peter

I have never been able to keep in touch with people - I used to put it down to a very mobile life as a child/teenager. However, my two brothers (obviously) had a very similar upbringing and they seem to have no problems here - they both have friends that they have hadd since school days (we're all in our 50's now). I didn't have any real friends at school - I was always a bit of an outsider. These days I meet people, mostly at work, and get on well with them (as far as I can tell). But lose touch as soon as one or other moves on. I used to think that it was because I didn't keep in touch, but I realise that it is a two-way thing, no-one keeps in touch with me either.... maybe the odd Christmas card but nothing more. In general, it's not a significant issue as I am a pretty self-contained person and happy with my own company. However, having recently suspected that I have a degree of AS, I wonder if that could be a contribuutary factor? Do other people with AS have problems making and keeping real friends?? I'd be interested to hear - and to know if anything can be done about it. Peter

Hi Sarah ... I'm in my late 50's and have only recently realised that I might have AS - so, no, I don't think it sounds strange at all! If you're in West Mids, then you might be within range of Maxine Ashton's place at Coventry. She will do an "assessment" (not a diagnosis) but it's quite expensive (�120). I have an appointment in a couple of weeks, so I can report back, if you're interested... At my age, I'm not sure I really need a dianosis - what benefit would it be to me? Might it be a disadvantage (would I have to disclose on insurance/medical forms or job applications, for example)? I think I must have leaned to overcome many of the problems af AS, so I'm sure you can as well. Good luck. Peter

I'm new around here so forgive me if this has been suggested and rejected before... What I am looking for is a specific forum for those with aspergers to post their experiences, problems, solutions, etc. I know that a lot of folks here do that already in the 'general' foorums but I really feel it would be helpful if we had our own corner, so to speak.... I say 'we' because I suspect I have aspergers although I have never been diagnosed and, at 57 years old, I'm not sure it would make much difference. I do have a lot of the symptoms and I score high on the AQ test. However, I think I have learned how to cope in most situations and have a good job. I think it might have been easier to learn to cope had I known what the reasons for my personality were but it's too late now! I really would appreciate somewhere to talk about my problems and maybe to be able to encourage others with some of my successes... I guess the obvious answer is that I can do that in the other forums but it feels much safer if there were a place more spcifically for this. What do others think??? Rgrds Peter