There, I did it!
Now that the hard part is over, I will introduce myself. I am 40 years old, and I am an aspie. I have never been formally diagnosed with AS (I was actually diagnosed with severe ADHD about 2 years ago, which I think is quite a common "mistake") but I have lived every moment of my life knowing that I am different in ways that I could never easily explain, and that I interpret the world in a unique way that makes it hard for me to relate to other people. Every member of my family and all of my "friends" and peers have told me that this couldn't possibly be true, because I'm far too clever and far too "social"(!?!), but I KNOW that it's true. It's just that I've become so good at acting like an NT but that's only an illusion to help me to fit in. I think many of you out there know exactly what I mean.
The problem I'm facing right now is that I am genuinely stuck as to how to get a diagnosis for myself. I'm not after support as such, because I've had to cope with this on my own my whole life. And my wife has finally accepted that I have AS which is a huge relief. But I just want the peace of mind that comes with being officially recognised for who I am, instead of being told by everyone else that "nothing's wrong, it's all in your head." Four decades of struggling suggest otherwise.
But my main hope is that I will be able to help my children to come to terms with themselves and to help them find good coping strategies, as 4 of them (I have 5!) have very strong aspie traits - especially my youngest, who is five years old. My children mean the world to me, but sometimes I feel helpless when I see them struggle to deal with situations that others find apparently easy. I just don't want them to go through all of the difficulties that I did.
Here's hoping that some of you can offer a little encouragement, or perhaps even a suggestion or two. And by the way, hello to everyone on the forum!
28 Feb 2013, 8:38 pm
