Tony Attwood 3/7: Asperger diagnosis in adults

Attwood back in Rome 28 and 29, May, 2015. www.spazioasperger.it/attwood/
How can we diagnose an adult with Aspergers who hadn't been diagnosed in their childhood or adolescence?

[@Lyonatan]

33 male. Self diagnosed. When he talks about girls I feel like he's talking about me. I'm like a social chameleon, I'm so good at masking and mimicing I don't even feel like I have a genuine personality or things that I like, everything I do I picked up as a habit or an interest from someone else.

[@martynblackburn9632]

Just been diagnosed. I'm 41. Life has been tough.

[@captainswan3079]

💙💙💙

[@cwg9780]

I, myself, have been diagnosed, 2 years ago, at age 28. After that, my parents told me I was diagnosed, back when I was 12, but they thought, it would go away and didn't tell me.

[@aprils5881]

I'm struggling through the process to get my own diagnosis. I'm also 41yo with a 5yo boy on the spectrum and my almost 2yo boy...

[@emmahedgesparrow6170]

I was 42 when I was diagnosed - two years ago - it was tough but it gets better :)

[@Zachary77]

I was 38 when I first learned about it

[@davegunner49]

Just watched a clip of a boy with Autism and ADHD and it was like seeing myself when I was a child. So kind and gentle. It brought me to tears. It's so amazing to finally see and talk to people who have the same rare neurotype as myself. And then you realise how lucky NT's are everyday and why they are less willing to interact with us. People like animals prefer they own tribe. I am feeling betrayed and robbed by life. It's the feeling that a large part of my identity was missing during formative years (got diagnosed at age 30). My dream would be to walk out of the house and just seeing and interacting with people who have Autism. That would be the most amazing thing. Many Autistic people are so sweet and awesome. And life is so cruel to us. We deserve so much better.

[@artemisia77782]

I’m 44 and despite having come across the topic several times (as if life was waving signs i guess) and strongly had suspicions - i’m only processing and understanding i AM Asperger for real.... i am still conflicted because undiagnosed but the more i look into it the more it seems blatant and totally obvious.

[@jackgoff6215]

Commenting 3 years later because i relate to your comment so much. When i was young, maybe around 6 yo, i cried hysterically bc the neighborhood kids were stepping on the ants on the sidewalk. Ive always hated the tribe mentality. Its no different for humans, but the scope varies for each person. I could not and still do not understand how somebody could think its ok to kill a bug just for existing. Many humans see other lifeforms as less than and i wonder if i should blame them or if its just a part of nature. The way the world works is cruel (circle of life, food chain, ecosystems, etc). I wouldnt blame a lion for killing and eating a gazelle, although it is sad that it has to be that way. However, the lion doesnt kill just to kill. It kills for sustenance. Humans are intelligent enough to know the difference and will still engage in torturous, disgusting activities. And there are a lot of really nice people out there, but there are more if you are both a human and NT. Small mindedness and low intelligence makes people uncomfortable and afraid of what they are not used to and dont understand, like ASD behavior. Should I blame them? Should I blame the world? Blame? Blame? Idk. Sorry for sperging out but i guess i really needed to get this off my chest somewhere

[@bigbad123321]

I was diagnosed 3 weeks ago at the age of 36. Years of depression, drinking (throughout my 20's), suicidal thoughts, anxiety and helplessness and finally I know why. I would always try and wear sunglasses in class at my Junior school and get shouted at by the teacher to take them off. I've always been light sensitive. I never liked to be lightly touched, I was distracted by any little sound and my peers thought everything I did was odd/funny. I guess people just thought of me as a bit quirky. Nobody ever suggested to me that this could be Autism, but it seems so obvious now. I wish I knew years ago. It would have saved me years of beating myself up about everything

[@epistte]

I wasn't diagnosed until I was 47. I was also diagnosed with C-PTSD at the same time. Trying to get treatment as an Aspie adult is almost impossible because the medical community doesn't seem to understand that adults can have an autism spectrum disorder. There is very little assistance for us.

[@4745jay]

i agree 100%. I live in Daectur IL and there are next to no services here for an ASD. i am still looking though but so fare zipp. im 43

[@ronaldderooij1774]

+Jay Carlson I was diagnosed at 49, lost my job and wife (dovoerce) in the same year. Fortunately I have a new good job. Although life is now pointless, I have the luck that I like myself. Really, I think that is my foundation. I just like myself a lot. That is a good thing, as I am with me every day :-). Joking aside, moral of this story is that you are not the problem. Others are making it difficult. Shrug, smile and carry on.

[@JoeyIngles]

May I ask how you were diagnosed? I see all the symptoms in myself.

[@puttputt524]

epistte I'm in grad school training to become a teacher. I was removed from my placement and I couldn't figure out why but my supervisor cited "lack of social skills and boundaries and body awareness". I would have been told teaching isn't right for me, but our department head pointed out that I'm likely on spectrum, and I am in an environment where I can get tools and help.

[@GuppyPal]

I learned I had AS and C-PTSD at almost the same time when I was 28. Both were such a relief as they explained so much. I sometimes wonder how much one affects the other and what the relationship is between the two, if people with AS are more predisposed to develop PTSD and C-PTSD, etc. I'm sure people with AS are more likely to be bullied for being different, either by peers or by siblings and even parents, so PTSD and C-PTSD would make sense. I can strongly recommend both Tony Attwood's Guide to AS and From Surviving to Thriving for C-PTSD.

[@ibjacked]

50 here, learned I have Aspergers only a little over a year ago. It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders, finally finding something that matches my experiences, instead of a half dozen other things that each only partially match.

[@adeel-eh7xq]

I basically diagnosed myself after completing my postgraduate in Psychology. I've always had sensory overload, troubles with picking up on social cues and generally non-verbal communication. But I never got diagonsoed as a child because I was always verbal from a young age and could socialise with people, though in a very eccentric and awkward way. I might get an official dignosis but somehow I've managed all of these years. It would be good for closure I guess.

[@tatitequila891]

Just got diagnosed at the age of 35, it all explains everything about my life experience

[@wolfdreams2000]

I'm a 61 yr old female and suspect I'm on the spectrum. Thanks for all of your videos!

[@sciencetroll3208]

For an NT you understand us pretty damn well. Shit hopeless, but pretty damn good for an NT. Keep doing what you do.

[@jamescook3817]

I think the main problem is that when I was a kid autism was not really diagnosed in my area, I was Diagnosed instead with Schizoid personality disorder, among other things. As an adult living in the US, I was told I have Aspergers, but they could not diagnose me because they were not aloud to diagnose any adult with autism. I am very good a mimicry, mostly from characters in movies and books. It was the only way I found to cope in the working field. However my body could not keep up with the stress, and about 10 years ago I was forced to stop working. Not only could my body no longer do any prolonged physical labor, but my mind started to see everyone as a threat. Also around that time corporations got it in their mind to start making people take personality tests to be employed, and sadly I could never pass one.

[@autismadvocateswithscottyp4825]

I love Tony's work hes very easy to listen to. I did one of his courses online. Loved it. My 12 yr old son and I have a KZbin channel talking about living with ASD

[@puttputt524]

No I have never felt like an alien. I assumed that "they" are the aliens.

[@JoeyIngles]

Here, Here!

[@sulecue285]

puttputt524 remind me how I never thought I was intelligent but the rest lack intelligence. Not meaning to insult then but sometimes the rest were can't of stupid not understanding a single concept I understand quickly. Specially in math. I'm not a genius, there were others with my intelligence so I consider it normal, the once who couldn't follow up were the problem. Although in social aspects I did see I was different and did related to alien. I've my self-esteem but I'm starting to appreciate my intelligence, acknowledge it. Sadly, I don't work hard, I'm not very productive and intelligence seems useless without emotional strength to work hard everyday

[@puttputt524]

Su Lecue you are literally confusing school intelligence with "social intelligence". When talking to neurotypicals, they seem too sensitive or nonsensical to us. But we also seem weird. This is normal and part of the learning I'm starting, and I've done most of it as an unlabeled kid! Regarding you and your mental state. I know it really really sucks and I hate hearing my sister (corporate job social yakkity yak but smart successful tough) give me advice. What I'm really learning is that people with AS have a hard time getting things started. When you decide to do something, you just have to get started. Start something you love that is productive and let yourself get lost in it. Remember to eat sleep and poop and brush your teeth you're not alone. My best advice I'm finding, you need to be among people who are ok with you having ASD. It helps you grow and adjust in the world. I'm not saying people like us are dumb, we can be quite book-ish but we may lack social understanding. I used to live in the Bay Area, and likely all my teachers knew I have ASD but they don't label in Silicon Valley, just let them be normal kids because they ARE normal kids. I live in Eugene now, which is a PC town. While that's not necessarily me (in speech, I'm SJW to the core but I say whatever when sleep deprived), it's a place that is accepting to neurodiversity, you just have to explain yourself nicely. I did become identified because I'm around Special Education professors and SPED certified teachers all the time, who eventually went "hey... have you heard of Aspergers before?"

[@sulecue285]

t confusing academic intelligence with social intelligence. Just that, as the comment above mentioned"others are aliens" instead of recognizing oneself as different in negative aspect, instead of me saying to have an intelligence above average I deduced others had intelligence below average. The rest aren't idiots at else, but a few years back, I did think it for a while. That's because I couldn't accept a complement, degraded others rather than upgrade me. About the rest, yeah thx, I do need people around be who accept ASD as a problem instead of think it's me inventing excuses. I am receiving help, recently, so not much changes yet. It seems there's a lot I need to work on

[@puttputt524]

Su Lecue best of luck to you! It's not easy living in a world designed by neurotypicals, and when I get stressed out I remember some typical people are quite fluent in Aspie language, so you don't have to be around Aspies (my god imagine the never ending arguing), just people who I call "socially patient".

[@djtyros]

I'm 33. Diagnosed at 8. If only my parents had been as loving and supportive as the parents I hear about now that I am free from their captivity. They just saw me as a problem to suppress.

[@teresalambert5598]

I self diagnosed myself just a few years ago after watching the movie about Temple Grandin. It caused me to research and realise I am an Aspie. I have known I was different than most people for as long as I can remember.

[@DJxSGGxNeo]

I was never diagnosed, though I have 100% of the signs.... I am now 32, when I was going into the first grade of school, the school tried to place me in a class for disabled kids... my dad got furious, and lectured the school staff for hours on how you should not treat children different no matter what is wrong with them, and that it can cause a lot more problems by doing so. After this my parents focused very hard on tutoring me for my speech problem, they found any problems I might have and focused on them one by one. Sadly my cowboy boots which I loved so much were taken away one day when my parents noticed me always walking on my tippi toes. haha Over the years things have been very rough, mostly socially, relationships, friendships, my extreme anxiety, always feeling like my body movements and the way I look is weird and awkward, which I think caused most of my anxiety. As of today I have no friends, no relationship, I can't keep a fully stable job, I spend most nights not able to sleep which ruins my schedule and depresses me since some days I am up all night, and other days I am up during the day and have to deal with people if I have to do anything that isn't in my home. I am extremely lonely due to not having friends, not being able to go out to places like normal people and have fun. Life seems very cruel at times, that I am cursed, cause all I really want is to have a family, some kids and a wife, with a normal job doing something I feel pride in, though so far this is super far from achieving. Now the strange thing is, I was very popular in high school, everyone liked me, though I wonder if it's cause I decided to put on a fake act? Another strange thing is, I spent the years of 18-30 in the US army! It was not easy, and I constantly ran into problems, more than a normal person. Though I kind of enjoyed the army? haha I now wonder if the thing that happens to me when I drive is caused by this AS? When I am driving I become overwhelmed with information, and honestly it's very stressful, I push through it and mostly need a cigarette to help stimulate my mind while driving. As for facial expressions and body language, I have spent a lot of my time over the years watching lectures and reading books on the subject, which I think has helped me a lot. Hmm life has really been hard dealing with all these issues, and even though I am now learning this is what I have, I don't' see any hope of change due to being diagnosed.

[@paulmatkin7392]

I was diagnosed at age 52 after a lifetime of chronic OCD,outbursts,trouble socializing,self talking,people pleasing from a need to be liked,it's took me years to find some peace in my mind,I'm now 58 and I've found my happy place in the world but as you get older things tend not to bother you as much,I'm lucky that I'm high functioning as it's made me very rational, analytical,logical etc and after years of studying people from the sidelines I'm very psychologically aware of others and myself.i am sociable and can make friends but I tend to keep to myself,I'd rather be researching something or sitting with my own thoughts than mixing with others..my life has mentally drained me and been a disaster but I'm happy where I am today even to be able to look forward to however long god has given me...find your happy spot and enjoy sitting on it ..god bless..

[@glynndraper437]

I found out myself at 44 , good job , if a doctor had told me I'd have laughed at him and walked out . Not that it would be possible to get me in a doctors office.

[@icemon44]

I have taken the online tests and score a 36. I do not know what an Aspie diagnosis would do for me. But definitely descibes my childhood, my meltdowns, my ability to focus.

[@paulalowery7411]

God Bless you Dr. Attwood and I am praying for your son. 🙏

[@fooledman]

Thanks for this video. Explains everything.

[@kain820]

I work with aspies and I find they tend to open up to me, and I tend to relate to lots of aspects of their personality. Feeling I have quite a few common traits, I took a test online (not sure about the accuracy). It said I had to score 26 points to be borderline Asperger (as in almost Asperger). I scored 24, which is not far from it at all. I am a female and in my mid 30s. I often wonder if these traits are what have always made me feel so... different. I must say, though, that I have always had good social skills, but prefer being in the company of either one person at a time, or small groups of people. I have a tendency toward social anxiety.

[@sw6155]

Sometimes I wish I could get proper diagnosis... I don’t really feel the need to use it as validation when dealing with people. Probably wouldn’t tell anyone... I just feel it would give me the peace of knowing for certain... Need for certainty and knowledge is great in me... To the point of obsession. On the other hand, I’ve come to realize my symptoms aren’t as pronounced since I was run over years ago. I had a mild concussion that went untreated and since then, I noticed some changes in me. I’m not as rigid, I’m more flexible in terms of knowledge/opinion and more flexible regarding routine. I can read people and situations better, though that’s still often a struggle... It’s like the accident mellows the symptoms a bit... So I fear I wouldn’t be properly diagnosed...

[@josephodoherty7864]

Hi from the UK, after decades of begging for counselling/support of some kind I've been diagnosed as AS then told emphatically " There IS NO help/support for ADULTS with AS in the UK "

[@ENDLESSLIMITATIONS]

"have you ever felt like an alien" hahahahahhaha i laughed so hard at that cause yes, my entire life LOL!

[@kellypawspa]

Honestly.... I would rather be an alien then identify with most of the psychopathic people on this planet. Lol Sometimes its kinda embarrassing...

[@Katyestella63]

I am an adult late diagnosed with A.S.D formerly known as Aspergers last year at the age of 51 and I too felt euphoria at the diagnosis but then the questions came of how I explain my diagnosis and where are the support services to help me understand my condition and help my improve my communication and social skills.

[@MoA-Reload...]

I haven't even gotten to the diagnosis part :s did self assessment and ran it past my sister who, it turned out, had spent the last few years struggling whether she should say she was suspecting it. My nephew was diagnosed at an early age and my sister did an amazing thing. She took herself to college and learned all she could on it. Now she knows more about Aspergers(ASD) than some of the professionals. But recently the more I research and watch these videos I end up doubting...not helped that my GP is reluctant to refer me as he doubts it too. I don't think he wants to waste their time. My head is now splitting. Maybe ignorance is better :(

[@Katyestella63]

When I went to see my doctor, I did not go on my own but with a support worker. Luckily the saw was trained in aspergers awareness. According to the autism act you have a right to be referred for an aspergers assessment. Females face barriers in diagnosis because their characteristics are different to males. You can get help from the autism society and the aspergers foundation www.autism.org.uk/about-autism/all-about-diagnosis/adults/the-process.aspx they can tell you if there are any support groups or organisations in your area that can help you. aspergerfoundation.org.uk/index.htm It is a good idea to go with a support worker/friend or family member that can back you up and help you present your case. I wish you well and I hope that you are either able to see a doctor. There is leaflet for GP's explaining adult aspergers which is downloadable. There is also an autism in pink website.autisminpink.net/

[@MoA-Reload...]

+Katrine Estella thank you so much for your reply. You have no idea how well timed that was. Not having a good day and just out of work. Spent most of yesterday bouncing around watching videos and such and while it is fascinating and comforting?...if that's the right way to put it...it did put me in a bit of a spin. Head is going way to fast and all over the place today. My sister is an amazing person and very knowledgeable in regards to ASD's however I'm the rational one in the family. She is the firey one. If she got a hold of my GP he'd not forget the encounter soon. I'll check out those links and thank you :)

[@Katyestella63]

Thank you for your very kind and prompt reply. I hope that you will get the much needed help and support to get an aspergers diagnosis. The amount of autism spectrum groups run by the autism society is increasing and I hope there is one near you, that can give you advice and support.

[@LarrysLibrary]

I don't think my GP would refer me either so I went online and found a Clinical Psychologist in my insurance network that doesn't need a referral. Unfortunately she was/is booked up for months and in the interim I chickened out and cancelled my appointment.

[@madeleiner559]

I am diagnosed late 40s but I think I did ok. I created my own social scaffolding that we entrenched in humour. I had normally 1 best friend I wasn't bullied. I got by ok.

[@eugenemurray2940]

Could this particular skill of masking be manifested in other neuro disorders such as NPD, ASPD, HPD and BDP?

[@eugenemurray2940]

Not that being ASD is somehow not 'normal' I once made a presentation... Is snow in June normal? I said 'Yes' because ALL weather is normal.. Snow in June is simply.. Unusual😊

[@colinvenye]

Is that a white noise machine or fan in the background?

[@Ultra-Collector]

I am a male and I am just finding out i’m on the spectrum in my 30’s. What’s odd is my family Dr mentioned i may be an Aspie 10 years ago but i have no help in getting a proper diagnosis which for me helped to avoid the whole thing!

[@richcartwright889]

46 and diagnosed today.

[@Etobicoke67]

All the traits described for girls are my traits since I was bullied and shamed by my abusive Dad to conform like him. I masked my nature, mimicked those I had to be with at school, college, work or any social group I tried to join. I also looked after others to compensate and now as a man in my 50s, I am trying to find work I can sustain.

[@CrisPearson]

Can relate. I’ve switched from IT to gardening, landscaping and mowing and loving it.

[@pityparty9955]

I am 68. I feel so cheated. And my children and grandchildren were abused at school by “educational professionals” We are all of us Aspies. Not 1/80. The entire family.

[@t.a.4356]

Be sure new generations realize what they confront. Avenge us.

[@mikedutch6287]

I passed on a 50 question test. on the high end

[@deadinbe5784]

I don't know how to get diagnosis without being stigmatized in my place

[@lightbeingpontifex]

in teenage and childhood i was very social,,, later in life i changed,,,

[@lurenacornella6588]

I'm 53 on thankgiving. Always since young didn't have ability to function. Huge fear and social anxiety. Friends not Too different But I don't even think people new at my age there was asperger's

[@amberolexa5340]

I'm a female undiagnosed iv known since I had my daughter and iv noticed the variances Iv just decided to come out about it this year, my father had nothing to do with me I believe I get it from him my ma refuses to believe it because she has horrible stereotypes I attributed it to my astrology before I knew my character differences I need help with how does one get a diagnoses. I self survived ambient abuse with out a single person believing that's what was going on til I already self over came but the state was wrong taking my daughter they had me misdiagnosed as psychosis nos and borderline personality. Can recommend who I should reach I live in Wisconsin

[@jennifersimpson3751]

Omg, yes, social alien syndrome is perfect.

[@1967davidfitness]

+Jennifer Simpson True, it is a bit like being an alien, and we can become alienated if we are not careful.

[@puttputt524]

David J really?!?! I've always operated under the assumption that "typicals" are the aliens

[@williamdavies2375]

Just got diagnosed at 48. Sucks. I would have done almost everything differently had I known earlier. Now looking at the back 9 holes of life, no job, no friends, in a far off country.

[@hasimirfenring7680]

Got my diagnosis at 49. I'm alone, and always have been. I have very few friends but don't need more. Don't forget that you are still here. You're obviously resilient and smart. Hindsight's a bitch for everyone - spectrum or not.

[@t.a.4356]

So? You resent solitude?

[@ALADDIN22091978]

I have dyspraxia, ADHD and Aspergers traits.

[@jeannecorsby-hale1009]

I have a 26 yr old grandson that I believe has Asperger's.He's had an awfully hard growing up period fraught with moving him around, his parents not telling him he's adopted yada yada just damn sad and a very broken young man, suffers anxiety, depression ,weight issues ,anger issues, poor hygiene I tried to tell my daughter to have him looked at by someone. She doesn't "want that put on him." I fear for his safety and what about safety of others? What do you do? I'm making myself sick over it

[@camilledixon4913]

I can imagine how concerned you are being a grandparent myself. I hope he gets help.

[@t.a.4356]

You didn't actually mention the problem source nor what he does feel life like. Therefore we cannot advice you a single thing

[@Jesuslovesyou902]

Im 41 soon being diagnosed

[@francisj4058]

At 33 I started getting diagnosed as an aspie, up until then I was basically really good as having 4-5 different personalities just to fit in society using the "fake it till you make it" mentality. It's just not a sustainable life

[@t.a.4356]

You should not have done that.

[@markpalmar70]

The main problem I have is transcending ritualistic behaviour which can subvert my objectives; a fairly tight calendar and committment to that can help.

[@nerdipedia1142]

50 here and we just found out I’m Aspie. Gaaaaaah!

[@dennischeevers6143]

I've been diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder, but I think that I have Aspergers , although I didn't get assessed in my teens, and had been pushing for an adult Asd assessment for the past few years,but was told that I wasn't entitled to one , because there wasn't enough evidence to support it warrant one ..

[@kit10]

This is the first I've heard of this diagnosis. Is it like BPD?

[@dennischeevers6143]

Yeah, It's Just Another Name For BPD ..

[@DennisCheevers]

EUPD Is Just Another Medical Term For BPD , I Have Finally Been Referred To My Local Adult ASD Service By A Previous Dr in Northern Ireland, I Have Been On The Adult ASD Waiting List For Over 2 Years Now. The Adult Waiting List For Adult ASD Assessments Are Approximately 3 Years in Northern Ireland.

[@jamesplaisted764]

Diagnosed at age 58. Took three years to get disability

[@animacea6168]

Traduccion al español??

[@ptptyuki]

The echo was a bit too loud and the sound of an old freezer in the background. So the background noise was very distracting :D

[@jee7504]

I always thought I was a robot.

[@strongindependentblackwoma1887]

I told my psychiatrist that i feel like i'm different from my classmates (before they kicked me out of school) and he said that everybody is different lol, since then i use the world "strange"

[@andrewattenboroughtwothumb4697]

I was diagnosed at 12 years old but was not diagnosed early in my life like others I know we all struggle in life and have our own struggles why god put us here it is also a burden to others

[@camilledixon4913]

You are not a burden to others. I’m sure you are loved.

[@therespectedlex9794]

Did you see that episode of the show Being Human, where a company is offering to 'cure' or transform the man who changes into a werewolf. They actually turn out to be somewhat sinister, but he is reluctant to participate saying "Just because we don't understand something doesn't make it theirs" (or something very similar). I think there are some strong parallels with Asperger Syndrome diagnosis. Why are we rushing to define intelligent, emotionally sensitive people as autistic? Quite clearly we live in a world where neither intelligence or sensitivity are respected enough. Why rub salt into the wound of people who are struggling by making them a medical aberration, who almost doesn't think that they have the right to stick up for themselves, even if they could. I speak from first hand experience. Goodness! So many figures of speech, for the diagnosed aspies to get their heads round (there's another one)... or is that misdiagnosed aspies? And what is this aspie crap Tony? You don't call a schizophrenic schitzy or a bipolar person bipo, for example.

[@HankieTOK715]

Brigham Palava knowledge is power; learning I'm autistic has helped me enormously, after living the whole of my life not knowing what was "wrong". I am so much happier now and I wish I'd always known about this and could therefore learn and develop strategies. Only now am I learning how to embrace my differences and realise how they can be strengths. As for the term Aspie, everyone has the right to self identify in any way that reflects and suits them. I love the term Aspie and there's nothing wrong in identifying myself as such. If another Autistic person doesn't like it then they don't have to use it. But do not tell me what I can call myself.

[@therespectedlex9794]

HankieTOK715 I'm not really telling you what you should call yourself. I am questioning the academic establishment, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, including Tony Atwood. Why not give the condition an adjective? What is so lovable about a nickname? It seems a bit silly. If you have benefitted from the knowledge, then great. Good luck, I hope you find fulfilment, and contribute, sharing what you understand with others too. The point I made about the programme about the werewolf is still relevant though. Yes, ok, when I first read Tony's book, desperate, unemployed, and with an overdrawn bank account, it had appeal. It seemed like it might explain my difficulties, or, to be honest, like it might as well have done. But even depression is a bit like Asperger's Syndrome. It slows you down, socially, verbally, sapping your energy and resolve. There are other possible conditions which are similar too, like complex post traumatic stress disorder, with same or similar symptoms. Depression is often due to the circumstances you are in, and when your needs as an individual continue to be unmet.

[@HankieTOK715]

Brigham Palava sorry, I disagree; I've had depression and PTSD and they're nothing like being Autistic. There's just no comparison when you actually live as an Autistic; but I do understand how an outsider could make that mistake.

[@therespectedlex9794]

HankieTOK715 I'm not saying they're the same thing. I'm saying they can be mistaken for it. I am diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome myself, by the way. Can you understand why it would be relevant to me, therefore, to know the truth? You called me an outsider who has made a mistake, a misunderstanding. It's not as simple as that.

[@JackdawtheClown]

Alex Holt aka 'Brigham Palava' I really don't like the term 'Aspie' either.

[@alisonperry1786]

Im 60

[@mariademajo1141]

Italiano sottotitoli

[@allienew7822]

Just got Dx at the age of 34

[@theequaliser]

I have aspergers syndrome had all the tests done :(

[@cocogomez2278]

John L - where did you get the test and diagnosis?

[@mikedutch6287]

passed two quizzes

[@AnGeLaOYA]

In my heart if hearts I wish neurotypicals would be understanding and accepting, but this is rarely the case. Why are some so dead set on thinking that this "so-called new label you just decided to slap on yourself is now an excuse for everything" and then you go on an aimless crusade to try to get acceptance and understanding to no avail. To me it just seems like information for me, however in the world I have to go back to pretending and shutting up. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@t.a.4356]

Let them be the ones who wish anything else about you. Pretending only undermines you.

[@djtyros]

Error 404 on the description link

[@carolinemacrae6227]

My friend in Scotland told me her jp refused to help her because she is fifty and so her life is over the nhs don't want to waste money on her because her life is over. They only want to help children. Even tough I noticed they don't want to help them iether. Especially if they are girls.

[@eugenemurray2940]

I think you meant they (girls) pretend to be neurotypical....

[@seriousseriosity4055]

Riveting. Sorry. That was a rare attempt at sarcasm.