Funny story of how I got here

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A week or two ago, I was reading Elizabeth Moon's novel The Speed of Dark, where the main character (along with several supporting characters) is a high-functioning autistic. It was a very emotional, unnerving read for me, as a) I had never heard of "high-functioning" autism, only the really extreme kind, and b) I was identifying so strongly with almost everything the character was thinking.

So, more than a little shaken up, I called my mom (retired now, but a registered nurse for decades) and told her about it. Her immediate response was, "you know, maybe you have Asperger's Syndrome." Which I'd never heard of before. So I go over to Wikipedia, type it in ... and spend the next ten minutes with my jaw on the floor as I find out that someone's been reading my mail, so to speak. I had my wife and my best friend both research AS, and both came back to me, essentially saying, "yep, that's you, bud!" So I went back to the Wikipedia article, and there's a link at the bottom to this place ... and here I is!

Part of me is still getting over the shock, and part of me is doing cartwheels because for the first time in my life (and I'm 37!), I'm not the only one who has these problems, not the only one who sees the world this way. So if you see me saying "wow" a lot, that's why.

For more info about me, you can click here. In closing, thanks for letting me come here and find myself!

Welcome to WP!

Tim

Hi. I read your profile.......I understand. Now, read my profile. Comply. I am the Lab Pet. Anyway, I know you'll read our WP posts with interest. I would like to read what you write; what have you published? I would like to read! And, Autistic Pride & Awareness Day is June 18th and I thought we all could participate, starting 6.15. You're invited! Come as you are.

It's amazing that your mother was able to suggest Asperger's right away, despite not being a psychiatrist or something like that. So far, I have only met one psychologist who knows what Asperger Syndrome is.

Welcome!

I had a similar experience. It's absolutely astounding to realize you're autistic when you've only ever known of low-functioning autistic people.

My mom mentioned WP after reading an artilce about it and Alex. I joined but I really did not used WP until a few weeks ago and now I hook on WP.

...Well , we're both " adult diagnosees " .
You've " accomplished much more/have-am more normal " , tho.........

i like how your mum, wife and friend did see it in you. some of my friends felt the need to 'console' me by trying to convince me that i don't have it. they didn't (couldn't) understand that it's nice to know there is a reason for me being the way i am. the discovery of AS actually made happy and they tried to take it away from me.

being here on WP was really fascinating the first days. man, i discovered other aliens! it was shocking how i was finding myself in all the other posts over and over. my first 100 posts were answers like, 'yes, that's me. wow, it's amazing!'

Welcome to WP!

Glad you have found your tribe!

I have 3 sons - 2 confirmed with Aspergers.

I know my boys love WP because everyone 'gets' them.

Have fun!

Smelena