Hello. Are there any people here who were born in the 70s and 80s, always different, now diagnosed with high-functioning autism? Like me?

I'm almost 50 years old, and I've always felt I was different. Even in preschool, at the age of three, I felt it clearly. But it wasn't a problem for me. I functioned very well. I asked my mother why the children at preschool were different from me. She didn't understand my questions. So I decided she was different too. As if it were natural that most people are different from me, although I don't know why. But I never wanted to be like those others, even at three or four years old. In a sense, I felt they were a separate species, even though they looked the same. To simplify a bit – like a dog and a cat. Both species, in a simplified description, have the same physical characteristics: fur, four legs, a tail, ears... But they're different species. And that's normal. That's how I felt in preschool. After that, it was different.

Parents
  • Hi  I was also born in 70s. I was diagnosed last week.  After a LOT of reading after an seeing article earlier this year on how ASC is not well understood and as I read it... I realised "this is me". The National Autistic Society website was so helpful especially the lived experiences.

    I always knew I was different - but I put it down to different reasons. "bright but weird" is a good description   and what you say   resonates too.  

    The diagnoses means more of the world makes sense - it's like a light has been turned on.  Still processing it.  Mix of relief, fear, uncertainty, worry...  It's hard right now.

    I also need to decide who to tell.  How have you all found sharing the news with family, friends and work? 

Reply
  • Hi  I was also born in 70s. I was diagnosed last week.  After a LOT of reading after an seeing article earlier this year on how ASC is not well understood and as I read it... I realised "this is me". The National Autistic Society website was so helpful especially the lived experiences.

    I always knew I was different - but I put it down to different reasons. "bright but weird" is a good description   and what you say   resonates too.  

    The diagnoses means more of the world makes sense - it's like a light has been turned on.  Still processing it.  Mix of relief, fear, uncertainty, worry...  It's hard right now.

    I also need to decide who to tell.  How have you all found sharing the news with family, friends and work? 

Children
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