One Year Diagnosed
One year ago, with the support of my long term GP, my psychologist and my sister in law, I finally got my autism diagnosis aged 34.It’s painful to realize that I got incredibly unwell and misdiagnosed with a mental health disorder.
I am only just realizing now that the short period of illness I endured was likely due to the small overdose of medication I had taken.
Knowing about my autism (and ADHD) as an adult is equal part painful as it is cathartic; on top of this I spent 10 years on a very high dose of mood stabilizing medication from age 24- nearly 35.
Being dragged to public hospital as an undiagnosed autistic young adult, experiencing heightened sensory overwhelm and being forced to stay three weeks with other people with a wide gamut of psychiatric and other underlying health issues has caused me a lot of psychology injury.
I was just last year again placed on a 28 day treatment order, shackled to a guerney and forced to stay for a week in an acute care space in a different public hospitals. I wasn’t afforded any autism accommodations after self presenting to hospital for a welfare check.
Autism awareness and diagnoses and the right support saves lives and prevents psychological and physical trauma. Please donate to ensure young people get the right care and their loved ones and schools and hospitals can provide better support.
I'm hosting a Brilliant Brunch
I’m hosting a Brilliant Brunch to help create a more autism-friendly Australia. 💙
Your support can make a real difference – helping people on the autism spectrum access opportunities to participate, engage and truly thrive.
Be part of something meaningful and help turn my Brilliant Brunch into lasting impact.
👉 Please donate today.
