Hi as we have quite a few members who are 'older' , I am 53, I wondered about how aging affects our autism? Have any studies (that can be easily read) been done into the subject? I know its only been 30 or so years that ASD has been really known about so probably not?
I have always worked, apart from about a year unemployed in the 90's, nothing to do with ASD. However, I find myself increasingly exhausted by work, its getting harder and harder to make it through each day. I know at some point I will be burnt out and will no longer be able to work. In that my wife and I have a plan. She is 'normal' but has a stressful, if well paid job. We will sell up in Hampshire in 2025 and move to Lincolnshire. At 55 I can get to some of my pension, she can cash in her shares and we sell the house and become mortgage and debt free. Property is much cheaper there and we can get much less stressful jobs , me probably on min wage, and after 5 years go 4 days a week. We crave a simpler life, have more time to relax and have a much better quality of life cutting out the commute, unpaid overtime and stress.
Overall life is ok at the moment , I push myself less, give myself more free time and care little about what others actually think of me. In the last few years I lost both my parents and saw my mum go into a care home and rapidly go down hill. It would be a living hell for me to live like that, something I am determined never to do. I may well die at my own hand should my quality of life diminish. I know that is easier to say than do but it is something I am very determined about.
What are your thoughts and experiences?
Rob
