences and concerns? I have shared my diagnosis with my partner and a few friends, but I don't feel like they get how it feels and I don't want to bore them with my issues. Does anyone else feel the same way?

I’m different to you, I’m 24, no partner/boyfriend and have never ever had one. I also have social anxiety disorder. I’ve never had to bring up my ASD with a boyfriend/partner as I’ve never had one, and don’t know how I would bring it up, and worry about how someone would react.

I'm awaiting an ASD assessment, told me the waiting list was 13 months, it'll be 18 months when I'm finally seen,you can imagine my frustration. It would make a lot of sense to me if I am autistic.

I was diagnosed at 33...and have autistic children. The biggest bonus of being diagnosed is I'm much kinder to myself. I remind myself it's ok to feel the way I do about things and not pushing though just because society expects me to

Hi Ladies 😊 I have a child with Autism and is doing well, what I wanted to ask you was I'm 99 percent sure my baby sister (24) is autistic. Having been through the process with my child there were huge bells going for her in my mind. Please could I ask if a) being diagnosed was beneficial to you? B) do you think she would be offended if I gently surgest this maybe the way her mind is wired and would benefit from maybe speaking to someone about it? I could give more details if you wish a few are...she is struggling to find a job despite multiple degrees and lives at home with no social life and there are many more tells.... Black and white thinking, low emphay for others, fixation on certain subjects, socially awkward, can't handle conflict but doesn't understand how people could be offended by what she says if it's true, I could go on... But she is grand, loves animals, carefully makes presents for loved ones and I love her, I just feel she is different and doesn't understand why and how to deal with it.... But maybe I should leave her too it.... I just want her to be happy) Thank you for any advice.

Thanks for posting OP. I've just had my assessment, awaiting results, same age as you OP. I dont know what to think or do next. I do get support in the community for something else, which has flagged me for getting assessed, they said theyll suggest some coping strategies when we next meet to discuss. I want there to be a reason for the way I am, good and bad, I want to change but feel like I have so little control too.