Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello to everyone on this wonderful site. It's taken me many months to pluck up the courage to register and post. I'm a 55 year old aspie and adhder and spent the first 50 years of my life as an undiagnosed confused person who drove himself, two wives and lots of other people half mad. I also have a 33 year old daughter and a 9 year old grandson who are going through the laborious assessment process.
I've spent my life entirely without close friends, and the thought of this continuing is deeply depressing. My daughter has made me go on line in an attempt to get me to communicate more with fellow human beings.
I would be deeply grateful to anyone who can offer me a few words on here. I have read many posts and share the sadnesses, anxieties, frustrations and traits of many. Im also really worried for my daughter and grandson as i know what is ahead for them if they do not get the support and help they need.
Many thanks indeed to you all.
Welcome Scouse55, you're just a handful of years older than me and like you I've had decades of confusion, aversion to social norms and I've driven others to distraction too. Trying my best to do what everyone else told me was normal nearly killed me. I also have spent my entire life without close friends and I'm kind of happy that way. But I struggle immensely to see how I can make the best of the life I have left, at a time when most people turn away from conventional definitions of success and focus on family, friends, relationships and experiences - none of which really appeal to me (as I don't like socialising and find days out & holidays an unwelcome disruption to my daily routine).
None of that provides any advice of course, but does let you know you're not alone.
Thanks so much. I was moved by your text reply very much. It's first time I've read the words of somebody exactly the same as myself.