Hello

[Mhgazz]

Hi, I have been recently diagnosed as Asperger, I am 48, may be too late but better than never.
I started to suspect this when I watch a tv series well know and felt identified with one of the characters (the big bag theory).
Once I officially accepted my condition some friends told me they already new but didn't tell me.
Now I can understand my history.

 

[Rodafina]

Hello and welcome @Mhgazz.

I think one thing that we have in abundance here are people who will agree that it’s never “too late.” Knowing is better and it can really improve things.

 

[Mhgazz]

I agree. Now I understand I feel free. Thanks for your response.

 

[Jumpinbare]

Yes, lots of late (and very late) diagnosees here. I was 65.

 

[Mhgazz]

Yes, lots of late (and very late) diagnosees here. I was 65.
View attachment 143070

Hahahaha nice.

 

[FayetheADHDsquirrel]

Welcome!

 

[brandybild]

Hello! Welcome! You'll find others like yourself here, for sure. I was diagnosed late in life (now in my 70s and when I was born, not sure autism was a word, let alone discussed/tested) and I learned some of my coping skills by accident. Late diagnosis did help refine some of those coping skills, and I feel better now. But the truth is, even many NT people dislike parts of their abilities or are unsure or afraid of social interactions or believe they are lacking in some way. I've also found that there are some upsides to being on the spectrum, being free from some cultural inhibitions makes you more of a free thinker and often highly creative at problem solving. Remember that you are who you are supposed to be, created by God in exactly that way for a reason. And, remember, being called "weird" does not make you weird! Different, yes, but often with upsides that your diagnosis will help you see and appreciate.
Good luck, and enjoy the ride!

 

[Neonatal RRT]

Diagnosed at 52. It's been a good thing being able to put one's life into proper perspective and to learn how to navigate one's daily life in healthy ways.

 

[tree]

 

[Gerald Wilgus]

Welcome. When I was seeking help for being triggered, I came across this site and I was convinced to seek a diagnosis. I found a therapist who specialized in ASD and trauma therapy. It has been a good decision and has helped me understand my life and the ways I hurt myself and others.

 

[Shamar]

Hi, I have been recently diagnosed as Asperger, I am 48, may be too late but better than never.
I started to suspect this when I watch a tv series well know and felt identified with one of the characters (the big bag theory).
Once I officially accepted my condition some friends told me they already new but didn't tell me.
Now I can understand my history.

You are not alone. You will find that many of us here were diagnosed late in life, often by accident. I was diagnosed at age 60, and up until that time never suspected I had ASD. Like you, I discovered that once diagnosed, my messed up life was explained.

I have graciously accepted my ASD (Asperger's at the time), but I am still bitter about the plethora of alleged mental health "experts" who never noticed, despite a large amount of evidence. Now, whenever I or my son see a new doctor or therapist, I give a test by describing my ASD characteristics (essentially a list of the diagnostic criteria), and if they don't mention autism, I tell them "You are not qualified to treat or deal with me or my family," and look for a new one.

 

[grommet]

Hi, I have been recently diagnosed as Asperger, I am 48, may be too late but better than never.
I started to suspect this when I watch a tv series well know and felt identified with one of the characters (the big bag theory).
Once I officially accepted my condition some friends told me they already new but didn't tell me.
Now I can understand my history.

Welcome. I was 36 when I was diagnosed. Two things made me wonder. I had started dating a woman who was autistic and things she talked about seemed like me and also I saw a character in a television show. That character kept making patterns even though they did not know it. The testing was hard but I am glad.

 

[Alexej]

HI and Welcome @Mhgazz
You are not the oldest person to be diagnosed, nor the youngest.
Welcome to a good place.

 

[Professor Lupin]

Hi, I have been recently diagnosed as Asperger, I am 48, may be too late but better than never.
I started to suspect this when I watch a tv series well know and felt identified with one of the characters (the big bag theory).
Once I officially accepted my condition some friends told me they already new but didn't tell me.
Now I can understand my history.

I am glad you are here. I am only two years ahead of you, having received my diagnosis two months ago at 46.

Oh, the 80s: Autism was neither on my family's nor my school's radar. Did anyone ever suspect that you might be Autistic?

(I remember my mother telling me decades later that she saw a couple of strange physical signs in me when I turned 2 which she could not explain, but the GP, of course, never encouraged her to explore that further.)

Be well!