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Hello there. I'm a guy in his late fifties who's gone his entire life never quite getting the joke, who's often accused of rambling or of giving "too much detail". I don't make or keep friends and feel out of it at social gatherings, even family ones where I know everyone. Recent research on the net and in the library have led me to conclude that I'm probably an aspie simply because I tick so many boxes A couple of weekends back I broached the topic with my partner, with some trepidation, to find that she agrees with my "diagnosis", so now the issue is what to do and how to do it. I'd like to hear the opinions of others. Is it possible to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of AS? Is it worthwhile? Or would I be better trying to turn this on its head and make an advantage out of the condition? I'd like to hear from others about this.

Regards

Phil

Hi Phil, welcome to WP. Have you considered looking into an official diagnosis? There have been some threads recently about it so maybe you could check them out and see if any of the posts help you figure out which way to go. Personally, I'd like to get a professional opinion on my issues for my own peace of mind and so I can pursue therapy for some of my problem areas. I am awaiting the results of an assessment and even during the assessment process I learned things that clarified questions I've had my whole life. So, even in this little stretch of time, I've found that there is help for my (AS related, I think) problems.

Hello Phil,
I am midway between two informal diagnosis and a formal one (that's due to take place on 7th July). I can only respond from looking at how I view things personally and have come to the conclusion that a formal diagnosis is a good idea.

Today, most people's AS/ASD is diagnosed in childhood. I had problems as a child and are now 47 years old. I live in the UK and here at least think a formal diagnosis will be helpful and advantageous.

Below this posting you'll see one began by 'Another_1' (I think) and he too is asking the same question that you do.

Thanks for your comments. From your experiences what advantage is there to having a formal diagnosis? Perhaps I'm fortunate in that I've almost always been able to work, even though I have that "tell tale" fragmentory employment history, but I am concerned that I'd have to tell future employers about my "condition" and what that would mean in terms of finding work. Being treated as eccentric is one thing, labelling myself as possibly insane and/or dangerous to an NT is something altogether different!

As an aside I've just done the AQ test and come out with a score of 38. Don't know if that's good or bad, though

To WrongPlanet!! !

one advantage of getting a formal diagnosis is that it will help you to understand AS better - for example that getting a 'positive' result' certainly has nothing to do with being insane. I have always been in employment, but I am taking increasing amounts sick leave. Other than that your story is similar to my own.

Doctors are better able to teach their 'coping mechanisms' to younger people than you or me, but we have specific legislation in the UK that protects our rights. That would potentially mean accepting the label of 'disabled', but with the advantage that in many peoples minds they associate Asperger's with above average intelligence - genius even.

The AQ score of 38 (out of 50) is quite high: mind was 34 with 167 or below being deemed the score for normal types.

If it's of help I can tell you more after 7th July.

Greetings, Phil, and welcome to the WP neighborhood.

Welcome to WP!

Hello Phil, welcome, enjoy your stay on the Wrong Planet!