Greetings and Salutations: 65yr old Self-diagnosed recently, British, Writer, Male

[Magnus]

Hi all,

I am a freelance journalist and business writer, based in the UK but just come back from a few months sojourn in Thailand (fantastic place).

Last year I came to the sudden realisation that my difficult dad had some form of high-functioning autism, and therefore so do I.

During my overwinter in the beautiful Land of Smiles I have had time to learn and think about "aspiedom". I've done a few of the online tests, which were inconclusive. I am quite mild in my symptoms and can pass for 'normal', but I have been wearing a mask the whole time. Always felt different.

I wrote a whole list about me, but will post it in a separate thread.

On the whole I feel positive about this development, as despite the lateness, it makes sense of my wayward personality. Bit of anger mixed in though.

 

[SusanLR]

Late diagnosis here also.
I was diagnosed in mid-fifties. Sixty-six now.
It was revealing to see how it all fit my life history.
Understand mixed feelings though.

 

[Nitro]

 

[Outdated]

Hi and welcome, Magnus. I hope you find this place as educational as I did.

 

[Forest Cat]

Hello

 

[Rodafina]

Hello and welcome. Glad you have found us.

On the whole I feel positive about this development, as despite the lateness, it makes sense of my wayward personality. Bit of anger mixed in though.

This sounds right in line with many of our experiences here. I hope we can be supportive to you. Leaving the Land of Smiles seems like it could be a difficult thing.

 

[The Pandector]

Welcome, @Magnus. I self diagnosed at 68 and am still experiencing significant after-tremors. This is a great place to learn and share.

 

[Magnus]

This sounds right in line with many of our experiences here. I hope we can be supportive to you. Leaving the Land of Smiles seems like it could be a difficult thing.

Thanks for all the responses and the kind words.

Yes, I came back to Britain and felt miserable. It's a small island, mentally as well as physically.

 

[tree]

 

[Nervous Rex]

Welcome, @Magnus. I hope you find this forum as welcoming and helpful as I have.

I wrote a whole list about me, but will post it in a separate thread.

I did the same thing when I was diagnosed. This is so common that I think all autism tests should ask "Did you just make a list of your autistic behaviors?". If you answer yes to that one question, you don't need to take the rest of the test.

 

[Kisa the tea]

Hello and welcome to the forums, Magnus! I hope you enjoy your time spent on here!

 

[Magnus]

Here's a few jolly pix from my time in Thailand.

Bangkok temple

Koh Phangan from the Ferry

Digital nomad cafe-bar. My office .

My lovely Honda Click motorscooter: excellent machine for zooming around on.

Tarnim Magic Kingdom: a kind of Buddhist folly

 

[Magnus]

Welcome, @Magnus. I hope you find this forum as welcoming and helpful as I have.




I did the same thing when I was diagnosed. This is so common that I think all autism tests should ask "Did you just make a list of your autistic behaviors?". If you answer yes to that one question, you don't need to take the rest of the test.

LOL!

 

[Magnus]

FYI for non-Brits, a "Folly" is what we call a building or area constructed for no apparent purpose except to gratify the builder's oddball whim. The UK has lots of them, but so have other countries. The lone individual who created the magic kingdom in the middle of nowhere was certainly among the neurodiverse, so perhaps should be celebrated here.

 

[Sasha22]

I am a freelance journalist

Hi and welcome. Freelance journalism is probably my favorite job. I love the Albert Londres story, when he decided in the 1920s to do a story on mental institutions, and after his requests to be allowed in were rejected, thought he'd try to pass for insane so he could get committed - and do the story.

 

[VictorR]

Welcome!

 

[autism-and-autotune]

Hi all,

I am a freelance journalist and business writer, based in the UK but just come back from a few months sojourn in Thailand (fantastic place).

Last year I came to the sudden realisation that my difficult dad had some form of high-functioning autism, and therefore so do I.

During my overwinter in the beautiful Land of Smiles I have had time to learn and think about "aspiedom". I've done a few of the online tests, which were inconclusive. I am quite mild in my symptoms and can pass for 'normal', but I have been wearing a mask the whole time. Always felt different.

I wrote a whole list about me, but will post it in a separate thread.

On the whole I feel positive about this development, as despite the lateness, it makes sense of my wayward personality. Bit of anger mixed in though.

Hello there! I'm glad you're here and you have the self-knowledge. I too have recognized the same things about myself and my father, though it's a shame what he comes from that generation which cares nothing for mental health conditions.

I relate to your final words very much--when my diagnosis became official, I was happy, sad, and definitely angry. A lot of mixed emotions for sure.

 

[autism-and-autotune]

Welcome, @Magnus. I hope you find this forum as welcoming and helpful as I have.




I did the same thing when I was diagnosed. This is so common that I think all autism tests should ask "Did you just make a list of your autistic behaviors?". If you answer yes to that one question, you don't need to take the rest of the test.

Ha! I've been wriiting journals in which I dump almost everything autism related (then unknown to me) for years!