Did you receive a very late autism diagnosis/realisation?

Debbie said:

How has your diagnosis/realisation affected you?

For me, I think it's helped to explain things I have struggled with in my life. In certain situations I am now not afraid to speak out if I know I might struggle with something, or find something downright impossible, and to say why.

I remember that I did briefly go through a phase of feeling overwhelmed... until I realised that nothing had actually changed and I was still the same person that I'd always been.

One thing that I find impossible not to wonder is whether my life would have turned out any better if more had been known about autism when I was a child, and whether I would have been any happier.

Sometimes I feel slightly resentful that I was considered to be shy and a bit of a loner, and was left to fall through the cracks. However, I also think I've done well to make it to middle-age without having had relevant support in place as a child.

Sparkly-Temporary Account said:

In certain situations I am now not afraid to speak out if I know I might struggle with something, or find something downright impossible, and to say why.

Yes sister - you may note that my normally benign disposition is rather shifting on it's axis in accord with your words, regarding our "new forum" roll out.

Do you know why you are still a "temporary account," despite being a stalwart in this place?

Does anyone else care that Desmond #Desmond79,  #Desmond1979  (also a stalwart) is still in the same position?

Yes, I have noticed that you are being uncharacteristically more outspoken on certain matters. I don't see it as a bad thing because it's lovely that you care so much. However, whatever you do, please don't end up getting stressed to the point of becoming unwell.

I can sign in to my original account fine, and it seems I can also post. However, the issue is that there is a rather distracting banner spanning the width of the page that I cannot seem to permanently get rid of. Needless to say, the Community Manager has been made aware. Until it is sorted, I will continue to use this (my temporary) account.

Yes, I have noticed that you are being uncharacteristically more outspoken on certain matters. I don't see it as a bad thing because it's lovely that you care so much. However, whatever you do, please don't end up getting stressed to the point of becoming unwell.

I can sign in to my original account fine, and it seems I can also post. However, the issue is that there is a rather distracting banner spanning the width of the page that I cannot seem to permanently get rid of. Needless to say, the Community Manager has been made aware. Until it is sorted, I will continue to use this (my temporary) account.

Sparkly-Temporary Account said:

please don't end up getting stressed to the point of becoming unwell.

Thank you, and rest assured I won't.

I am motivated to speak up, not stressed at all.

You'd spot a "stressed" Number from space, probably......but certainly from 100 miles away ?!!

Debbie said:

Wherever you be, may we sparkle with thee.

That's so lovely Debbie. Thank you. 

Sparkly-Temporary Account said:

Until it is sorted, I will continue to use this (my temporary) account.

Wherever you be, may we sparkle with thee.