Hello, I am Charley

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Hi there!

I'm Charley 44 years of age. I am from The Netherlands. In august last year I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I've been told that I would be classified as someone with Aspergers if that was still a diagnosis in my country. I am married and father of a 3 year old boy. I registrated on this forum because I would like to exchange experiences with people who are also on the spectrum and because I just like old school forums to communicate with people.

I like videogames (not as obsessive anymore as when I was younger but I can still obsess over specific games), listening to music (mostly metal and hiphop but I do listen quite a bit outside of these genres like classic rock, 80's pop to just name a few). I kind of obsess over current affairs and do listen to a lot of newsradio and podcasts. Listening to people discussing stuff ease my mind which I often do before I go to sleep or when I am cooking or doing random stuff in the house. I like concerts and festivals and I like films and series. In theory I am also a reader but in reality not as much as I would like to because of everything above and a full time job. I really should allocate more time into reading old fashioned books to be honest. Furthermore I am interested in language use, etymology, history and autism.

Well, I hope I did this right and ask anything you like if you feel like it!

Hello. Welcome to the forum.

Welcome to Wrong Planet

Welcome to WP! I hope you find it to be a pleasant--and sometimes informative--diversion.

In October 2019 I was formally diagnosed as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Level 1 (Mild) with a note that I displayed "many of the qualities of individuals diagnosed with high functioning ASD, or what was previously known as Asperger's Syndrome." And I am also married; we have no children but try to be young of heart ourselves.

And, some bad news, I would also like to read more. I retired in 2011 and still find myself too busy to spend much time reading. We do find time, however, to watch movies and TV series--we favor Science Fiction. Currently we are working our way through The Expanse, Red Dwarf, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

Welcome to Wrong Planet, Charley.

Welcome friend. The games and video games forum might be a good place for you!

Hello from Australia!

I'm a new member myself, saw your interests and thought there is a book I can recommend which may interest you! It covers the history of autism and its development as a diagnosis - particularly including detailed historical and social context (WWII etc.).

NeuroTribes by Steve Silberman.

If I may ask, has your diagnosis affected you in any big ways?

welcome to wrong planet!

Thanks everyone

@double retired
Started with The Expanse some days ago, heard good things about it!

@AspieringDragon
Thanks for the tip, I've placed in on my to read list. In answer to your question: Well, not really but things did get more clear to me and especially for my wife. I already expected me to be an aspie (not sure if that word is frown upon here but personally I am fine with it) but you never know for sure if you haven't been tested I think. It helps me to better understand my own behaviour and motives in different aspects of life and it helps to explain to people why I do things the way I do. I am completely open about my diagnosis to the outside world if there's a reason to be but I am aware not to be that guy who needs everyone to know.

Welcome to WP!