20170730 - ASD women

Hi @Jam_1 and @isthisreal .  One thing that I remember hearing as a younger person (49 now) is that you don't really feel any different inside as you get older. It maybe impossible to believe when you are young, but it is true. 

I'm still wading around in the first thread, it is a goldmine, I know it's a bit confusing but it can be followed and I think that's what makes it interesting, it's had an awful lot of views so the need is clearly there and I'm glad it's all public.

I have the same problem I think as Jam with communications at the moment, I'm not even answering text messages from family, I don't entirely understand what is going on, I don't mean to ignore them, I want to answer them but if I don't do it straight away I can't seem to do it at all and then I bury myself in guilt and uselessness.  How ridiculous is this life?

I like art (I am allegedly an artist) I used to like gardening until I started a few gardening jobs several years ago which has taken the pleasure away somewhat.  I live in the countryside, have a spotty dog, a studio at the end of the garden and I'm learning to play the bass guitar.  I also have a long suffering partner who wasn't as shocked as me at the realisation of autism but whether our somewhat odd relationship will survive this, who knows... If it doesn't I could effectively be homeless.

I think formal diagnosis is desirable for future protection among other things.  none of us know what the future holds, when we will be at the mercy of state benefits, healthcare or care in old age and without a medical diagnosis our behaviours and distresses could be completely misinterpreted and cause more suffering.  Just my thoughts

Hi Spotty..

I go through bouts of communication black outs....sometimes time is needed to straighten the head and dissect what people want/expect of you...

as Missfit said, there is a lot of over analysis going on.,,

if i say this, what will be the response....what sort of response can I cope and manage? ..... and then you think of every single connotation, get worn out, then quit.......

I think that about sums it up, thank you Elephant.  I do wish our brains had an off switch...

I think that about sums it up, thank you Elephant.  I do wish our brains had an off switch...

And then you think ..  how much of my life has been moderated to suit the needs of others ...whilst reducing my own capability to have my true voice heard....then you are back alone rehearsing what you wish you had said.,,,,