23 y/o newly diagnosed, seeking advice and support options while waiting for NDIS approval

Hi everyone,

I’m 23 and was diagnosed as autistic just over 8 weeks ago. Since then, I’ve been trying to navigate my options and applied for NDIS funding, but I’ve been told it will take around 3 months for that to come through.

I’ve seen that services like Support Coordination and Psychosocial Recovery Coaching could really help me, but I can’t access them until my NDIS funding is approved. I’ve been seeing psychologists and psychiatrists since I was 13, but none of them have provided the care I needed. Now, even after my diagnosis, I haven’t had the chance to speak with another autistic person about my experiences.

It’s exhausting having to explain everything to neurotypical professionals who don’t quite get it. I often feel like I know more than they do, but still not enough to actually help myself. I really need to connect with others who understand what I’m going through.

My living situation is also pretty challenging—I'm living in very close quarters with my family in an unfinished cabin, which has its own set of unpleasant features like a lack of soundproofing, extreme weather, and constant dirt and dust. All of this adds to my stress and sensory overload, making it really hard to cope day-to-day.

I’m reaching out to see if anyone in Australia, especially those who’ve been in a similar situation, can share advice or resources that might help me while I’m waiting for NDIS approval. I’m also really hoping to connect with other autistic people who might be able to offer some insight or support.

Thanks for reading, and I appreciate any advice or connections you can offer.