Recent late diagnosis

Hello, I’m 62… happy to talk if you need it. 

Hi Hellbell, thanks for responding.

When were you diagnosed?

GP referred me in 2019, due assessment in November. Have support after social care assessment to support my issues and social worker, I’m lucky. I have a research file and tests I have done to take as well. Like you I have a catalog of broken relationships, friendships, failed academic achievements, lost jobs, misdiagnosed, misunderstood…especially by mental health services, been vulnerable and abused…it is classic. I have Irlens syndrome and my GP put my history together and said it…you’ve got Aspergers I’m referring you. I felt seen for the first time, I suspected after my son self tested in his 20’s and he came up on spectrum and he urged me too as we are so similar.

He decided not to go the official route as he and his girlfriend is on spectrum and they are examples of what you can achieve with love and support and self knowledge and they are flying academically. 

For me life has been like living in a movie, learning scripts, what’s expected and getting it wrong. Being told I’m emotionally unavailable, rigid thinking-I’m very black/white, feeling uncomfortable, never fitting in, called out for not being a team player, odd, know it all…it goes on and on…but now I’m getting stronger finding my voice and self advocating. Joining NAS is the best thing I’ve done as in the meetings I feel, dare I say normal.

GP referred me in 2019, due assessment in November. Have support after social care assessment to support my issues and social worker, I’m lucky. I have a research file and tests I have done to take as well. Like you I have a catalog of broken relationships, friendships, failed academic achievements, lost jobs, misdiagnosed, misunderstood…especially by mental health services, been vulnerable and abused…it is classic. I have Irlens syndrome and my GP put my history together and said it…you’ve got Aspergers I’m referring you. I felt seen for the first time, I suspected after my son self tested in his 20’s and he came up on spectrum and he urged me too as we are so similar.

He decided not to go the official route as he and his girlfriend is on spectrum and they are examples of what you can achieve with love and support and self knowledge and they are flying academically. 

For me life has been like living in a movie, learning scripts, what’s expected and getting it wrong. Being told I’m emotionally unavailable, rigid thinking-I’m very black/white, feeling uncomfortable, never fitting in, called out for not being a team player, odd, know it all…it goes on and on…but now I’m getting stronger finding my voice and self advocating. Joining NAS is the best thing I’ve done as in the meetings I feel, dare I say normal.