Well, Hello To You All...

Thanks for the reply Tom.

I think my mother would have gone nuts if someone had said her son was autistic.

She belonged to a generation that recognised only Kanner autism, and even then that would be something "not to be talked about".

My brother has two sons with Aspergers, so although we're not close, I doubt he'd dismiss my diagnosis : However, there's already a sort of silent eye rolling/exhaing over the telephone when we discuss it.

Watch out for the dismissive ones, either at work or socially: They're probably envious of the amount of attention you're now getting and everyone is far too quick to offer their own, stereo-type drriven opinion these days.

"Overly detailed responses to questions"? That's called being observant, thorough and polite enough to take the time to offer an informed answer, if you ask me. We have vast amounts of brain space for detail and many others have probably benefitted from the associated tenacity you probably also have.

However, the butterfly-mind, procrastination and non follow-through issue can be bothersome, but really ony to ourselves.

I'm just off to see me partner for the first time since being diagnosed....Now that'll be interesting.

good x  

Thanks Ellie!... re- the Xmas cards, my female cousin just sent me a nice message via Facebook where she recognises that she has aspie traits too... so far so good!

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.

I can identify with that...I can see more and more the NT square holes that I have tried to hammer my triangular self into..... I just step back now and let them get on with it!......I reside here now! - lol

Gosh that sounds very isolationist!

Well done regarding the Christmas Cards....a brave thing to do..a reach out to be understood and to connect... let me know how that goes.

Deepthought on another thread shared with me a similar idea:

"If you or your Christmas visitors would like the softer and friendlier looking print version, with pictures and introduction too:".......but this relates to us weird aspie women folk!

https://everydayaspie.wordpress.com/2016/05/02/females-with-aspergers-syndrome-checklist-by-samantha-craft/

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!

Hi there, Me - and welcome!

I was diagnosed almost 3 years ago, aged 56.  The response has been mixed in my family, too.  My late mother embraced it.  My brother, though - already a little estranged from me - has distanced himself further and refuses to discuss it.  Even with people who have a much more understanding approach - such as colleagues at the autism unit where I work - still don't truly get it.  They ask me what my special talents are.  And they'll say things constantly like 'Oh, that's not autism - everyone is anxious in social situations.'  And so on, ad nauseum!

Detail.  Yes.  I'm much more aware of it now and am able to stop myself.  But if I'm discussing a situation, for instance, I like to give all the background information - even stuff that isn't really necessary.  One of the things that my diagnostic report actually mentioned was the 'overly-detailed responses to some questions'.

Butterfly mind!  That's a great way to put it.  Or 'gad-fly'.  My boredom threshold is very low, which makes study of any difficult subject itself very difficult.  Unless I have some form of imperative hanging over me - a deadline, a reward, a job requirement - I simply give up and find something else to do.  As a result, my mind is a scrap-book.  I know a lot about a little - and a little about a lot!

And now... I realise I'm going on a bit!  So I'll stop.

Look forward to seeing you around.

Tom

Yeah, that's funny about the face blindness......I have that too.

The main issues I was having was anxiety and depression brought on by a lifetime of untreated ASD: 

This probably led me to becoming much more socially isolated than i should be.

Now, however, I'm much more positive, as I reckon my diagnosis wll introduce me to people with who I can fully identify.

Bring it on I say

Ha ha yeah, I've been there. My mum  started off OK about the idea that I may have Asperger's, then watched the Chris Packham program and asked me, all concerned, "you do know it's autism, right?" . Yes thanks mum :-) As I have said on here before, I feel we went from relatively relaxation about the idea, to Aspergers = Sherlock, Autism = rain man, overnight!

I still have the sneaking suspicion that she thinks my ready acceptance of it is akin to 'identifying with defective people', though she is too polite to say as much. I don't let it bother me. It is a pleasure to be able to speak to folks who are on the same wavelength, when for years I thought there weren't any! I am also very happy that at the grand old age of 46, I know why I am as I am, and why I am not like everyone else. I am simply wired differently.

I have the memory thing too, btw, but for me it's a photographic memory for numbers. I was a payroll clerk back in 1988 and can still remember names and payroll numbers, also never have to get my visa card out to pay for things on line, because I can remember the number! Also my ability to hyperfocus is legendary and very useful at work (I am a programmer). On the down side, I have terrible face blindness .... and the commute is unbearable due to sensory issues .... you win some, you lose some, I guess!!

Welcome to this miswired colony...everyone is lovely and it is very homely x

ellie

Hi,

You should get formally diagnosed.....After I was told I had ASD1 this week, I really feel great.

It'll make your life easier

Good luck

Hello and welcome aboard. 

(I'm new here too...)