Quinny
New Member
Hello everyone,
I'm a 25-year-old female living in rural Pennsylvania, and I just received my official diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome/Autism Spectrum Disorder yesterday. My goal on this site is to make connections, compare experiences, and learn about resources. Growing up in a small town (graduating class of 36) meant that there were basically no resources for diagnosis when I was a child. Although I've also had diagnoses of GAD and OCD, I didn't consider that I was on the spectrum until adulthood. A few years ago, I began working with our local child protective services agency. My role in the department meant that I would work directly with a variety of children on the spectrum. It was at that time that I began doing a lot of research on Autism and I started to realize that I identified with a lot of the criteria and characteristics. Nearly two years later, I finally worked up the nerve to speak with my therapist about my suspicions. At first, I thought a diagnosis would be scary, but actually I'm relieved because I can finally start to make sense of things.
In addition to my recent ASD diagnosis, I am also struggling with postpartum depression, as I have a six-month-old son. Luckily, I have a wonderful family and support system and I'm doing my best to navigate through all of these things. My wonderful therapist has a great perspective, and she believes that being "neurodiverse" can really be a gift, as long as the negative aspects are being controlled with healthy coping mechanisms.
I can't wait to learn more about my diagnosis, and talk to all of you! I'm always open to give and receive support, so please comment!
-Quinny
I'm a 25-year-old female living in rural Pennsylvania, and I just received my official diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome/Autism Spectrum Disorder yesterday. My goal on this site is to make connections, compare experiences, and learn about resources. Growing up in a small town (graduating class of 36) meant that there were basically no resources for diagnosis when I was a child. Although I've also had diagnoses of GAD and OCD, I didn't consider that I was on the spectrum until adulthood. A few years ago, I began working with our local child protective services agency. My role in the department meant that I would work directly with a variety of children on the spectrum. It was at that time that I began doing a lot of research on Autism and I started to realize that I identified with a lot of the criteria and characteristics. Nearly two years later, I finally worked up the nerve to speak with my therapist about my suspicions. At first, I thought a diagnosis would be scary, but actually I'm relieved because I can finally start to make sense of things.
In addition to my recent ASD diagnosis, I am also struggling with postpartum depression, as I have a six-month-old son. Luckily, I have a wonderful family and support system and I'm doing my best to navigate through all of these things. My wonderful therapist has a great perspective, and she believes that being "neurodiverse" can really be a gift, as long as the negative aspects are being controlled with healthy coping mechanisms.
I can't wait to learn more about my diagnosis, and talk to all of you! I'm always open to give and receive support, so please comment!
-Quinny
Welcome to Aspie Central.
