life at 58 & newly diagnosed in Toronto

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Hi,

I got my ASD diagnosis in April, a week after my 58th birthday & heading into my 59th yr.
Over the last 2 yrs my world has collapsed...I refused extreme treatment for depression @ CAMH 2 years ago. I was abused my the psychiatrist (AKA shrink.)

In the time following & up until now I've been diagnosed with PTSD & panic disorder from that experience, I've have lost most of my friends bc they are scared for me, all of my family (< not such a bad thing, but it can still hurt,) and, and, recieved a formal ASD diagnosis without follow-up.

I cannot beg, borrow or steal to find a therapist who works with ppl on the Spectrum AND are experiencing active trauma.

Anyone here in Canada? I'd appreciate any insights or resources you've had success with. I don't even fit with the AsperDames FB group (for those born before 1970 & late diagnosed,) bc I also have other 'issues.'

Erin

Hi and welcome to WP.

Have you tried Natalie Engelbrecht?

Welcome to Wrong Planet

Welcome!

Sorry to hear you can't find help.

That was pretty much the situation when my wife had ALS. The local support groups were mainly for supporting the caretakers, not the ones with ALS! And I didn't really need that help as it was how to find outside support and she didn't want that due to her issues. You may be able to relate to that.

What you could do is to monitor or search this site to discover ways of reducing stress in your life.
For instance, many here are bothered by loud noises. I found it helpful to wear high fidelity earplugs at movie theaters.
I recall going to a play with live actors and my wife couldn't take the noise so we walked out. I was able to compromise and get a pair of tickets farther away from the stage that wasn't so loud.

I've learned to shop when it isn't busy. With experience I've been able to adapt and sneak in right before the mid-day crowd shows up so I can buy stuff like freshly baked bread. If I go there early in the morning it may have been baked the day before.

I've also learned to cook my own food. I can't eat tomatoes because they are mushy inside.
But, I can spoon out the mushy stuff and cook the firm parts of tomatoes in the food I cook! Problem solved!
A lot of us have sensory issues like this. But a lot of us do not!

The more you can reduce your stress level the easier it will be for you.

My stress level has gone way down since I retired last year!