New ASD diagnosis

[Becuriousnotjudgemental1980]

I have just been formally diagnosed with ASD. I’m 47. I think I always knew it was the case but now I’ve got the diagnosis I don’t know how to feel? I also have several mental health disorders and am now thinking are those right? Or is is ASD? Or are they the same? Does anyone else have any experience of this?

You'll probably feel a mix of things. Relief? Sadness? Regret? Anger? If one of your diagnoses is BPD, then I have heard that can be confused with autism. Maybe something you could revisit with your psychiatrist or get a second opinion?

BPD is one of my diagnoses so now I’m just questioning everything. I have a whole team I can touch base with and my work are really good about these things so I’ll be ok. It’s just a whirl of things m. Anger at my parents and school as well because they should have picked it up but I was just labelled as ‘odd’ or ‘highly strung’ as my mother put it!

Don't decide anything is right or wrong based on what someone has posted to you online. You need to talk about this with a psychiatrist who understands autism. It is possible to have both. Only someone who knows you well, medically, is able to make the distinction.

Anger is a perfectly fair response. Your life has been harder because of not understanding yourself. I'm just a few years older than you. You have to keep in mind that back when we were children, ASD wasn't really on anyone's radar in the way it is now. Especially for girls. I think so many of us were labelled because of learning disabilities that weren't recognised, ASD and ADHD children labelled difficult or naughty or not trying. There's also a good chance that your mother is autistic if you are.

I think this is a discussion to have with your psychiatrist. You're also allowed a second and third opinion if you want it.