Did you feel down or traumatised following your's or your child's diagnosis. 20% of parents experience post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSS) following an autism diagnosis. If you feel that way you're not alone. Even if you're expecting the outcome it can still come as a shock and shake up your world.
Identity has changed. Before you or they were not labeled as autistic yet. Previously you may have had other unkind labels like difficult, awkward, unfriendly, fussy or just a lot of eye rolling which is a sign of contempt. You now have a label that explains some of your struggles that you may have faced alone previously.
The future has changed. You might wonder what the future will look like. What limitations or opportunties there might be.
You might feel angry about your past. Why didn't you find out sooner, why didn't anyone believe me? It's not my fault, why was I blamed and persecuted and bullied.
Will you be accepted? Some people worry about the stigma of autism. Is it real or imagined or something that doesn't happen any more in the modern world.? You don't know. Will people you love accept the diagnosis? Sometimes parents of adults have a hard time accepting the diagnosis of their adult child because they feel they did something wrong and that is unbearable for many parents. They feel it was their fault and they broke their child. So they may deny the diagnosis as a way of coping while they process their big feelings.
You don't know what to do. Should you tell or not tell, who should you share this diagnosis with? Uncertaintly is very stressful, especially if you're autistic. Will this mean a lot of change?
You might just find your tribe, your people. Often autistic people find great friends with other neurodiverse people. You won't have to explain everything and feel judged, like it's too bright or too loud for example. You may find acceptance and belonging with your
people.
You might find the help you need. An autism diagnosis can open some doors for therapy, changes at work and understanding from people you love in your life.
Need Help?
If you do experience big feelings after an assessment, that's OK. Notice them. If they continue and you feel you need additional support you can call a help line like lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/ They also have a texting option if you don't want to talk on the phone. See your doctor and get a referral to a mental health professional like a psychologist.
If you're in Perth you can walk in and receive in free person support here: https://www.ahs.health.wa.gov.au/Services/Mental-Health
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