Hello

[Egyptian]

A friend was recently diagnosed with Asperger's. We have a lot of quirks in common that I don't share with anyone else, so naturally I started wondering. This looks like a good place to wonder in.

Not much to say about me. Parents emigrated to the US from Egypt, born in Connecticut, raised in Massachusetts, lived all over the world. I'm 50, male, gay, a widower, an LGBT rights activist since I was 15. I'm a licensed psychologist specializing in relationships and sexuality but I don't practice. My last related gig was as an LGBT domestic violence counselor in California. Retired young and reaping the benefits of wise investments.

This is a casual exploration. I don't feel any internal pressure to answer a Great Question. Just curiosity about myself. I've stopped in a few times and read some intelligent conversations, so I thought I'd give it a try and see what kinship I feel with the members here once I interact.

I travel a lot, live most of my time alone, and I don't spend much time on the internet. Then again, I have no reason to. Maybe this will become one. Cool.

 

[Harrison]

Welcome to AC, you appear to have had an interesting journey so far. I shall look forward to reading your posts.

Enjoy your stay.

 

[Tom]

Hi & welcome.
When you live a large chunk of your life not knowing you are on the spectrum its like your story has these spaces in the narrative that are just blank. And then learning about it, it allows you to go back look again and now the letters and words appear and certain mysteries suddenly make sense.

 

[Egyptian]

Thanks for the welcome, fellas.

Hi & welcome.
When you live a large chunk of your life not knowing you are on the spectrum its like your story has these spaces in the narrative that are just blank. And then learning about it, it allows you to go back look again and now the letters and words appear and certain mysteries suddenly make sense.

That's the thing - I'm not sure I have blank spaces. I don't want to do this community an injustice by misrepresenting my situation. I've always been different, but I've always been socially well-adjusted and I've never felt concern or confusion about my differences. That 'always' and 'never' isn't hyperbole.

For me, investigating the possibility of Asperger's is mostly about my preference for identification. Growing up gay in a Muslim household was alienating. I developed a liking for identity groups to compensate. I've enjoyed the intellectual company of people with Asperger's before, so if I have it, it would be another welcome affiliation. That's where it would end for me, though. I don't think I'd feel any kind of relief.

I'm glad it's been a revelation for you, though. We only get so many of those in a lifetime. Monumental ones, anyway. They can be very hard-won.

 

[Rocco]

Welcome to the community
Hope you enjoy your time here.

 

[Slithytoves]

Hi, Big Guy.

I'm still getting over the fact that you joined. I just hope you stick around. You've cut and run on an awful lot of forums.

 

[nyxjord]

Hello and Welcome Egyptian. You mention "I don't want to do this community an injustice by misrepresenting my situation. I've always been different, but I've always been socially well-adjusted and I've never felt concern or confusion about my differences." I don't think anyone here will reject you because of your neurology. We are a pretty welcoming group and you should feel comfortable being here. Definitely pull up a chair and read/ contribute to your heart's content. If you find that you relate to many of our posts then that's great. If not, that's okay too- at least you have broadened your horizons and have seen a different perspective to life. I hope you enjoy your time here.

 

[StephF]

Hi Egyptian, nice to see you here. Welcome !

 

[SignOfLazarus]

For me, investigating the possibility of Asperger's is mostly about my preference for identification.

I can relate to that.

hi.