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First Post - Introduction

Andrew
over 5 years ago

Since the beginning of 2018 I was diagnosed with High Functioning Aspergers and Attention Deficit Disorder. It is highly likely that by not diagnosing me with ASD / ADD when I was a boy it has been a significant cause of my depression. Since my diagnosis of the ASD and ADD my depression is beginning to lift and the whole of my personality and (idiosyncrasies) has been validated and explained

My parents and brother don't understand ASD / ADD mainly because they have been used to me being who I am for the last 47 years . They seem to choose to not want to know and / or are dismissive of the condition.  I've heard things such as "can't you just take pills for your Aspergers" or that the ASD / ADD condition is "an excuse" for my behaviour when things get outside my comfort zone.  Fortunatley my fiancee is very understanding and we are having training in have to communicate with each other better (which is sometimes very amusing)!

My adolescent son has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, Anxiety and High Functioning Aspergers (although we are waiting for a full diagnosis for the ASD).  My ASD and ADD does allow me to communicate with my son very easily as I know and understand how he communicates.

I am content in myself knowing I have  High Functioning Aspergers and Attention Deficit Disorder as it is who I am.

Parents
  • over 5 years ago

    Welcome, I have just been diagnosed in my early 50's.  I've had "depression" since age 10 so it's a huge relief to have a formal diagnosis at last.  I'm high functioning Aspergers and finally had confirmation of a high IQ despite dropping out during 6th form and never achieving my academic potential.  Mum is very relieved and helped contribute to my diagnosis - Dad on the other hand asked what the cure is!  I have few friends; some are not surprised at all, acquaintances I've tried to explain ASD to are astonished - apparently I'm too "normal" (we females do mask it well but believe me it's exhausting).  I agree it's validating to realise that this is who I am - it's not an excuse for being different, just a fact of life.  I'm on my second marriage to someone who also faces challenges with mental health and the most important thing is to be able to be yourself, no apologies or pretences.

Reply
  • over 5 years ago

    Welcome, I have just been diagnosed in my early 50's.  I've had "depression" since age 10 so it's a huge relief to have a formal diagnosis at last.  I'm high functioning Aspergers and finally had confirmation of a high IQ despite dropping out during 6th form and never achieving my academic potential.  Mum is very relieved and helped contribute to my diagnosis - Dad on the other hand asked what the cure is!  I have few friends; some are not surprised at all, acquaintances I've tried to explain ASD to are astonished - apparently I'm too "normal" (we females do mask it well but believe me it's exhausting).  I agree it's validating to realise that this is who I am - it's not an excuse for being different, just a fact of life.  I'm on my second marriage to someone who also faces challenges with mental health and the most important thing is to be able to be yourself, no apologies or pretences.

Children
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