Buenas dias

Buenas dias Lotus, eres moy importante jo hable Espanole todos los dias para practicar.  Pero, es dificile para mi tambien.  

I'm fluent in 'menu' so won't go hungry, but trying to have a deep philosophical conversation is beyond my language skills I'm afraid.  But, poco a poco, as they say here.  

Good morning Karen.

Firstly, I am Iago with a capital i, which is the Spanish version of my name, I'll leave it for you to solve that puzzle.  

Over the years I accepted that I was the odd bod and just got on with things.  Fortunately, perhaps, no one ever said anything similar to me, which is good because I would have retreated further into myself for days/weeks whilst figuring out what it meant.  My last job was very demanding, although also enjoyable for the challenges it produced, and there were long periods where I thought I was going to be sacked or disciplined for some reason.  I now know that was autism messing with me!

The last several weeks has been 'interesting' to say the least.  I was not prepared for the emotions that having it confirmed would bring.  It seems, for me at least, suspecting and being told definitively that I am autistic are two entirely different things.  There's still a very long way to go for me I suspect, but already I can feel positives in the diagnosis.

Good for you Joe.  

It's so early for me, it seems that most days bring a new realisation.  Just twenty minutes ago I realised why it annoyed me so much when my better half helped with clearing up after breakfast, it's MY routine and I need that every morning to set my day!  Sounds like another 'conversation' incoming!  

So, at 69 I have a whole new set of things to learn.  It's like going back to school, but this time I am determined to enjoy it.

Wocha!

I was diagnosed here in Spain by a Spanish specialist.  From what I have read, different countries/regions use different metrics/manuals for describing autism.  I don't know enough to comment further, so I guess it's just a regional difference.

It seems that autism has that affect on more than would be statistically normal.  Whether that is the autism or not being able to fit in the 'normal' world is a debate worth exploring perhaps.  

Interesting that you say I 'sound American'.  Nope, a lad from the far South-West of England, though I have travelled a bit.  The military took me to the States once, I enjoyed it as a teen, it seemed different yet familiar in a comfortable sort of way.  Today I wouldn't go there even if you paid me!

Spain, on the other hand, is an old country full of history, intrigue, magnificent vistas, and people who are a great mix of cultures that mostly get along fine.  

Viva la difference!

It has a lot going for it, not least the people- the friendliest and most accepting bunch in the main you could hope to meet, though people also tend to be direct.  That trait I respect, and as an autistic person, I like.

HiIago and welcome.

Rural southern Spain sounds wonderful.

Beunas dias.

You just described me,even to the level of qualification,except my experience was in Education. You sound American. Love that you live in Spain. Enjoy your autism journey. Autism is just difference. Enjoy your difference 

Hey :) Welcome to the forum. I didn’t know they diagnosed levels anymore ? I never got a level. 

Hiya :-)

Hi, I'm a bit younger than you are, but have had a similar experience regarding being 'different', and that realisation leading to my diagnosis (which then helped to explain a lot)

Hi Lago  

Thanks for sharing your story.

Your story is similar to mine, although not the same jobs!!

I also felt a bit weird, not fitting in.  When I was about 30 years old someone said to me, 'you know, not everyone thinks like you do' - I was shocked by that statement. Made me feel even weirder!  I didn't know I thought differently to others!    I thought I was ok, just a bit odd.

Anyway a good few decades later, someone announces 'you present as having Autism'. I am embarrassed to say I did not even know what that was.  So, after a discussion about it, my life suddenly made perfect sense, a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders.  But, need to deal with having Autism and what that actually means for me.

Under a year later (2026), my Dr says 'I think you have Adhd'.

Whaaaat!

So there I was thinking I was one kind of person to finding out I am someone completely different, leaving me with the thought of who on earth am I. Very confusing!   On pathway for both, awaiting official diagnosis. Hopefully I will get to grips with it too.

I wish you all the best on your journey!

Es dificile hablar con los Espanoles cuando no hablas el idioma muy bien.

So well done for trying!

I haven't. I'll go look for him now.  Thank you for the 'heads up'.

Have you heard of Pete Wharmby? I think I have his name right. He has written some books on being autistic and also has a presence on Facebook, I’d recommend looking him up

Greetings!

I love your moniker, what a great name!  :-)

After spending a month within my head trying to make sense of the diagnosis coupled with reading a lot of stuff from the web (I know, I know, probably 95% poor quality, but you have to start somewhere) it was obvious that I needed to meet others with similar lived experience to help me get to grips with it.

So, thank you for your kind words, I shall keep an eye open for you in the forums in the future.

Afternoon Oscar,

It's too soon to say whether getting a late diagnosis is a good or bad thing I think.  I've rapidly moved away from worrying about the 'what ifs' it seems a rather pointless exercise.  I have been a deal calmer since getting diagnosed, and wonder if that is usual?  It certainly seems that there is a reason for my quirks, and I don't need to indulge them now.

As for the NAS?  This is all new ground and my experience of autistic people has been limited to a handful of either very challenging individuals with huge problems they struggled with and a couple of 'out' and proud autistic folk.  So, I have no idea where this is going to lead, but I do hope it to be a chance to learn more from others who are dealing with the same issues as me.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Hi Iago and welcome, 

Yours is a rather similar story from me. In my early 70's, diagnosed this year as autistic, a quirky and multi-job career with frequent periods of burnout in between. I too, am still coming to terms with my diagnosis. However, I am a lot more relaxed and contented now.   

I hope you enjoy your time here.