Just want to say hello aspie tribe

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Well here goes as I take my first baby steps into The Wrong Planet forums. I wish that I could say that I am as fresh as the pure driven snow to this world and that I am spring chicken, but the truth is that I am 55 years old, according to the books and I have always known that there was something entirely different in me from most others that I have met. It had been suggested to me in the past that I might have aspergers but I never investigated it any further until recently when I visited the online conditions and symptoms. I scored a quite high aspie score 164 of 200, NT 27 of 200. I think that is when I started realizing the truth. I had already been seeing a psycologist and cpn about my stress levels and inability to fit in anywhere. The therapy that I have been receiving already has not worked at all ( different types of relaxation techniques, including visual ones ie. walking into my favorite picture and experincing all the elements). When I had mentioned to my therapist and cpn about my recent found discovery and looking for their opinions I unfortunately discovered that they both had very little knowledge about aspergers themselves. Infact it was put to me by them, asking me why would I want to know that, and what good would it do?! Also they were saying that where I live now on the western Isles of Scotland there are no service for aspies. Their NT attitudes have got me quite upset and stressed. It just seems to me that this long hard road that I have been all my life with all its obstacles, barriors, and cold shoulders will never end. I could not help myself to say to them that I thought that their reasons for seeing me was just a case of them filling out a time card to justify their jobs. I sometimes can not hold back. I think that they got a bit, well whatever they get when the truth hits them square in the face. I never swore or showed any signs of hostility but they both looked at me as though I had just wiped out their entire families. I will keep trying to get a proper diagnosis tho.
On the positive side of it all is that I found you all. Sort of my family I reckon. Then I half expect someone to say, "say what"?! !
I have been reading some of the forums here and it really is truly amazing how all the talk is so very much like myself, so that has been a big relief. I suppose that I will just have to kick back and see where all this takes me. This is my first ever blog or post, if thats what it is called. Although I am on facebook, I have only a couple of friends on it, my 2 daughters who live in Canada. I have never really wanted to meet new friends. It has never worked for me. I am curious to see if fellow aspies will make a difference on the friendship level. Im not testing yous either. Seriously though Im not exactly sure of what a real friendship is. Jokingly, I was beginning to think that it was something you found in a cereal box, and I just keep on getting the wrong brands. You know that saying, "you never miss what you never had" perhaps that is true but I believe that I have a sort of yearning to find out more.
I should close now I reckon, but before I do I would like to thank whoever spent their time reading this. I wish you all a great day and find what you are all looking for. I know one thing for sure, You All at least deserve That for sure!! ! Stay cool and respect always, Iain...

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

I'm sure that you will find many others here that can relate all too well to what you describe. We have a substantial population who grew up in less enlightened times, and struggled for decades to make sense of life. We dismissed niggly little things, never quite sure why seemingly simple things were such a struggle, expecting that most others were as sensitive to lights, noises, smells, etc. as we were, and thinking we were just not paying enough attention when repeatedly failing to recognise people's faces. Why we never quite fit in was always a mystery.

Many of us saw the same early stereotypes of autism - we could relate and even felt a strong affinity, but weren't so completely non-functional or withdrawn. If this was "real autism", it couldn't be us.

Then, talking to enough people, comparing enough notes, we discover that maybe, just maybe, we might be autistic. Probably are. After some time, how in the world did we ever even question that we are.

There are people in the UK who are familiar with adult autism and can properly diagnose it.

I'm sure you'll find a supportive crowd here. Again, welcome!

Thank you Melissa for making me feel welcome. I have been living a very sheltered life and I am finding this all a bit awkward, It takes time I know when you get into new things like this, but I will try and give it a go. I have shut out so much of that world out there for so long that I find it extremely difficult to make any proper communication. I feel like a duck out of water. I suppose that I should read alot more about what these forums have to say first before I enter any more forums. I had known about my weirdness since very young but I had always put it down to either too many trips or all the abuse. It was like what came first the chicken or the egg. I will keep at it, and thanks you once again for making me feel welcome! respect always, Iain

Almost a WP yearling now, I understand the initial reluctance to open up, especially to such a large an unknown audience. I was strongly tempted - and to some extent did - follow the path of read a lot, say little.

I eventually opted not to go that way. My reasoning was simple - if I had experiences to share, questions to ask, etc., but was hesitant to jump in, then there are probably many others like me. Perhaps I can give these people comfort, validation, hope, whatever from simply letting them know that they are not alone.

Now, when I have something that I think others can connect to, or will satisfy curiosity, I don't hesitate to join the fray. People seem to appreciate that approach.

I have also found that on the whole WP is a very respectful forum. On certain topics ideas and opinions may be challenged - this is healthy - but disrespect and getting personal are not accepted.

My best advice is to say what you are comfortable saying, but don't fear this crowd. We are all different, and have had our share of struggles. We come here to give and receive support from each other, a process most effective when interactive.

"Hello," fellow-traveler inkogneeto, and welcome aboard the Wrong Planet.

I hear what you are saying about how it would be better to get in there and try and find out whats going on. As far as disrespect and getting personal goes I should not have any worries there at all. I have always kept myself to myself and I am a strong believer in live and let live. I will though as always try and be watching that I am not offensive to anyone. Yes there are many things that I would like to find out more about. Such as why there is that difficulty with eye contact, I do not know if it is because I dont like what I see, or am I afraid that someone might see into me. I know that I do it less with people that I know quite well, but I still do it, look away. Also how I feel that alot of the people that I have met and shared with, eventually, usually sooner than later, they seem to want something from me. I use to give in lots so as not to feel so issolated, but then I found myself with very little and that old feeling of being used. Now when I see that going on I make all the necessary procedures to cut off all ties. The way I see it is that I am seen as an easy target and although materialistic things have never meant much to me, I still feel quite offended when it happens. This has played a part in me wanting to disconnect from the rest of them. I still believe that there are plenty good people out there, not too sure about that one though.

much appreciated jet lag. California, cool, I really like your governor Arnie. The way that I see him is as a genuinally caring individual. In our news here he has always been upfront and in the front lines especially when it comes to fighting those wicked blazes (forest fires). We need more of him about. Hope that you are doing well JetLag, I dig your snoopy too, he has got to be an aspie too i think...

Welcome to WP!

Thanks for the welcome mat Tim. It is always nice to meet those that help the bunnies along. I do not think that I will have any maturity skills when it comes to dishing out the sign posts yet, but I do appreciate those that do. Many thanks my man!! !