I am a 47 year old male, and only really heard about Aspergers a few years ago as one of my nephews was diagnosed with it. (He seems to cope very well with it as he has been getting specialist help from a young age). Another nephew from another branch of the family is strongly suspected of being a sufferer as well, but unfortunately his parents have adopted the "head in the sand" approach.
The reasons that I suspect I might be an un-diagnosed case are as follows:
1. About 8 years ago I was pensioned out of the Police as a result of "stress". This obviously covers a wide variety of things, but in my case one of the main causes of my stress turned out to be the fact I was suffering from panic attacks caused by "social phobia" (for those that don't know, it is an irrational fear of the way I am perceived by others). I would say I am at the lower end of the scale of social phobics as I do enjoy getting out and about, it is really only in formal situations that I feel at best uncomfortable, and at worst have a panic attack. Going to court as a witness was no fun, and things like weddings, funerals, and even formal dinners are not my scene.
2. I am still single, despite having been in many relationships over the years. They don't seem to last more than about 2 years. I really do prefer living alone and doing my own thing.
3. I have read on the internet about some of the tell tale signs such as being numeric; that's me! I remember the registration numbers of most cars that my parents owned since I was about 5 years old, and easily remember all the cars I have owned myself. Telephone numbers? No problem...... I also have a tendency to lash a lot of love and attention on any cars/motorbikes and other objects that I own.
4. Repetitive physical actions. When I was young (up to age 11) I could not get to sleep without rolling my whole body from side to side (right arm flailing about!) for about 10 minutes or more.
5. Friendships. Definitely lacking on the number of friends I have! Maybe being hard on myself here because I do have a number of good friends but I don't tend to see them or keep in touch the way a lot of people do. I have a tendency to be friendly towards people but only let them get close to a point, then I back off..... see point 2!!
6. I have done a few on line psychometric tests and always score around the borderline area of whether I have aspergers or not.
So, how do I get a definitive answer, if there is one? If I was to get a diagnosis at my age, is there much I can do about it anyway? Don't get me wrong, I am quite happy with my lot in life as there are a lot worse off out there, but I feel I have not truly realised my potential and it may or may not be due to aspergers.
Al.
