shintyboy

Dance

I have pondered over this previously.I had a diagnosis of AS last year at age of 40.In some ways I wish that I had been diagnosed earlier in life,which I think might have made things easier,especially in school.On the other hand,I wonder if it might have been like a "weight around my neck".Even now,in certain circumstances I am more comfortable with people knowing about my diagnosis.Like at work for instance.I feel it is easier for me,for my workmates to know because they are very understanding[my boss especially.] On the other hand,I go through phases of total "autism overload" and wish that I had never heard of AS! I have a lot to think about at present,with my son currently going through diagnosis.I am trying to make things as easy as possible for him,and ponder over everything,having experienced most things he is going through.I know a lot of this probably doesn't make sense and apologise for my ramblings,but the old head isn't very clear at the moment!!

Thanks for replies,It must be hell to see your kid go through this.Unfortunately for a "normal" kid there are many stages that can add stress,but for someone who already has high anxiety levels these are multiplied.All very worrying.

I've read about regression in kids from an initial diagnosis of AS to something towards "full blown Autism".With a child probably on the spectrum,this frightens the hell out of me.Has anyone got any experiences of this or an educated viewpoint?

What does "brb" mean?

For you TM....... <'> <'> <'> <'>

My son has been telling the same joke for years and I apologise first because I wish to offend no-one,but it is quite funny. "Why shouldn't you wear Russian boxer shorts?" answer..."Chernobyl fallout !"

I'm glad everything went well.By the way,you sound like a great MUM

I scored 41,but I've already got diagnosis ! Thanks SD

I can relate to where you are coming from flutter.I personally got a diagnosis of AS a few months back at age of 40.My 11yr old son is currently going through diagnosis.I can honestly say that I have mixed emotions about the whole thing.In one sense I am relieved about having discovered reasons as to certain aspects of my personality,and in another sense I feel sorry I "discovered" AS and sought a diagnosis for me and my son.Deep down I know that it was the right thing to do,but sometimes in the darker moments,I just wish that I had never even heard of AS.To say that it has totally taken over my life is an understatement.I know that it is my own fault because from the moment I first found out about AS,I endeavoured to find out as much about this thing as I could but now it is totally overwhelming.I know my wife and family have probably "suffered" this last few months,but it is like I am on a mission,and can't let up pace! I feel that from the day I got diagnosed,I seem to have "regressed" (I think that is the right word!) and my personality has changed ever so slightly.I have reverted back to the way I was when I was younger(if that makes sense).I seem more quieter and far more emotional than before after dredging up certain things from my past,which came to light during diagnosis.I seemed to have hidden things that happened in my past,away in the back of my mind and recently a lot of it has come flooding back.I know that this sounds pretty bad but I just hope that soon it will all just settle down and go back to the way it was before.

I was told I had irritable bowel syndrome at age 17.Spent 23 years believing this until prior to diagnosis of AS,I paid for a gluten intolerance test(done at Sunderland Uni,autism research unit) which came back positive.Since removal of gluten from diet the change has been remarkable.No stomach pain,discomfort,irregular movements,etc.

Welcome LIZC,hope you find this site helpful.

Just read Jaded's latest reply and have to admit that it takes guts to write that.We all make mistakes at times,which is human nature.Differing opinions are commonplace amongst us but credit where credit is due.I know everyone has big hearts on here and I for one have missed seeing jaded's posts.By the way,to everyone connected with running this site.....KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK,IT REALLY IS APPRECIATED.

I understood this to be very common in AS kids.I personally have gone through exactly the same thing and my 11yr old is similar.We can't go anywhere without him holding my hand.Although I am very conscious of this,as he is getting pretty tall now,I understand why he has to do it and will do it as long as he needs to.It's a comfort thing as well,and I suppose it reassures him when we are outside.You are right when you said that it does disappear,because remember it is a delay in emotional development. [just hope he stops before he starts shaving,though!]

Just emailed another beauty to David Cameron at Conservative HQ.Awaiting his reply.