bobbybaggio

Does the UK not use the UN definitions and diagnostic criteria? If they do then its a few years before that is reviewed.

Good question. If I had been diagnosed at a young age I believe I'd have been bullied even more and had fewer friends. This is down to the fact I was born in the 80's and went to school in a small village/town where being different wasn't received very well. I also don't think I'd have tried pursuing the life I have because I'd have known ahead about the difficulties I'd face and be put off by it. It has been a very painful journey but I think by getting through it I've made some big achievements. I'm currently going through the diagnosis process as an adult and I think it'll also be good that I understand more what my strengths are and where I need more support. As a child or teenager I don't think this would have been an easy assessment to make. So as difficult as life has been at times I would look back and be glad I've been able to get to where I am without support but also assured that I'll have support in the future if I need it.

I was like your son when I was his age and it just took me longer to understand what was/wasn't appropriate. I still get some inappropriate thoughts and have just learned to have a quick think about whether it's something I should say or act out. So I think with some guidance and time he'll be ok.

Hi All I've finally managed to get a referral in central Scotland (Forth Valley). It's to the new Forth Valley Autistic Spectrum Disorder Team. They cover adults which is a first for the Falkirk area! I was wondering if anyone on here had any experience with them and could give an indication of what to expect from them? Thanks

How old are you? It's common for an Aspie to learn how to make small talk. It's taken me years to get to the level I'm at....being 31 now. I used to be petrified of meeting someone on my own because I didn't know how to make or keep a conversation going. Now I'm much more confident, I have my slip ups but people see it as quirky so I get away with it. I too used to have meltdowns but as I've gotten older I've learned to cope better with life. I think you should stop doubting and instead give yourself a pat on the back because you've learned to cope very well with your aspergers. Well done

I've kind of just realised that I get stressed and down when I've time off work. By time off I mean holidays rather than weekends. I'm assuming it's because my routine has been broken. The irony is my work is often stressful but I cope quite well but give me a week off and I'm a mess!!! I have only taken friday and monday off this weekend and I'm sitting feeling lost and unmotivated! I was wondering if anyone else gets the same or has similar problems? Thanks

I find it very uncomfortable with people I don't know really well. At work I often stare at the ground to focus on what they're saying to me so I can give the correct advice. I don't get any complaints about it as they know I am listening and I assume I give good advice! People you know will be more aware of your odd eye contact than you think. They don't mind are completely comfortable with it. I find this comforting when I'm around work colleagues and friends.

I live alone in a council flat. I work full time and come across as generally "normal" in the outside world. However I struggle greatly to maintain my home. The flat wasn't in a good condition when handed to me. This would have been fine for anyone else as they'd have quickly sorted things out. I on the other hand have only managed to get some very minor painting done in a year! I'm really struggling. I was wondering if it's acceptable to ask the council for support in the maintenance of the flat? I don't even mind contributing towards the costs. The work required isn't all basic and it really just stresses me out. I even have a garden which is twice the size of what I need and it too was in a proper mess when I moved in. I had to pay £170 for a gardener just to tidy it up. I have complained to the council about this but they didn't reply. I've never declared myself as having an asd to any service or employer. I prefer to work hard to keep up or exceed the norms but this is something I've never been able to master. You may wonder why I accepted the place...well I was kind of pressured by the council who said I'd move to bottom of the list if I didn't accept. I was living in worst part of my town so didn't see a lot of choice. I think I'm kinda stuck now.

I've approached my GP to request full diagnosis to identify and arrange appropriate support needs for myself. However he's just not listened so I've allowed him to refer me to the general psychiatric unit in the hope I can convince them to refer me to the correct people. How could I approach the psychiatric worker about this? What would be best wording to maximise their understanding? I'm not very good at choosing the right words when making a point so often people will not give it the right amount of attention.

I'll speak to the Doctor I've been referred to in a couple of weeks and will quickly find out if my GP has just brushed me off to general psychiatric care. If he has I'll make a complaint to health board. I have no confidence to go back to my GP- he is really dismissive. Thanks for advice

I went to my GP last year to ask for support with ASD/Aspergers from someone who knows about it. After waiting 9 months I've got an appointment with a Solutions Focussed Therapist in 2 weeks. I've seen this guy before and wasn't overly impressed and I know he has no experience with ASD/Aspergers. Is it going to be worthwhile seeing him? Is it worth asking local health service to consider correct support options rather than keep referring me down the general route? This is becoming a futile exercise!

It could be that simple. I listen to the same artists all the time and specific songs. Funny thing is I can listen to a song around 1000 times and still not be able to remember the words! It's more a comfort thing to drown out the background noise or help focus thinking on a task. Maybe it's what they're doing. Just an idea.

Does anyone know how long it will take to get support for ASD/Aspergers in Forth Valley Scotland? I'm based in Falkirk area. When I asked for support my GP said I should just deal with it and that there are no services in my area. He did say he'd try get me into Edinburgh but after 2 months I got a letter saying there is a very long wait for services (type not specified) and they appreciate my patience. My diagnosis came from someone specialising in children as I paid for a consultation 5 years ago. I don't think I'm being taken seriously and when I finally get to see someone they will be completely unqualified to handle my case.....then I'll be referred again and wait forever again! What does it cost to go private? Is it worth trying?

HI All Thanks for the answers. When I told my sister I done it when I was drunk and sent a text We text to and from for a bit then talked on the phone when I was more comfortable. With my parents I will take the advice to give them just enough information then if they want more detail they can ask or look it up. My sister said my parents were surprised I'd struggled for so many years without telling them. I don't blame them for anything or want them to feel that way. It's interesting to hear the point of view of someone who's been in the parent's shoes. Thanks.

Well it's another step in the right direction with Aspergers. I've told my closest relative, my sister, about having aspergers. She was very understanding as always. I've relied on her to tell my parents but they want to also hear it from me. It's not an easy thing for me to do. Has anyone experience in this or any advice on approaching? Do you tell them everything or just enough? What I mean is I'm 30 and had such a difficult life because of the way I am. Should you tell your parents that you've struggled all this time without telling them or them realising? They must feel terrible that they haven't noticed or feel helpless. I don't blame them but I have difficulty expressing that thought