Published on 12, July, 2020
OK : Here goes:
Hi Everyone and firstly let me say how impressive this site is - Very user friendly.
I've known I'm ADHD for ages, although I'd point out it was actually me who highlighted it to my parents.
I'm 52 and from a pretty middle class UK background.
When I was younger, any type of non-neurotypical personality was seen as a set of "quirks", as long as it caused no trouble/distruption.
I was incredibly exciteable and never ever (and still haven't) read books.
Teachers and parents didn't consider the interminable chattering, running around and butterfly mind anything to be concerned about.
I was a compliant, outwardy agreeable young boy, so I probably went right under the radar.
For as long as I can remember, I've had the most amazingly clear and cinematic memory -
Funnily enough, just a few hours ago, I bumped into a guy I was at junior school with, whom I'd not seen for 45 years.
I went on to regail him with at least 10 incidents from our primary school days, in microscopic detail, thinking he'd be wildly impressed/amused and waiting for the same from him.
Wrong......
He (and the rest of the people in the post office) basically stood there aghast: Open-mouthed at the spontaneous tirade of detail.
Anyway, I digress.
After much encouragement from my Dr, I was finally diagnosed ASD1 yesterday.
Admittedly, I've been a bit disappointed by the reaction from my partner and sibling:
Even today, in the liberated, considerate and understanding society we are meant to live in, there was a general sense of "trepidation" about my diagnosis.
That's why I've come here, as I'm sure I'll find people who'll be able to share similar expereinces and offer advice.
Anyway, enough from me, ....I'm incredibly verbose, but I hear that's normal.
Hello to you all and I look forward to hearing from you.
Me
Hi,I'm in a similar boat to you in as much as I'm also male 52 and just got my diagnosis (7 days ago). So far...apart from my wife who's known all along and attended my assessments... I have only disclosed to one close friend and my 12 year old son last night. Both went fine... I was quite nervous telling my son and was in tears at times but he was lovely, not sure how much he gets right now but I think he gets the basics, he watches Big Bang Theory so that helps. I sent early Xmas cards to four members of my family...aunt uncle and 2 cousins...with an accompanying letter about my diagnosis. I am more nervous about their reactions particularly my aunt and uncle as I mention that I suspect my mother (their older sister) who died earlier this year was also on the spectrum.I think the most important thing to remember for me post diagnosis is that I feel better.... massively better... I understand my life now and can stop trying to be NT.Good to have you here!
What's your diagnosis? ASD1?
Sounds like your proactively circulating your news, but don't be nervous about the reactions of others.
Now you can officially be yourself and start actually enjoying the ideosyncrasies you've been blessed with.
errr I don't know! My 5 page assessment report doesn't give an ASD number like yours does, mine just says at the end " we therefore conclude that 'Jonsey' meets the diagnostic criteria of Autism Spectrum Disorder of DSM V 299.00"
dont worry the NT team were blinkered!