Following in my son's footsteps

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Strange that I could not recognize my own Asperger's when I have been helping my own son deal with his for over 20 years! He is now a bit over 23, and I have just realized I have actually been perserverating about autism since his original diagnosis of pdd-nos at age 3. I have been researching ASD ever since then. His older brother has a diagnosis of ADHD, but I am now suspecting ASD as well.

I attended a 3 day conference a few months back, and among the speakers I was privileged to meet was Dr. Grandin. During this time it occurred to me I was on the spectrum, and I was wondering about getting a formal diagnosis. During a question and answer session with Dr. Grandin, someone asked that very question, should someone who is "informally diagnosed" seek a professional diagnosis. Her responses was that if there is no need, if the person is functioning well and he/she does not need it for specific reasons (such as ADA benefits), do not get the diagnosis in the medical records. As far as those who have ASD recognizing others with ASD? In her words, "The dogs in the dog park know the difference between an dog and a cat." I took this to mean that my own newly self-recognized Aspergers was acceptable.

Funny thing....as I talk about it to loved ones,the reaction is more like, "well duh!"

Over the years I have realized I have a general pattern of perserverating on something for about 3-4 years, and then moving on to a new interest. This allowed me to learn man new things along the way. I have a degree in special education/k-6 general education (took many years, since it, too was broken up into a couple of those grouped year patterns), a black belt in Chinese Kung Fu/Tai Chi, have been to Woodbadge training in Boy Scouts ( Bobwhite patrol), play a few musical instruments, and love to read sci fi/fantasy.

I am also a breast cancer survivor (will be 5 years in 2014!) and have been through any surgeries and therapies since then. So, during that time, you could say there was a little perserverating going on over that subject! . But all is well now!

At this point, however, I am feeling more like a boat without a rudder. I realize it is the tendency to be over analytical. I *think* it is partly because I have nothing to focus on nothing to perserverate on at the moment. Hubby has said I have 2 speeds, 0 and 60. He is probably right....and right now I feel stuck at zero. Anyone else ever go through this?

Welcome to Wrong Planet.

I didn't realize I was autistic until after my son was diagnosed.

Zero or 60 has been the story of my life. People here have discussed "middle age burnout". We have had to "act normal" for so long because we did not know better. "Acting normal" or not acting ourselves is both mentally and psychically draining and mentally damaging. The middle age burnout theory is that when the normal slowing down occurs in middle age we crash because we are so drained already.

Glad you finally found somebody who listened and have recovered from your serious illness. Welcome.

That makes perfect sense to me!
Buny