Scottish Newbie Here

Post Reply New Topic

Hiya folks, im a 38yo guy from Aberdeen in NE Scotland, i have recently been referred to the Specialists at the local hospital, for ostensibly Anxiety, and depression, but in the course of talking things over with them, family background, and after some testing (RAADS and AQ tests) it looks like i am somewhere on the spectrum, what label or how badly yet remains to be seen. i am waiting on an appointment for John Forrester the local Guru, and at moment my diagnosis stands on the results of these tests, and discussions i have had with Occupational Therapist (she deals with a LOT of people on the spectrum and has training in the field).. as a matter of interest the AQ tests i have done one was at 38, other was at 43, and the RAADS test i did was at over 200, she did say on the raads anything over 63ish was pretty surely on the scale, I have had various problems throughout life, Homelessness, Found it hard to maintain friendships, problems at school, mostly boredom, and because i was bored i used to get agitated and disruptive. at the time Aspergers was unheard of, you were just the loner, the odd one, actually having even a tenuous diagnosis is helpful, it gives me insight into myself, and why i am the way i am. it has helped me realise i am not just one of life's misfits, destined to be unhappy and feel always outside the social norms. that I'm not just a bad cold person, I'm actually far from it, i just found it hard to express myself, without looking weird.

I have been reading a few of the blogs here, and also been reading up a lot on other sites about aspegers etc as it seems this is the way my diagnosis is going, or at least "High Functioning autism", I have also have got hold of "look me in the eye" for my kindle, as this seemed to strike a chord with me, I'm also pushing 40 like the author, and a lot of his experiences seemed similar.

I notice a fair few of the Forum members seem to be from my home area, or scotland at least, and it will be good to compare notes on diagnosis, what any outcomes may be, and other mutual support. i seem to be caught up in a fast moving vortex at the moment, where, diagnosis, employment, benefits, and other help are all opening up to me that i never thought may be possible for me, its already made me a happier person and is giving me a more positive outlook in the whole situation, it feels like a weight has been shifted, if not exactly lifted off my shoulders.

Welcome to Wrong Planet.

Hi, Welcome to Wrong Planet!

Yes, I've done this, too, where I'm bored and then I've kind of become mockful and looked for things to laugh at a teacher or boss.

Now, as far as jobs, I have found the "easy" jobs to be among the hardest. For example, working at a grocery store, the managers were absentee and disengaged, the people working at the front engaged in a number of bullying behaviors and it was just an awful workplace.

And I've also been the manager of a university photocopy center, and even though there were more things to keep track of, in every dimension that counted, it was a far easier job.

Welcome Cerberus73.
I'm newly diagnosed [May 2011] and from Aberdeenshire too.
Hope you settle in ok.

Welkome to WP!

Mick

Welcome to Wrong Planet, Cerebus. The process of going through a diagnostic test for Asperger's varies a lot among people. It can be quick if you have the appropriate medical record beforehand, if not, it can be a dragged out affair with truckloads of questionnaire tick boxes to fill in. I'm speaking from my own experience, and from other aspies I know, living in Edinburgh – and other cities in the UK too.

To WrongPlanet!! !

Hello and welcome to WP! Hope you like it here.

You're from BrewDog country!

thanks folks, great being able to read about and discuss the situation with like minded individuals, early days yet, and hopefully i will find my confidence as my diagnosis and any strategies take effect.

Hello. I don't know that a welcome is as appropriate as condolences. I was on Skye for several weeks back in the 70s and the sheer desolation of the place was attractive to me.. symptomatic perhaps? I have loved desolate places ever since.

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

Well finally got diagnosed... so now its confirmed, Aspergers, Dyspraxia, Anxiety and Depression. i would think the anxiety, depression and dyspraxia are pretty common, especially in late diagnosis cases like myself, as a lifetime of not knowing why i am, the way i am, and why i behaved in certain ways. i guess some people don't like labels, and for others like myself, it is a comfort in a way, because at least i know i was not just completely weird, and there are others like me out there. lots of us.

Now i have been contacted by a fellow aberdonian aspie, regarding social groups or discussion meetings in aberdeen and shire. i am undergoing therapy at the moment and a big part of that is the possibility of setting something up in the area to do with a social group, and the arts (I'm a graphic designer by profession, and have always had artistic and geeky leanings) so if any fellow aspires are interested, and can commit to something long term to benefit themselves, and others. drop me a msg. this also goes for other scottish aspires, as i would like to have contact with people in the hope of perhaps doing more widespread stuff around the country (i ride motorcycles and love camping, i love to get out of the city, love going to concerts, mostly rock and alternative/indie) so talking to like minded people that might be interested in group meetings for camping trips, or to go to concerts etc would be great.

Welkome back to WP

Mick

Hey it great that your diagnosis is helping you move forward and come to terms with how to handle the various issues you face!

Good luck to you and your fellow aberdonians in setting up a group

Thanks folks. yeah there isn't really anything for us aspies outside the central belt area of the country. hence why the keenness to get something going here.

Cerebus, it's good to hear that there's an aspie group developing in Aberdeen and I hope it keeps growing.