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Hi Everyone,

I'm a British man in my early 50s. All my life people have been telling me they think I'm 'on the spectrum' but I've never had a formal diagnosis and I've been very resistant to the idea. More recently I've become interested in a diagnosis because of my situation at work. I've been working from home five days a week since the pandemic and seriously doubt my ability to just switch back into the office environment if that was demanded of me. I've withdrawn into myself more than ever since Covid and social interactions, which have always worried me, are pretty terrifying now. I'm very comfortable communicating in writing, so my life has kind of moved online over the past five years, onto forums like this, and social media. I need to get a bit of 'real life' back, though.

I did the AQ test yesterday and scored 41 out of 50. Since then I've read Baron-Cohen's book on 'Autism: the facts' and I'm certain I have the condition that used to be called Asperger's. It will take about three years for the health system where I live to decide on a formal diagnosis for me.

I'm looking forward to learning more about autism from you guys and hoping there are ways I can learn to manage my life better now I accept what I've always really known deep down, that I'm not quite wired the same way as most people.

All the best,
Richy

Welcome to WP!

Welcome. Hope all goes well in assessment etc. Any questions, ask away.

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

Howdy Howdy Howdy

Welcome to the Wrong Planet

Richy, Welcome to Wrong Planet.

I have the condition called Asperger's Syndrome or Aspie for short. Life can be hard for us. But we have very unique brains that provide many advantages. You may not know this but you have many special skills that other people do not possess. But with these skills come several unique problems that they do not experience. So the primary direction I can give you is learn your skills and your weaknesses. Become aware of what these are. Then use you skills to overcome your weaknesses. Also stay away from narcotic drugs. They will only destroy your mind. Trust in yourself.

Welcome to WP! I hope you like it here...and find a way to be happy on the Autism Spectrum.

I don't know what your employer would think if they received formal evidence you were Autistic. I worked in office environments from 1976 to 2011 and did not know I was Autistic. Of course, I wasn't! The DSM did not have an applicable diagnosis for me until 1994, the year I turned 40. I was just...um..."weird".

When possible, I wanted a private office. When not possible I wanted an office-mate I could get along with and tolerate. There were some years I had to share office-space with a few others but it was never more than six.

And things seemed better when I could wear headphones and listen to music. Personally, I favored ambient "space" music, especially from Steve Roach. I do enjoy some classical music (e.g., Bach) but found it unsuitable for when I was working...because I would get absorbed in the music.

Having fidget toys on my desk was very helpful.

Hey welcome to wp
Thank you for joining