Joanne2 Report post Posted September 28, 2012 Hi I'm 42 and female was just diagnosed yesterday, after years and years of wondering. I was always your classic Martian in the Playground and although I did well academically, I always felt socially out of step; on paper I was very able, but I never stayed in a job for very long - I didn't quite understand this at the time, but having to interact with work colleagues all day was really too stressful for me. In a lot of ways I've been very fortunate: I have a husband with a good job and a son who - touch wood - doesn't seem to be experiencing the peer problems that I did. I've published books - poetry and autobiography. What I've never really been able to do for any length of time is support myself. Can't drive, find crossing roads frightening, can't handle crowds, can't figure out how to put on a wrapover dress, can't get my fingers to snap - the list goes on... and I know that if I don't watch my behaviour all the time, I disconcert people. I decided to go for the diagnosis between I've lost both my parents and my younger brother, and I felt the need to clarify where I might now fit in the world, with so much gone. Thanks for reading. I hope there are aspects of this that others can relate to. Joanne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
darkshine Report post Posted September 28, 2012 Hi Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Linnet Report post Posted September 28, 2012 Hello and welcome. It sounds, from your post, that we have a lot in common. I was in my 40's when I was diagnosed and I, also, have a husband and son. I can drive but it makes me very anxious but the rest of your list could have been written by me. After spending my whole life thinking I would never fit in I've found there are lots of people like me on this forum and I think you will too. L Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Special_talent123 Report post Posted September 28, 2012 welcome i am a female, 22 years old with autism. i am obsessed with dolphins and love singing and campaigning. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joanne2 Report post Posted September 28, 2012 Thank you, everyone, for welcoming messages. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rufusrufus Report post Posted September 28, 2012 Hi there, and welcome. You might be feeling quite overwhlemed with the diagnosis and everything, but I recommend "Aspergirls" and "22 Things A Woman With Asperger's Wants Her Partner To Know" both by Rudy Simone. They were both like reading my own life story. Anyway, welcome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joanne2 Report post Posted September 28, 2012 Thank you. It's funny you should mention Rudy Simone's books - it was reading 'Aspergirls' that convinced me that I should go for a diagnosis. Like you, I found myself in there. :-) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Special_talent123 Report post Posted September 28, 2012 another one to read is different not less by temple grandin. Another aspects of asperger syndrome and living through the haze life on the autistic spectrum Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Special_talent123 Report post Posted September 28, 2012 and freaks, geaks and asperger syndrome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joanne2 Report post Posted September 29, 2012 Thanks, I'll check them out. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rufusrufus Report post Posted September 29, 2012 Ooh I'll look out for those other books, thanks Special_talent123 It's funny, because I've been in the mental health system for just over a decade, and so many possible diagnoses have been bandied around - it was just such a relief when I read the Female Asperger's Traits on Rudy Simone's website and I felt "I'm home!!!!" Then I had to convince my mum that I wasn't crazy and imagining it all! That was fun :s Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shnoing Report post Posted September 29, 2012 Welcome. I'm 41, got my dx at age 37 after my son got his at age 3. Fortunately, no problems with my job so far. Books recommended: "Women from another planet". "Mozart and the whale" (Mary Newport's part). "Songs of the gorilla nation". Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joanne2 Report post Posted September 29, 2012 Thank you. 'Songs of the gorilla nation' is a wonderful book - such an extraordinary mind revealed in it. Will add 'Mozart...' to my list. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Merry Report post Posted September 29, 2012 Hello, I've just been diagnosed also, at 32, have a hubby and a little girl. As Linnet said, it was very much like reading my own story...i'm finding that A LOT here! It's very strange to think that we individually grew up so very different from everyone around us and thought we were the only one!....Then suddenly you find this site and realise that you're not so different after all...there are loads of us, all saying strikingly simmilar things. I used to obsess sooo much over the differences between myself and other people. Now it's a relief to know i'm not so alien. The thing i am most shocked by in life so far is that there are SO many people just like me! It's the one thing i always longed for but never expected to find. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joanne2 Report post Posted September 29, 2012 So many more than I ever could have imagined... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rufusrufus Report post Posted September 30, 2012 I couldn't agree more, Merry, I was saying the same thing to someone yesterday Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trekster Report post Posted October 11, 2012 Hi there, and welcome. You might be feeling quite overwhlemed with the diagnosis and everything, but I recommend "Aspergirls" and "22 Things A Woman With Asperger's Wants Her Partner To Know" both by Rudy Simone. They were both like reading my own life story. Anyway, welcome Totally agree there Rudys books are ace :-), welcome Joanne and I hope your diagnosis can be processed along with what's happened to your family. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites