Newly diagnosed at 36

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Hi, I was diagnosed with Aspergers yesterday at a three appointment with adult autism services in Bristol. I am 36, married with three children (aged 4,6, and and my eldest is also on the spectrum. I have had a lifetime of messing things up socially, not fitting in, meltdowns and stress. It has impacted on my career, marriage, and other relationships. Basically it's a massive relief to have finally figured out what's 'wrong' with me.

On the other hand I'm kinda scared, how will people react to this news, will they believe me? Does this mean I'll always have to work really hard to achieve what other's do socially with ease? Where is my niche in the world.

So it's great to find this forum (which was on the adult services website as a link) and potentially some other aspies to chat with.

Ella

Welcome!

Hey Ella welcome.

Welcome!

Welcome to the journey of re-discovery, Ella

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

Hi, thanks everyone. I just reread my post and can't believe how many errors I made! I was a bit wobbly yesterday because of the diagnosis. Having it has made me realise that even a professional diagnosis can never be 100% conclusive, as I don' t necessarily feel any more certain that I did pre diagnosis. I mean it really does fit, but without a conclusive test how do we ever know for sure?

Also my profile pic isn't showing on my posts. Is that because I'm a newbie.

Welcome!

At this time it may not be necessary to tell everyone of your diagnosis; perhaps just a select few.

There seems to be two places to edit your avatar at the moment (after a recent update). For me, it works in the Edit Avatar section of the settings but not the Edit Profile section, so perhaps try the other one if one isn't working.

This is good advice. After I was diagnosed (> 2 years ago), I was very curious what other's reaction would be. I quickly learned to only share on a need to know basis.

I haven't been diagnosed but I'm pretty certain im somewhere on the spectrum. if I did have a diagnosis I wouldn't tell anyone anyway. i understand your feelings about this I think. It explains so much and makes me look back on my life with a certain sadness. If I knew, I would have made many different choices in all parts of my life and learned better coping to avoid so many bad experiences. I just found this website too.

Welcome, 39 and while the first mentions were a few years ago also just had the official verdict two weeks ago (hard to find what you need to do and where to go).
Quite a lot of people know I have some psycho issues since I joke about the tests a lot but the real reason is known to few people.