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Asperger's Diagnosis in Adult Life

Jon

I was only diagnosed with Asperger's last year at the age of 39. When I think about this I can sometimes feel both angry and frustrated. I don't really blame anyone. When I did start to understand and seek help it was a real struggle and I think that this is partly what make me angry. Even now I don't get so much help or understanding.

There is a 'lost generation' of people with Asperger's who were born before Asperger's Syndrome was acknowleged:

  • A description of a condition labeled "Asperger's syndrome" by Lorna Wing first appeared in 1981.
  • In 1994, Asperger's Syndrome was added to the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).

How do other people who recieved a late diagnosis feel about this?

Parents

  • I often feel angry about this. Looking back over my life, I can see I was classic Aspergers (as I still am, but I have learnt how to camouflage it).

    I had intense and narrow interests

    Had problems making friends and relating to people in an appropriate way

    Had poor motor skills in some areas, and coordination difficulties

    Walked on tip toes

    Had severe tantrums that persisted into early adulthood

    OCD behaviours and obsession with perfection and order

    Need for routine

    Academic difficulties

    Hyperactivity

    All the symptoms were there, and the school had concerns. So much so, that an Ed Psychologist assessed me when I was 10 years old, and the school were advised to get me statemented. This never happened because the school could not be bothered, and only cared about their bright pupils. Secondary school were not much better.

    I am now so good at masking my problems that people are often shocked when I tell them I have Aspergers - how am I supposed to look like, then?!. But I still have profound difficulties, chronic anxiety, and OCD. I have become a lot better at relating to people, but the longer I am with someone, the more the Aspergers begins to show. I am just very good at acting!. So I share your frustration, Jon, and am angry that the school did not pick it up.

    I was only diagnosed 4 years ago, and I had to initiate the referral. My parents have always had a strong inkling about me being 'slightly autistic', but they never pursued it.

Reply

  • I often feel angry about this. Looking back over my life, I can see I was classic Aspergers (as I still am, but I have learnt how to camouflage it).

    I had intense and narrow interests

    Had problems making friends and relating to people in an appropriate way

    Had poor motor skills in some areas, and coordination difficulties

    Walked on tip toes

    Had severe tantrums that persisted into early adulthood

    OCD behaviours and obsession with perfection and order

    Need for routine

    Academic difficulties

    Hyperactivity

    All the symptoms were there, and the school had concerns. So much so, that an Ed Psychologist assessed me when I was 10 years old, and the school were advised to get me statemented. This never happened because the school could not be bothered, and only cared about their bright pupils. Secondary school were not much better.

    I am now so good at masking my problems that people are often shocked when I tell them I have Aspergers - how am I supposed to look like, then?!. But I still have profound difficulties, chronic anxiety, and OCD. I have become a lot better at relating to people, but the longer I am with someone, the more the Aspergers begins to show. I am just very good at acting!. So I share your frustration, Jon, and am angry that the school did not pick it up.

    I was only diagnosed 4 years ago, and I had to initiate the referral. My parents have always had a strong inkling about me being 'slightly autistic', but they never pursued it.

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