Fifty (50) Year Old Woman

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Hello, Doreen!

I'm a 43-year-old woman and was diagnosed in 2001. It's a lot to deal with and you described one of my early feelings after diagnosis. I was upset to learn that I have something that can't be fixed with a pill or therapy. I'd been going to one therapist or another since my parents first started taking me at age five and I guess underneath it all, I was still hoping that someday it would all get figured out and I could be "normal." Learning that I have AS was a kick in the gut because I realized I had to give up on that dream because I was stuck this way forever.

I have a more positive attitude toward it now after processing it for nine years but I still have plenty of days when I feel bitter and like the life I should have had was stolen from me. Dealing with my diagnosis is still an ongoing thing for me.

On the bright side, you are fortunate that you've been able to find a work niche that works for you! Even though it can obviously get very frustrating at work, be glad that you have that. The NAS (National Autistic Society - a British organization) did a study recently and found that only 14% of people with asperger's or high-functioning autism had full-time employment. So be very proud of what you've done in finding a good job and holding on to it all these years! That's a great accomplishment! (I've never been able to keep a job so far and have spent a lot of time homeless because of it. I'm hoping that it will all turn around for me in a few years when I finish my doctorate.)

Welcome to Wrong Planet and welcome to your journey toward knowing more about who you are and why you are like you are.

Oh, yeah, digestive problems. Consider going gluten-free. I had all kind of digestive awful that all went away when I cut out gluten. A lot of us on the spectrum are very sensitive to it.

Hi Doreen
Welcome. I've not been here long and only suspect that I have AS. I can relate strongly to your story.
I am 45. I have never married but I have had 2 relationships. One lasted on and off for about 6 years (I have a wonderful 20 yr old son from this relationship)
The next relationship happened 12 years later and lasted 4 1/2 years but again was very much on and off. Infact this relationship is only recently over and it still hurts at this moment in time

I hope we can be friends to the best of our ability (or disability as the case may be)

Regards Solo x

And feel free to call me friend on Facebook if you want to. I'm Gareth Dowson [the good looking one! ha ha]