When Did You Get Your Diagnosis and How Did You Feel About It?

We're you relieved, angry, excited, hopeful or something totally different?

Hi lovely people,

This is just an informal thread for paid subscribers as I thought it would be good for us to get to know each other better (for those who are keen to meet like-minded people.)

I know that not all of you who read this have a formal diagnosis or even self-identify as autistic. But those who do, I wondered if you might be willing to share your story.

I was diagnosed at 37 and I had so many confusing feelings. Sadness I never received any support. Pride I managed (just about) without it. Anger my parents weren't more observant/supportive. Guilt that I felt angry with my parents for not being more observant. After all, nobody like me was being diagnosed back then. How could they have known?

Nonetheless, I felt a real sense of loss. I had needed extra support and somehow I ended up with far less than most people my age.

Did the fact that I was 37 make my feelings more complicated? What might it have felt to be diagnosed at 7 or 11 or 17 or 27?

I'm curious. And so I'm asking yo…