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Hello, l was just diagnosed with ASD level 1 (formally it would have been called Asperger's). I might be a little unusual in that I am over the age of 60.

I thought I would try this forum, and hopefully make new friends. I am starting CBT in a week, initially for insomnia and then with a therapist who specializes in ASD. I have no idea what to expect, as I have functioned independently for many years. If anyone has any insight concerning CBT you would like to share, I would be very appreciative.

Also, my real name is not Bill or William. I could not think of a good username, so I selected this lame one.

Welcome to Wrong Planet, BB. So how did you come to get diagnosed for ASD?

Hello and a very warm welcome to you . Hope the diagnosis has been a positive confirmation for you, and that the CBT is helpful for you. I’ve no personal experience of it, but I do have knowledge on it. Like any therapy, what can be helpful for some, may not be helpful for others. This site gives a good rundown on what it involves, what to expect etc ... https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/treatments-and-wellbeing/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-(cbt)

Good to have you with us.

Some extra info I put together a long time ago(I need to update the links to the NAS sites, but all the Research links should work fine...
http://www.aspie-editorial.com/counting-sheep-sleep-issues-on-the-spectrum/

Hello and welcome.

Regarding the question as to how I was diagnosed, I changed primary care physicians in December, and my chief complaint was chronic insomnia. I have never slept more than 5-6 hours even when I was younger. However for the past 10 months or so, I would wake up 60-90 minutes after falling asleep, would get up and go back to sleep, wake up again 60-90 minutes later, and would do this 3-4 times before getting up and going to work. The doctor referred me to a urologist for low testosterone, and also to a sleep specialist and a psychologist. After meeting with these people I was diagnosed with general anxiety disorder, depression and hypersensitivity to light and sound and then was referred to a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist diagnosed the Autistic Spectrum Disorder this past week. Now I have to go through CBT for Insomnia as well as ASD.

And to be truthful I suspected the ASD because it runs in my family. I just wasn't pursuing the diagnosis.

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

Thanks for the welcomes "Jimmy m", "Mountain Goat", "Juliette", and "Carl M". I am very new to ASD and Aspergers, but I guess the main areas I need to work on are (1) learning to turn my brain off when I go to sleep, (2) managing general anxiety, and (3) getting more in touch with my feelings to better understand and empathize with others.

I'll try to not bore anyone, and will follow other discussions and interact where I feel I have something to contribute.

Thanks for the diagnosis story. I remain self diagnosed. Although, along with my confidence that I am ASD, my aspie daughters ASD specialized psychologist has said she thinks I am ASD . Others our age are split between self and pdoc diagnosed here. I was thinking about telling my primary doc about my ASD but decided not to. Since I didn't have a problem to go with it I decided it was not important. I have since started using melatonin for sleep. Maybe next time I'll bring that up along with the ASD.

CarlM, I would approach it as I did. What some people dont understand is there can be physical problems associated with ASD. If you were not having sleep issues, I might not bring it up. But is you have concerns I would bring it up.

Welcome!