Published on 12, July, 2020
Hey all, hope this is okay to post.
I’ve recently started to realise I may have autism - I originally thought it was ADHD but when I started looking at the crossover I realise that autism might be playing a role too!
I was just wondering what were the signs that originally made you realise you have/might have autism? Especially if you were diagnosed as an adult rather than as a child.
And a follow on question - looking back what did you do as a child that was likely due to autism? I want to get tested but seeing other peoples experiences I’m worried about the process - my memory is so rubbish I’m worried they’ll think I’m just wasting their time.
Thanks in advance!
Knew i was different all along. Diagnosed at 18. Social security ever since. Now 39 and approaching my very wits end. Bloody covid hasn't helped.
I echo the Covid sentiment. Other than my wife I have no family...not being able to see the few close friends I have had been torturous. They are my family and support.
18 months without the time I spend with them has been a major factor in my MH decline.
I only have my mother. Already long alienated from friends before this started. Reclusive behaviour since 2014.
Exactly right. Life must have been easier for autistic people in the days before phones, internet etc when everyone wrote letters to each other...
I've even had long email exchanges with people for a while, got on well with them, then met them in person and they've disliked me and the relationship has ended abruptly...
I think I come across better online too. Perhaps because there is more time to think about what you want to say / write. In conversation the other party doesn't afford you the opportunity to think about it for several minutes / hours / days before responding.
Thank you. Unfortunately it seems I only come across well online. In real life I have very few friends, I'm regarded with suspicion and hostility. I dunno. I think I need to move house and meet new people, which we'll hopefully be doing next year
Despite all this, you really do come across as a lovely human being, Kiki.
Exactly the same here. My dad died when I was 13, my mother slowly went off the rails after that. She is a very angry and unpredictable woman. I only have her and one aunt, who is totally selfish and makes my mum look like a saint. And some distant relatives. I have in laws who also treat me like an alien and have never supported me.
I consider my husband and daughter as my only family, thank god for them.
Thank you, Malojian, it's possibly the worst thing I've experienced in my life. Everything else seems so small and insignificant in comparison. I used to be a nervous wreck before that, but now nothing bothers me.
sorry for your loss. x
My mum was my rock. I lost her a few years ago and I've struggled ever since.
You have my deepest sympathies.
My mother has MH issues which contributed massive to my own problems. Unfortunately, my lovely father died some while ago, as did my brother
My sister is still around, but my mother and various other factors have separated us. Haven't seen her in several years.
I occasionally have contact with an aunt, via Facebook. Again, my mum's issues drove a big wedge between us all. We are not a close knit group.