Just been diagnosed

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After some years of dragging and waiting for assessment finally I've just been diagnosed (UK). I learned not to expect anything years ago and I mistrust everyone greatly. It's hard to accept it or/and to process it, though I see how well it fits and the diagnosis is quite beneficial for me. I was diagnosed by someone very respected in the field.

It's hard. Nothing real ever happens in my life, I shy away from stuff and avoid a lot. It starts to set in, even though I am still very skeptical about everything. Whom do I tell? It's so surreal makes me sick.

So I'm just feeling down and wanted to talk to someone.. I've been on WP for a long time with some other account..

How did you guys deal with your diagnosis?

I am a 23yo female at uni.. My last year. Everything sucks.

Well you´ve made a god start by writing here.
Congrats.

Of course it is something one has to get used to. For most people, who get dxéd as adults it is a relief, because they´ve been struggling without really knowing why.
You have difficulty realizing it right now, because you don´t believe in anything.

How do others deal with it? Most will go "narcissistic" and spend a period analyzing, comparing and generally concentrate on themselves, describe their difference and so on. Not a bad idea, and it will go away, when you come to a realization.

Remember, that it is easy to see all the trouble/arwardness, that comes from AS, but remember to look for special strengths.
AS is recognised, among other things, by a ragged profile regarding ability. Some abilities are in the bottom, and some are in the top. Find them and make them your special areas.

What are you taking up at University?

I understand your frustration--but at least you made it through almost 3 years of University (what we call "college), and are set to graduate. The climate for people with ASD's and employment, I believe, will improve over the coming years.

I didn't graduate from university until I was 45 years old.

I'm an American, but a great admirer of A-levels. What did you do your A-levels in?

Here, at this website, you will find people whom you could identify with

If I were you, I focus on the exams, not on the diagnosis (I understand that may be difficult--but it would be useful). It is possible, with your diagnosis, that you might have superior skills in maths/physics. What do you want to do after university?

Your diagnosis is certainly not a death sentence. Nor does it necessarily prevent you from succeeding. I'm sorry that you're struggling away from home. Do you go home to visit sometimes? Your diagnosis doesn't mean you have a "disease", a "condition," or a "disorder"; instead, you have a "difference."

Would you mind if I ask: where in Europe do you come from?

You're going for your Master's? I didn't know that.

Are you having doubts about being a mathematician/physicist? Are you thinking of another career?

kraftiekortie and the others had some wise and important things to say.

You are not alone. We are real. We are real people with flesh and blood and autistic brains.

I understand not trusting people. After a lot of failures and getting hurt by people who we thought were good it is natural to be cynical.

A diagnosis is a lot to process and Aspies are not good multitaskers so it can be tough to deal with. So deal with one specific aspect of the diagnosis you find problematic at a time.

Good luck with the exams.

That's quite all right. I respect "internet paranoia." People do exploit other people via the internet.

I'm sorry you don't have much family support. Do you have friends at University?

If you're truly in love with your work, please, please pursue it! Don't let your diagnosis interfere at all! There seems to be many Aspies in your field, anyway. Perhaps your boss will be an Aspie!

Even if you feel bombarded by NT's (i.e., neurotypicals, people who do not have an Autism Spectrum Disorder), it's the substance of what you know, and how you apply it to your job at hand which is most important--not the mere ability to be a social butterfly.

Why would you want to end it all? I probably don't have half the skills you have--but, even at age 53, I believe there's so much more of life to experience.

There's so much of the world to experience. There's lots of beauty even in your backyard.

You probably have skills that people would "die" for (pun unintended). Why waste your talents, and what you could contribute in a personal way?

String Theory, the Big Bang--the origins of the Universe--now that's something to live for, am I right?

I lost somebody to Suicide. She had lots of talents--but she wasted them in her addiction to heroin. She could have been a great poet. Instead, she decided to end it all prematurely.

I think people are confusing this with another thread. Unless I missed something nobody had mentioned suicide.

It's an increase in your knowledge base, so it's a good thing. Don't stress over it. No one's going to make you wear the "Scarlet A."