Hi All!
I'm new here and hoping to make some friends. I'm a middle-aged mom on the spectrum and have undergone a complete identity crisis in the wake of my fairly recent diagnosis.
Finding out I was on the spectrum literally turned my life upside down. I lost everything: marriage, family, friends, career, religion...wow, it's been a ride. This much change is hard for anyone, and being on the spectrum hasn't made the journey any easier, I'm guessing. Learning to accept the legitimate me, the me behind all the defensive, social masks I had constructed over a lifetime is ongoing work.
I no longer hide my neurological diversity, but manage myself without judgment, and each day learn what more about what I need. Does any of this sound familiar to any of you? Do we have anything in common? I hope so. Becuase I could use some friends.
The other day I started a new blog, because I want to advocate for quality of life issues, more research for women on the spectrum (even if I have to do it myself!) and acceptance. If this list of interests matches your own, I hope you'll stop by and speak up. Also looking for other women on the spectrum who would like to contribute regularly!!
Thank you for sharing your blog link, Niji. I hope you will come to feel like you do belong. Acceptance and the finding of acceptance from others is often a process. It doesn't seem fair that it should have t be, but it is sadly true that it is when it comes to differences.
I'm glad that you posted here on your 1 year date of diagnosis. I was in Chicago at an autism conference, so I am late responding, but I very much stay encouraged by others reaching out like you do.
Hi and welcome!
Today it's actually exactly one year since I got my autism diagnose.
I recognize the thing with life turning upside down, but in my case 'cause I now know I will never be "normal" or fit in.
I still try to be as "normal" as possible so I won't hurt others or be in the way.
I also have a blog (mostly in swedish but recently I've started to write some in english too) but mine is more..hmm personal and about my interests then about autism, even though some of it are about that too.