Hi,
My son - 25y - has just been diagnosed with Asperger's. For years we have been told 'He's shy - he'll grow out of it' 'He has behavioural problems' He's Depressed' or 'He has generalized anxiety disorder '.
This diagnosis has come as a double edged sword - in part, I am angry that this hasn't been picked up on earlier when with the right support, my son's life could have been somewhat easier - he has had a real rough ride with some very dark periods- it is also a releif that we now know what the problem is and can now try and address the symptoms. For me personally (and somewhat selfishly) it is a releif - because I have questioned why Gareth was like he was... Were my parenting skills to blame? Should I have tried harder to make my marriage to his Father work? Having suffered from bouts of Depression in the past myself - was his depression inherited from me - to know that I am not to blame.
I have found the forums (the ones I have managed to read through so far) a great source of comfort and advise and thank you all fro sharing your experiences as my son and I start out on our Asperger's Journey.
Thankyou and I hope to get to know you all in the coming months
Tracey
