“Initially, I started seeking services because I had experienced long periods of depression and being “shut down.” I always knew something was different with me and a lot of the time it felt like something was wrong with me. Therapy was my go-to for many years.”
After several months of waiting to see a specialist that accepted her insurance, Rose and her family drove two and a half hours north of their home in Portland, Oregon for an appointment she hoped would finally provide her with answers to questions she has struggled with for most of her life.
“Getting my diagnosis in my 30’s has helped in many ways, but mostly helped me realize there is nothing wrong with me. I just needed to learn self-care and navigating the world in a way that works for me.”
After her diagnosis, Rose, says she had mixed emotions. On one hand she was relieved because she was finally on a path to better understanding herself, but she was also scared. She struggled with questions about her future, how she’d be labeled by her peers and how being open about her diagnosis would impact her ability to secure jobs as an actress.
“The first few months after diagnosis I kind or just isolated myself. I started therapy a couple months ago with an awesome therapist that has familiarity with autism. I’ve had therapy sessions with horses, and I did a tour at the airport for people with hidden disabilities; I’ve really grown with autism as part of my life since my diagnosis.”
If you or someone you know is looking for support before, during or after diagnosis during adulthood, Autism Speaks has got you covered.
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