new and confused

[tracyclements]

Hey. I am now 51 so feel embarrassed to be so unaware and unable to cope. I was recently diagnosed with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder but have now had it suggested to me that I display traits of what was Asperger's. It really would feel like the last jigsaw piece puzzle had just been placed but I really don't know enough to understand.

 

[Pinkie B]

Hi tracyclements! Welcome to Autism Forums.

I just joined maybe two weeks ago? I'm also new to the idea of being an Aspie and it was quite a shock when I first realized it. But don't worry! You are still you. Being an Aspie in addition just gives you membership to this awesome tribe of people who get you!

Everyone here is super friendly and patient. Hope you feel at home here

 

[tracyclements]

Your reply is so kind. Thank you.

 

[Isadoorian]

Welcome to the Forums! I hope you make new friends and enjoy your stay in the process!

Also, there's plenty of other Older People here who're diagnosed with ASD, so you're not alone there, and would be more than happy to give you their own living experiences with it, some of them blissfully unaware that they had ASD until recent as well like yourself.

 

[tree]

 

[tracyclements]

Welcome to the Forums! I hope you make new friends and enjoy your stay in the process!

Also, there's plenty of other Older People here who're diagnosed with ASD, so you're not alone there, and would be more than happy to give you their own living experiences with it, some of them blissfully unaware that they had ASD until recent as well like yourself.

Older people? Sorry, only joking.
Thank you for your reply. I would love to connect with people and learn more.

 

[Tom]

He makes it sound more like Alzheimer's

Yes the condition previously known as Aspergers. Its not just a young persons disorder anymore!

 

[Nitro]

Hi tracyclements

 

[Major Tom]

Welcome to the forums!

 

[Pzm1234]

57 yo diagnosed at age 44. When that happened a lot of stuff all of a sudden became cleared

You have had some issues and now they are putting names on it. That is good. You are seeing that you are not alone and what is happening to you others survived heck I thrived more afterwards than before!

See this as an opportunity. Understanding oneself help when it comes to driving change. Some things I wanted to change were not going to happen because of who I was so I stopped stressing about it and learned coping mechanisms. A huge feeling that I am not worthy was lifted. I am what I am. Just like every one else

You are going to do great!

 

[BraidedPony]

Welcome, I'm 64 and self diagnosed just a few months ago. Nothing to be embarassed about, we all have to learn at our own time, our own speed.

 

[Bolletje]

Welcome!

 

[SusanLR]

Welcome!
Certainly nothing to be embarassed about. I am 62, diagnosed at 58.
I went through life knowing I was different to most around me, but had never even heard of Asperger's
or thought about being on the spectrum until I went through some life changing events at age
58 that I couldn't handle. A grief counselor recognised the traits and suggested I get tested.
I'm glad to know why I am as I am. It didn't change my challenges, but, at least I now understand.
I've gotten CBT as needed for this.

 

[Sarah S]

Warm welkome to forum .

You have nothing to feel ashamed of. They dident find my ASD (despite i had it since birth same as all my Diagnosis ) until i was 30 (48 this year ). And in my case the professionals have actually throw in the towel in trying to find even more ( already agreed and stated in writing by professional Shrink That i have multiple other diagnosis yet to discover) as the ods of finding them all is slim to non.

I still find more and more diagnosis that fits as co occurring to my alredy diagnosed main diagnosis (MBD / ADHD /ASD) to this day

 

[clg114]

Welcome to Autism Forums!

 

[tracyclements]

Welcome!
Certainly nothing to be embarassed about. I am 62, diagnosed at 58.
I went through life knowing I was different to most around me, but had never even heard of Asperger's
or thought about being on the spectrum until I went through some life changing events at age
58 that I couldn't handle. A grief counselor recognised the traits and suggested I get tested.
I'm glad to know why I am as I am. It didn't change my challenges, but, at least I now understand.
I've gotten CBT as needed for this.

Thanks for your reply and I am glad that you are getting some help. Could you help me understand how to get a diagnosis please?

 

[SusanLR]

Thanks for your reply and I am glad that you are getting some help. Could you help me understand how to get a diagnosis please?

The most difficult part for me getting a diagnosis was finding a psychologist or psychiatrist that took my
insurance.
I looked at the website Healthgrades.com where you can search for doctors in your area.
Type in the search box there the type of doctor you are looking for.
They give info on each doctor in your area. Ratings, specialty, and insurance.
I only found one in a 50 mile radius that accepted my insurance and she was nearby.
Made an appointment, went in for consultation and started testing.
There are a lot of psychologists that give testing and some specialize in autism, but, most do not
take insurance I found.
You can pay for the testing, but, it is expensive.

So on-line searching was how I found someone for the tests.

 

[givemecandy]

Hey. I am now 51 so feel embarrassed to be so unaware and unable to cope. I was recently diagnosed with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder but have now had it suggested to me that I display traits of what was Asperger's. It really would feel like the last jigsaw piece puzzle had just been placed but I really don't know enough to understand.

Hello tracyclements,
Almost a year ago I was diagnosed as high functioning autistic. I am now 37 with two children who are getting their own testing for ASD done (hopefully before they move out) I am experiencing tremendous emotional pain and embarrassment as I try to help myself cope with life on the spectrum, single with two children who have very challenging behavior. I may be posting wrong? This is my first post. I do not really know how to do posts. Please forgive me and guide me in the right direction if I am wrong. I don't know how much reading about Aspergers you have done, but I found reading about autism to be very validating. I just haven't found anything that can help me in my day to day struggles. I feel very alone as I try to let those who are closest to me understand what I am going through to no avail. So I have decided to reach out here, as most days the feeling of being misunderstood, frustrated, overstimulated, over-challenged and without support or assistance is really throwing me into a heavy despair. So sorry I don't have much to offer you, but maybe a bit of understanding.
Thank you and good luck on your journey.

 

[frink]

Welcome tracyclements! And to givemecandy as well.

I was diagnosed a year ago, it took me some time to come to terms with it but in the end don't feel much different than before. Givemecandy -- you are not alone having kids and finding out as an adult. I am similarly aged with kids, though yours must be quite a bit older. We have been trying to figure out a diagnosis for our older kid for over two years. It must be rough to parent alone especially with kids potentially on the spectrum. I did well growing up but it was the parenting that pushed me to my limits. I learned a lot about aspergers when researching my son's behaviors, it led to me finding out my diagnosis.

The forums here are a good place to read about others experiences and share/ask what you want to.

 

[Crossbreed]

Could you help me understand how to get a diagnosis please?

If you are in the USA, Finding Support Resources in the USA...

(I keep seeing "trace elements" in your screen name...

)