Just diagnosed

[SnowyMouse]

I've just been told that I've been diagnosed with autism, reports are coming in a few days. I don't know what to do with myself, help?

I'm only recently diagnosed, and still processing it. It's caused me to reassess a lot of past events; in particular my childhood where I was branded as 'naughty' and as was common for the era, received very severe (bruising) corporal punishment for behaviours I now realise were typically autistic and beyond my control. No advice as I am in a similar position, but just to say you are not alone in feeling a bit lost.

I was diagnosed in 2017 and remember feeling very flat and 'lost' afterwards. This was followed by a period of denial and questioning my whole life. It was all really challenging.

I found the period up to the assessment to be stressful, the assessment itself was quite stressful and the diagnosis, although validating, was an anti-climatic event.

If you experienced anything like the above, it's little wonder you don't know what to do. But the reality is, there's nothing you can do except carry on with your life; take time to process your thoughts and be kind(er) to yourself.

Take care @SnowyMouse and welcome aboard 🌻

Thanks both! @BoardLikeAMirror I'm sorry you're feeling lost too. I hope you can process it. Thanks @Clarice99 , I'm feeling anticlimatic too, I was thinking they'd say it wasn't autism and was really stressed.

congratulations? at least on getting through the process. takes ages for the dust to settle and adjust to the new normal. still coming to terms with it all.

Thanks @BlackeyedSusan I think it will take time to settle in...

It doesn't feel real...

It's a strange time, no doubt about that!

How are you feeling today @SnowyMouse ? I hope you are okay.

I can't stop swearing under my breath.

You will work through it in your own way, whether that is sweaty or crying or stunned inaction or whatever...It will take time. 18 months in and it is still settling but a lot better than just after.

Thanks @BlackeyedSusan , you're right it will take time.

"Sweary" fucking SWEARY you damn bastard wanking autocorrect. Which has just tried changing it again. Twice.

Ps: guess which way I may have dealt with it?

Lol!