climber9

Anything south of the Tyne is the Midlands. Anything north of the Tweed is the Arctic. Right, that's got the geography sorted out!

Can anyone offer advice on whether or not I should go for a formal diagnosis? Now 59, I function pretty well in the world as long as I don't have to interact with other people. I have colleagues at work, and used to make myself go to social functions, but I could never think of anything to say and I don't go now. While at work I use 'we' a lot, giving the impression that I'm part of a couple. Similarly, I manage to drop phrases like 'a friend of mine' into conversation. Outside work, I am friendly with my neighbours, but I present an NT front to them. I'd like to 'come out' about being Aspie, but it's a big step and, once done, can't be undone. If I plucked up the courage to go to my GP, what would a formal diagnosis give me? I don't need financial support. What I really want to be more accepting of my condition, to meet people with whom I don't have to pretend to be NT, and maybe to have some sort of support network [emotional, not financial].

Thanks, people. I'll check the NAS website. Marjoram - I used to play bridge when I was at school. I might try an evening class - it'd mean being among a group of people, which I usually avoid, but this way there'd be a common purpose and something to talk about. Over the last twenty years my main hobby has been fellwalking and my dog. Unfortunately an old injury means that a joint replacement is likely in the near-ish future, so I think that my days on the high fells may be over. Volunteer dog walking is a possibility, health permitting. That Norwich social group sounds awful! If I find a group in the North East I hope it's not like that.

I have one of each, but the cat's the boss! Dogs have owners, cats have staff.

Hello everyone. I've been lurking on this site for a few months, but have only recently taken the plunge and joined. Communicating with others has never been easy for me, but I can say things to a keyboard that I've never been able to say in person. Now in my 50's, I've always been a loner. Not really through choice, but because I've never known how to form friendships with other people. I used to make myself go to social functions, but never enjoyed them. I don't think there's anything about my life that others would find interesting, and I can't do small talk. I first heard of AS about ten years ago, and immediately thought 'that's me'! The on line aspie test comes out positive, but I've never done anything about getting a formal diagnosis. Are there any advantages? I've done pretty well in my career – work has tended to fill the place in my life that, for other people, is occupied by friends, family and a social life. But now retirement looms. I've never liked change anyway [an Aspie trait], but this one is particularly scary since work has been so important to me. I function OK in the world as long I don't have to interact too much with people. I have acquaintances, rather than friends. I've always told myself that I'm alone, rather than lonely, but I think I'm starting not to believe it. Mustn't ramble on too long in a first post. Wrong Planet is OK but seems to be US-biased. UK support services seem to geared towards children. Do Aspies meet? Are there adult groups? Is it worth seeking a formal diagnosis?