Finding Your Way Forward After Your Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with Autism and/or ADHD as an adult? That's huge. You might be feeling all sorts of things right now - maybe relief that there's finally a word for what you've been experiencing, maybe some grief about the struggles you've faced, or just wondering what happens next. All of that? Totally valid.
There's no rush here. No perfect way to process this. Some days you'll feel ready to dive into everything, other days you might need to just sit with it. Both are okay.
I've pulled together some resources that have been helpful for folks navigating this journey - books, articles, communities created by neurodivergent people who get it. Think of this as your starting point, not your whole map.
Books That Actually Help
Sometimes seeing your own story in someone else's words changes everything. These books aren't just theory - they're real experiences and practical stuff that works.
Articles Worth Your Time
Quick reads that tackle the big questions:
- Understanding the Adult Autism Diagnosis - Breaks down what the diagnosis actually means
- Understanding Empathy and Autism - Busts that terrible myth about autistic people not having empathy
- Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria - If rejection feels physically painful to you, this explains why
Podcasts & Social Media: Real People, Real Stories
Sometimes you just need to hear from people living it:
Podcasts:
- The Neurodivergent Woman Podcast - Two neurodivergent psychologists talking about real life
- ADHD for Smart Ass Women - Tracy Otsuka keeping it real about ADHD strengths and struggles
YouTube & Instagram:
- How to ADHD - Jessica McCabe makes ADHD manageable
- Yo Samdy Sam - Autistic adult sharing what actually helps
Finding Your People
Connection makes all the difference. These communities have been lifelines for many:
Everything ADHD, including webinars and forums
Support groups and resources for Level 1 Autism
Run by autistic people, for autistic people
Long-running forum with tons of supportive folks
Resources, education, and local chapter info
Social network for connecting with others
Reddit Communities:
- r/autism - General autism community
- r/aspergers - For the Level 1 profile
- r/AutisticWithADHD - When you're juggling both
Making This Real: Therapy That Gets It
Reading and connecting online is great, but sometimes you need someone in your corner who really understands neurodivergence. At Gliszen Therapeutic, we're not trying to "fix" you - you're not broken. We're here to help you figure out what thriving looks like for YOUR brain.
Individual Therapy: Drop the Mask
If you've been performing "normal" your whole life, you're probably exhausted. Individual therapy is where you can finally stop pretending and figure out who you really are.
We'll work together on:
- Making sense of your diagnosis and what it means for your story
- Dealing with autistic or ADHD burnout (and preventing it next time)
- Building real-world strategies for executive function, emotions, and sensory stuff
- Learning to speak up for what you need
Group Therapy: You're Not Alone in This
There's something powerful about being in a room (virtual or otherwise) with people who just get it. No explanations needed.
Our groups offer:
- A chance to share and hear stories like yours
- Different perspectives on the same challenges
- A safe place to practice being yourself socially