Been lurking for a while, and was inspired to post a couple of times last week. Suddenly realised I hadn't introduced myself-how rude!
I'm NT, and I was doing some research on Aspergers for work (I work for Social Services) a couple of months ago, and I realised that it totally fit my partner. I found WP and read the thread 'You might be an Aspie if...' and was convinced. I ran home excitedly with my discovery and it answered a lot of questions for him too. He tested 132 on the quiz (I scored 33!)
Since I started learning how he thinks, it's turned a very difficult relationship onto an excellent one. I tried the groups for NT partners but they were depressing and negative. I could completely relate to the things they said, but all those problems happened because I didn't know WHY.
There are frustrations, obviously, but all couples have those. Now I know about the AS it's not even an issue. AS/NT relationships CAN work, we're proving it!
I love this group. When I get calls for help at work from parents whose kids have been diagnosed, I'm telling them that the first and most important thing is to join this community. Make sure that Aspie knows he/she isn't weird, and isn't alone. Asprgers is a real grey area in UK social services at the moment-it doesn't really fit into the Lerning Disability box, as Aspies are generally smarter than the social worker, and it's not a mental illness, although adult undiagnosed Aspies tend to have been through the Mental Health service. The list of mental health resources posted on this site have now been passed around Kent Social Services, along with the WP URL.
Well, a bit more longwinded than I'd intended, but never mind.
Hello!
_________________
'Do not crush the flowers of wisdom with the hobnail boots of cynicism' - Bill Bailey