Hello there

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Joined: 5 Jun 2006
Age: 51
Gender: Female
Posts: 3
Location: Nashua, NH

06 Jun 2006, 10:25 am

Hi,

My name is Jen, and I'm a 32 year-old female aspie. I was diagnosed in 2002. Before I was diagnosed, I knew that there was something "different" about me, but I didn't know exactly what. I was a quiet kid who loved to read (according to my mother, I started reading at the age of 3), yet I had a very hard time relating to kids my own age. I have rather painful memories of childhood and adolescence, feeling excluded and isolated, knowing that I wanted friends, but I didn't know how to make (or keep) them. My father once described me as "sensitive" because I cried a lot. I would have disagreements and arguments with people, and they would haunt me for months at a time. My mother decided to send me to therapy when I was 8 or 9. I excelled in English (especially writing), so that provided me some comfort from the harsh reality in which l lived. Up until June, 2002, life was a puzzle for me, full of misunderstandings, confusion and fear. I felt (and to some extent, still feel) out of step with the world, like it was going on without me. Howver, the clouds were starting to part...

In June of 2002, my mother dropped a bombshell: she was doing some research about Asperger's Syndrome, and, based on my past behaviors, she was convinced that I had it. This took a while for me to process, as I'd never heard of AS before. Once I started doing some research on it, though, I could see myself much clearer. "My God!" I thought. "This is me!" I remember I wanted to get a formal diagnosis right away, to make absolutely sure that AS is indeed what I had. I'm fortunate enough to have a therapist who I've known since I was 11 to help formally diagnose me, and it was a huge relief.

Now, 4 years later, I'm doing much better. I've been able to adapt to my surroundings, and voice my needs as an aspie to those I trust. I've learned that even if you tell someone you have AS, and they seem to accept it, don't ever assume they'll understand, at least right away. I still have a lot to learn, but I'm looking forward to learning. As each day goes by, I don't see myself as having an affliction or disorder. I'm different, and I'm happy. I'm in a long-term relationship with a very special NT man I met through Match.com. We have our communication issues just like any other couple (although it can be tougher at times because of my AS), but he wants to understand me and he accepts me for who I am, AS and all.

I would like to meet other aspies like me, so if you find what I've written interests you, please feel free to write. Thanks.

donkey
Veteran
Veteran

Joined: 21 May 2006
Age: 53
Gender: Male
Posts: 1,468
Location: ireland

06 Jun 2006, 10:55 am

hi im 34 and you describe me too i was diagnosed when i was 32 but only accepted it after 2 years of thought..and it is such a relief to have that explanantion......i find these forums helpull to read, and if like me you like to write i find it therapeutic dealing with other aspies and helping them with their issues..........i have had a lot of ah--hah moment lately and it is nice ot be introspective these days

nice to hear from you and good luck

jlbreen105
Emu Egg
Emu Egg

Joined: 5 Jun 2006
Age: 51
Gender: Female
Posts: 3
Location: Nashua, NH

06 Jun 2006, 11:23 am

donkey wrote:

Thank you so much for responding. It's certainly a huge relief to know that I'm not alone.

donkey
Veteran
Veteran

Joined: 21 May 2006
Age: 53
Gender: Male
Posts: 1,468
Location: ireland

06 Jun 2006, 11:26 am

do what i do and get your aspie radar going, it is a bit like a gaydar but for aspies....gals are harder than guys but it is fun...nerdish but fun..anyway..welcome to our world.....

Sundy
Deinonychus