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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

  • Hi Kaspersky

    I also paid and travelled -after years of being fobbed off with pills and various wrong diagnosis from my own GP practice.  I researched my signs and symptoms and when I eventually got my diagnosis for AS was so pleased that I knew at last what the difference in me was. 

    Having the AS officially confirmed was vital for me.  There is a huge leap from knowing from self-diagnosis and having a professional carry out the appropriate assessment and confirm that. What I have now is what True Colors so beautifully described as A Get Out Of Jail Free Card.

    If there are difficulties in life caused by my AS, I can now officially say so. 

    On the issue of bullying and abuse - this is one of the really awful sides to having the condition. I still find it difficult to deal with - even though I am in my fifties and the worst of the abuse happened at school.  I think the effects never go away, especially as the effects are often 'topped-up' by abuse in the workplace.

    At least with that Get Out Of Jail Free Card, I have the reason for why I couldn't cope with it and why I had no idea of how to react at the time. I guess part of you always thinks it was your own fault - whereas the diagnosis proves that it wasn't. No need to blame myself for that any more.

    In that respect you are right Kaspersky - a diagnosis is necessary to prevent further harm.

Reply

  • Hi Kaspersky

    I also paid and travelled -after years of being fobbed off with pills and various wrong diagnosis from my own GP practice.  I researched my signs and symptoms and when I eventually got my diagnosis for AS was so pleased that I knew at last what the difference in me was. 

    Having the AS officially confirmed was vital for me.  There is a huge leap from knowing from self-diagnosis and having a professional carry out the appropriate assessment and confirm that. What I have now is what True Colors so beautifully described as A Get Out Of Jail Free Card.

    If there are difficulties in life caused by my AS, I can now officially say so. 

    On the issue of bullying and abuse - this is one of the really awful sides to having the condition. I still find it difficult to deal with - even though I am in my fifties and the worst of the abuse happened at school.  I think the effects never go away, especially as the effects are often 'topped-up' by abuse in the workplace.

    At least with that Get Out Of Jail Free Card, I have the reason for why I couldn't cope with it and why I had no idea of how to react at the time. I guess part of you always thinks it was your own fault - whereas the diagnosis proves that it wasn't. No need to blame myself for that any more.

    In that respect you are right Kaspersky - a diagnosis is necessary to prevent further harm.

Children
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