Hello, long time (unregistered) lurker, first time poster so forgive me if I sound... oddly brusque (or conversely, too verbose!)
Born in Southern Africa, but raised in Britain since '89, I was diagnosed as being an Aspie by an NHS psychiatrist in 2006. I guess I missed out on early diagnosis on the presumption that:
a) I was foreign (I didn't speak English until I was about 6 and that was after a lot of speech therapy)
and b) was very good at art (still am, vying to become a professional illustrator!) Can't say I'm as proud of my non-existent mathematical prowess...
Anyway, whilst the diagnosis led to a lot of understanding about myself as a person, both past and present (and saved me from being expelled from university, may I add - nervous breakdown at the wrong moment) I've kept my being Aspie mostly a private affair since then. That is, except for a few very dear people, including my partner (now ex, an Aspie also) who I've been happily living with since last year.
Regardless, when I first came to this website during late 2005, I was very relieved to find other people posting about things that I could personally relate to. It's only anxiety that prevented me from joining sooner - something that's a constant plague these days. So I'd rather like to thank everyone who's contributed to this site and forum insofar; it's indirectly given me the comfort of resonance and support to carry on in life, not feeling completely alone in the way I think and react to things.
So, I guess what I'm looking for is just some common ground with other Aspies; and it'd be nice contributing and learning from a forum of like-minded individuals. Here's hoping we can get along with other - thanks for reading!
And a friendly hello in advance to anyone who replies.