ASD and opportunity

Since the Duke of Edinburgh's passing, some of my colleagues have been telling me about their encounters with the Royal family when working at or visiting Windsor Castle - and I am so jealous! I definitely think there are more life experience opportunities the closer you get to our capital city, London. I have always felt this way, even as far back as school trips up to the big smoke. I remember so vividly that feeling on the coach of excitement and adventure.

Talking of adventure, today is the first day of my 3 week staycation. I was pretty peeved to be having 3 weeks off and not able to travel, as Istanbul, Cappadocia, the private collector’s Banksy exhibition, a big concert at the o2 and a giant jaunt around the Balkans was waiting for me. However, as soon as I woke up this morning, I realised pretty quickly that it was such a relief to be having some "me" time away from the office. I was in dire need of a change of pace and it suddenly didn't matter I was to be at home.

And talking of opportunity, since being referred for ASD testing by my psychiatrist and care co-ordinator, and discussing in family therapy that I could have ASD, I feel like I've been reborn. It's hard to explain to anyone who hasn't gone through this - and even though I don't yet have a diagnosis and may not even get one - as soon as it was mentioned, it just felt like a lot of childhood stuff slotted into place and a big weight went gently sailing off my shoulders. For the first time in my life, I can finally say it's ok to be myself and I can speak and act my truth. I do have to wait about 2 years for my assessment on the NHS thanks to the pandemic, but that's ok. Extraordinary times and all that. I'm just glad it's another piece of my mental health struggles accounted for and out in the open, documented - and all that helps me get on with the business of living.