I’m autistic and I think this changes nothing/everything? #audhd

[raigne]

Was diagnosed at 32. Nothing changed, except now I have the language to articulate why I am how I am and a better understanding of what types of things I can change about myself, and what things I just have to learn to live with.

[chanrobbertse]

It's like I went my whole life trying to eat spaghetti with a spoon and failing miserably. Sometimes I would get some spaghetti in my mouth, but it would mostly go all over the place and make a big mess. Getting my diagnosis was like being handed a fork for the first time and now everything makes sense. It not only changed my life, it saved my life.

[Nimmeth]

I was diagnosed at 36 and although it didn't really change anything it gave me so much peace of mind. I had tried therapy after therapy for 15yrs to try and deal with my depressions and avoidance patterns. After my diagnosis my depression just near vanished, I finally had an answer and I could start accepting certain things that I just couldn't change. It's now 5 years later and I'm a better mum and wife because I know how to deal with myself and what to do when certain issues arise.

[vcmay]

I ran across FB page that described symptoms of autism and I was in tears before I finished reading it, because I grew up before autism was even a thing, and knowing how hard I tried, growing up, and how many things were misunderstood, but it also gave me an understand of another facet of what makes me who I am, the difficult, complex, beautiful person that I am... And that that is okay, too.

[Eli-zxrg]

I was diagnosed at 20. I was like "well that changes... absolutely nothing." But then time showed me that it changes absolutely everything! I'm much kinder to myself and realized that I was previously overstimulated 10000% of the time. But now, I have pockets of no overstimulation and can generally manage my energy better

[kimmartin]

It explains so much for women who are autistic. How we can mask “normal” but feel completely lost in the world. Real connection feels unattainable. Feeling static off of people, noise, driving, the rain..so many things. Totally disagreeing with someone who says no one can be without companionship for too long. Not so, I could be by myself forever.

[GaeDane]

Having language to talk about it changed everything for me. *I* didn't change, but my framework to understand my challenges did. I'm so happy for you! 🎉

[AnastasiaAnaise]

Girl. WE knew and for us it changes nothing. We love EVERYTHING about you

[jimahalangel]

Everything new I learn about myself changes the colors I paint my memories with

[ashleyautistic]

Recontextualization is a hell of a ride. Welcome to the community! Congratulations on having new knowledge about yourself!

[SherryMcDonaldD]

Diagnosed at 52…changed - in a positive way - how I viewed myself. My diagnosis was a gift.

[SuperStormNora]

My first appointment for my autism assessment is the second week of August. Simultaneously worried and excited. And hopeful. And scared. Thank you so so much for sharing your experience

[LinzeeMarie]

Its like if you had a dog named frank and loved him unconditionally. One day you learned his name was actually Kevin. He responded better when I called him Kevin but other than that he's the exact same dog I've come to know and love. ❤ I'm not comparing you to a dog but I'm also on the spectrum and it just made sense.

[jamiehanks]

Thank you so much for putting words to this experience. I’m a 38 year old female and currently in the discovery/self-diagnosis phase and considering benefits of formal diagnosis. It changes nothing about who you are but forces a reevaluation of a lifetime of relationships, behaviors, interactions, and misunderstandings. I appreciate you and your vulnerability.

[nataliestrasser]

Proud of you. I think I'm autistic/adhd also, and didn't realize it until my late 40's. It explains a lot, and while it's not fully embraced in society, it helps me feel not alone. As more of us share this, I'm hoping for normalization and support.

[itsanniedee]

For me my late diagnosis taught me a new language. I finally had a way to explain and name all the things that I had already experienced my whole life, and now I could talk about it to others. It helped me reframe a lot of the guilt and self judgement for not just "getting over" the things that caused sensory issues or distress. I've been able to give myself permission to live differently, to have my house set up in a way that works for me not what is expected, to take my time and say no to things that just aren't safe for me. I'm so glad I got my diagnosis.

[Sentientpotatoh]

My dad was diagnosed in his 60s!! It explained so much about so many things in our family. Its never too late to gain clarity and have a deeper understanding of yourself. Thanks for your vulnerability as always ❤

[Tarynbreann]

That is *exactly* how it feels to get a late diagnoses of autism!! Congratulations on receiving confirmation and validation of your thoughts, feelings, and actions throughout your whole life!! 💕

[reut]

I knew! We can often identify each other in seconds. Being diagnosed at 38 has brought me such peace and understanding. I now have a small tribe of women like me, and it makes me feel fully comfortable in my skin for the first time in my life.

[TheHomespunNest]

I was diagnosed 2 years ago at 31. And I totally agree. It changes nothing, because you are still you. But it changes everything because now you understand your misunderstood younger self. Misunderstood by yourself and misunderstood by others. I still get teased about my sensory issues that I’ve had ever since I was a kid. But, now you can better navigate life and sensory issues and all the things. It feels life changing, but you’ll settle into it and appreciate knowing. ❤