Hi:
I haven't written a blog yet.
I am 52 and lived all my life at home because of an undiagnosed problem that is probably Autism, or Asperger's and perhaps even a little Schizophrenia. There are others in my family like me, and an uncle was diagnosed with Schizophrenia. My father was a violent alcoholic, abusive in every way, and probably pschotic. My mother was slow, detached, very self-absorbed, never had much to say, but when she did she could be very argumentative, had many prejudices, and was easily aggravated by children. She loved babies, though; she played with them like toys. I was mostly ignored as a child.
Thinking back, I know that the rest of the family was aware there was trouble in our family and that I had something wrong with me, but only one brother and his wife took a positive interest; they tried to set good examples for me to follow; the rest just criticized, even though there was abuse in their families too. I started out ahead of other children, but in third grade fell back; that's when the abuse at home became worse. Still I had many talents. But because of my father's constant bragging, I was hated. At home I got nothing but criticism from him along with the abuse.
School was a nightmare; I was in a constant state of panic. I quit as soon as I was allowed, near sixteen, and studied at home. I worried most of my life about even having a future. But I did manage to teach myself about computers and since 2003 have been supporting myself with a business on the internet.
I don't know whether it would be worth the trouble (and stress) to see about getting a diagnosis. I haven't any insurance anyway. I am fairly certain I am autistic, or something closely related to that, for I seem to have all the symptoms.
I'm so glad I found this forum. I love the wide variety of threads on every imaginable topic of interest to people such as myself. Thank you so much.