Hi All,
I grew up in the Northeast and live further south now. I'm finishing up four grad school classes this week. I quit my job in September to do the school thing. I'm trying to sell my car and buy a scooter, so I have some money to contribute to my household - partner, two cats, dog, and 2,000 books; you get the drift. I am going finish a goal, but not sure if I will stay in my profession, or create a new one.
As I'm older than dirt, I can say that things do improve if you work on stuff! I spent my whole life in therapy of various kinds, several diagnoses, and so on, and I did a lot of work on issues and skills over the years. What drove me to discover that I am on the autism spectrum was my disjointed relationship with a sibling, as in, What the heck is WRONG?" I used to think I had broken my sister, but I now know that we both have ASD's and my father does too. More on that as I become more engaged here.
My interests are varied and I am constantly learning new things. Right now I am reading about the gold rush in Australia. The thing I come back to is photography. Some of my strengths are brainstorming and connecting others with resources.
I received a diagnosis of Asperger's Disorder this year, after jumping through a few hoops. Even with insurance (at the time) and a mental health personage at hand, it took self-diagnosis before I was referred to a testing psychologist who confirmed the diagnosis.
I am interested talking to anybody. but especially late-diagnosed adults and people with family members who are also on the spectrum.
Right now I am reading the book The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders by Verdick and Reeve. It's a good one.
AF