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Recently diagnosed with ASD
OceanDreaming
Posts: 16 Settling in
Hi, this is my first post on the mix so I'm still not completely used to the website and discussion boards!
I finished my autism diagnosis yesterday and was diagnosed with ASD. I've known I am autistic for many years, I've had support from friends and teachers and at the start of last year I joined an autistic support group which was super cool and helpful! (I've been on a gap year this year - I'll start uni this September). However, my friends are all very busy now and don't reply to my messages like they used to, and my autistic support group was permanently cancelled 4 months ago. I'd been okay for a while - I spent time with my family and joined online groups doing quizzes and light-hearted conversations - but going through this diagnosis alone, with no support from anyone else, especially without anyone who is also autistic, has been really hard.
I finished my autism diagnosis yesterday and was diagnosed with ASD. I've known I am autistic for many years, I've had support from friends and teachers and at the start of last year I joined an autistic support group which was super cool and helpful! (I've been on a gap year this year - I'll start uni this September). However, my friends are all very busy now and don't reply to my messages like they used to, and my autistic support group was permanently cancelled 4 months ago. I'd been okay for a while - I spent time with my family and joined online groups doing quizzes and light-hearted conversations - but going through this diagnosis alone, with no support from anyone else, especially without anyone who is also autistic, has been really hard.
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Comments
I hear that you recently had your autism/ASD diagnosis recently and have been attending lots of support groups for it and want some support around your diagnosis too. I can say that you are definitely in the right place for support. As a neurodiverse and autistic person myself I think it is good that you have been attending lots of different support groups because then you can meet likeminded people and other neruodivergent folk too. It also sounds like you have been having a difficult time in dealing with your post-diagnosis too. It can be very difficult dealing with things after being diagnosed with autism especially as you have to do a lot of self-homework in a way to find support groups and resources which can benefit you. I know sometimes even myself I found it hard trying to find certain groups and likeminded others most of the time. I know that there are many social media groups you can join as well as activities you can do in person/online location dependant too. I think it is good too that you have had a diagnosis as well as sometimes I find the diagnosis can help us better understand who we are as a person as sometimes we kind of need to formally know ourselves in a way. However, sometimes we just know ourselves too if we are autistic ourselves. Im also still trying to find various resources too just like you eventhough I was diagnosed early on in my life but resources that will help me as an adult. Im always here too if you need someone right now to talk to
Sending hugs,
Amy22
I also want to recommend two charities who work to support autistic individuals, you might also want to look at their websites for community and support around your diagnosis
-Ambitious about Autism is a national charity for children and young people with autism. They provide employment and education services, as well as specialist education and support. They can help to support those with autism to find work experience. They have a range of information and signposting on their website, as well as an online forum where you can discuss anything about autism with others. Their website is https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/
-The National Autistic Society is a charity for people on the autism spectrum and their families. They provide information, support, schools and adult and community services and campaigns for a better world for people on the autism spectrum. You can find local services and have a look at the range of different phonelines the offer on their website www.autism.org.uk.