I’m pleased to have a diagnosis

QI’m 52 and I’ve just been diagnosed as autistic. I’m thrilled, as I now understand why I’m like I am, and that it isn’t just because I’m ‘plain difficult’, as I’ve always believed. No one seems to understand

why I’m now happy. They think I should be sad that I have this condition.

Name and address withheld

AOf course you feel good: you now know you’re a person with autism who’s doing her best in a world that feels very emotional, a bit crazy, disorganised at times and somewhat judgemental. It makes complete sense of how you respond to situations and other people. You have a non-neurotypical brain. That doesn’t mean it’s worse; it’s just different. What it does mean is that others need to be able to adjust to you. Helping them understand how you think and respond will go a long way towards this.