Hi, recently diagnosed, 40 years old

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Hi, I'm new,

I'm recently diagnosed (and still confused) at 40. I'm also ADHD. I'm probably high masking but I think I might be less than I used to think I was. I'm pretty functional, which is probably why I had the late diagnosis (at the insistence of my family, but in retrospect I think people around me familiar with the spectrum kind of suspected it).

I'm a software developer with an ok career. I like video games (Grand stragegy games, late 90s crpgs and their spiritual sequels), stuff related to critical thinking, table top RPG or board games with my friends (most of which are some kind of neurodivergent), and the principles behind maintainable code and architecture in software development. I kind of also like battletech. I'm not sure any of those actually qualify as special interests and I kind of have others, but that will do for a quick overview.

So, uhm, hi?

Welcome to Wrong Planet! I hope you enjoy it here.

Welcome to WP!

Welcome to Wrong Planet. There are two types of people in this world. Some people gather together into groups, the larger the number and talk, talk, talk and that is how they recharge their internal batteries. Other people find a place to recover, such as playing a video game and internally recharge their batteries.

I am 75 years old and play very complex video games. This helps me recharge my batteries. So in a sense, I have worked and earned a living but also I have developed a means of recharging my batteries in my spare time.

Hi AC.

Welcome to WP!

I had long suspected I really was "different" but before my 64th birthday I knew virtually nothing about Autism and certainly did not think I might be Autistic. Chance gave me a hint, which I pursued, and by my 65th birthday I knew I was Autistic—and had an official diagnosis to confirm it. (I have since obtained additional supporting evidence in the form of an MRI!)

When I started believing I might be Autistic I thought that knowledge was profound. I have since learned otherwise. The diagnosis did not change me, it just gave me clearer insight into myself. My family was not very interested in my diagnosis—except to wonder whether it might give insights about them. And, frustratingly, my medical providers generally seem uninterested.

Offhand I can only think of four clear changes caused by my diagnosis:
- I understand myself better.
- I find Autism to be an interesting topic (I was not previously interested in it at all).
- I enjoy visiting Wrong Planet.
- When my bride bumps into one of my Autism traits I can smile and say:
Even though she doesn't smile I have a doctor's note for that!

Note: When you've met one Autistic, you've met one Autistic. I know other Autistics are different than me. I've just been very fortunate...I think the clearest affect Autism has had on my life is that people thought I was "odd", or maybe "weird", or maybe some less-polite descriptions.

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

Welcome to WP

Welcome to the Wrong Planet.
You are in excellent company here. Some have a rougher time than others, but everyone is deserving of admiration as we attempt to make sense of a life and world that is sometimes confusing and a bit different.