Umm... Hi!

[donkey_kebab]

Hi folks

I'm 45, male and from the UK. I have recently 'discovered' I've had Aspergers all my life without knowing. I've always known I'm different, always felt that I don't fit in, yet never known why. After being given a few wrong diagnoses in the past I started to research my 'symptoms' as nobody else ever seemed to understand what I was trying to say. By finding the symptoms written down I could show people and say 'this is me'. After a period of searching symptoms I started to realise that they all pointed to autism! The more I read the more I realised that I had Aspergers. I can't believe how many times I've said to medical professionals 'it feels like I'm autistic' yet neither they, NOR MYSELF, realised that in fact I was!!! (Good old Alexithymia!).

So, after years of diagnosis for anxiety, depression and various mental health conditions I have finally managed to get SOMEBODY to hear my voice. But not just hear me, they BELIEVE me! They agree that I am 'screaming out autism' and are currently rounding up all my health professionals to get me assessed ASAP.

So I'm now on the waiting list for assessment and official diagnosis at our local (yes I'm lucky) Adult Autism Centre. I am also trying to come to terms with my entire life of confusion suddenly becoming clear overnight. I am still reeling from the discovery. I am also SOOOO excited for the future I cannot begin to describe it.

I am also desperate to talk to other 'sufferers' to try and share and understand this amazing gift I have. For it is as much a gift as a curse. For the world is such a truly amazing place when you don't have to be scared of it any longer. I have always looked on the world with childlike wonder. Now I can ask for a trusting hand to help me explore.

It is going to be an exciting adventure

 

[Vanilla]

Welcome

Glad you were finally able to find yourself. Many of us here are also familiar with that life-altering realisation, that has not only explained their entire life, but has allowed them to begin to understand how to better utilise this knowledge to benefit their future.

Feel free to take a look around, share experiences, and ask questions. We also have an excellent recommended resources sections, for books on ASD:
Asperger's & Autism Books | AspiesCentral.com

 

[donkey_kebab]

Thank you Vanilla. I will take a look

 

[Andy R]

Hi and welcome. I'm across from you in Bucks. I am 51 and only recently diagnosed after a workplace meltdown. Still struggling to get them to understand but getting there.

 

[Ereth]

Congratulations! Thus begins a wonderful journey of self-discovery.

I know when I was diagnosed a few years ago, I started to feel as if certain episodes in my life finally made sense. It can be a bit overwhelming at first, but you'll adjust. And you have a support network to help you, which should help ease the process. (Lucky duck!)

Welcome to AspiesCentral!

 

[donkey_kebab]

Still struggling to get them to understand but getting there.

I have found the ONLY way to get 'them' to understand is to write it down. It is mad to realise that I cannot get understood verbally! I still feel wierd passing people notes, but it's the only way to get my 'feelings' across

Thanks for the Hi too

 

[Tarragon]

Hi there Welcome to AC!

I just got my official diagnosis this month, and it's a great feeling. Still got lots to sort out, but it gets better and better.

It isn't a curse, it's a gift - but you have to work out how to make it work for you I think. They forget to send the instruction manual!!

 

[Tarragon]

I'm sat with my patio door open, watching (hearing, feeling) the rain come down steadily (my favourite thing ever!) and reading the book your posted about. Great link, thanks I now know I too was hyperlexic! Reading newspapers by three.

 

[Sev]

Welcome to the forums!!

 

[donkey_kebab]

I'm feeling that already Sportster

 

[donkey_kebab]

Woo Hoo! Got me a signature

 

[Salmongirl17]

Hello and Welcome!!