Hi, my 8 year old son has been recently diagnosed with AS. In his assessment the Consultant, after speaking to me (when my boy wasn't there) about my history, basically said I had it too and should maybe think about pursuing an official diagnosis. I'm not sure if I'm going to do that just yet. I thought maybe I'd just hang out here for a while, if that's okay
It wasn't a great shock I have to say, having felt like I was on the 'wrong planet' from as early as I can remember. This news seemed more like the final piece to the puzzle I have been trying to solve all my life.
People who know me casually would never guess. I would say I 'pass' as normal pretty well. My childhood and adolescence was pretty chaotic though, so for my long-standing friends this also didn't really surprise them. I've been on fluoxetine for a while for depression and I have to say this has really helped me reach out socially and become the me I wanted to be.
Amongst a couple of other things I am an actor. I got into acting because I liked inhabiting normal - or maybe even not so normal - maybe just validated characters, and I was a great mimic. My problem was I had a pretty face so directors didn't really want me to act, they just wanted me to stand still, "be myself" and look pretty - I had a tough time with the "be myself" thing, though thankfully I don't have the same problems now. I'm too old for the young starlet roles now though, so - ironically - things are looking up!
I'm just really glad my son will have the help and support growing up that I didn't have. It was tough. Like I'm sure you all know.
Anyways - hi!