InPrincipio
Not all those who wander are lost
Hello,
I am a recently diagnosed 49 yo female autistic (Aspie) from a beautiful area in the province of Ontario, in Canada. I was previously self-diagnosed in the fall of 2013 when I discovered Autism.
I began researching everything I could about Autism at the time, and my son was diagnosed at the age of 12 the following spring. As for myself, I continued to not only fake it, but also to deny it; these I had always done, but I was only denying it to myself. I am so much more than Autistic, and I didn’t want to be limited by others’ invalid and ignorant opinions. I also didn’t want anyone to think I was a bad mother. I have 3 children (now all teens), and they were all previously tested with gifted IQs! But my middle child was always different, and I wanted the best for this early reader and mathematician. I wanted to protect him from the teachers and well-meaning Sunday school teachers who would always have their opinion and seek to inform me of what they thought I did not know – that he was likely ADHD, and that there were things he could read but did not comprehend.
I’m sure more will be told over the course of time, but that’s my intro! I’m also happily married for 20 years (despite my current condition), and I’m an artist. I am only recently diagnosed because it became obvious to me that I am having a hard time (for about 2 years) trying to function after moving, trying to meet some new people that I might call friends (proving very difficult for me), working at a very stressful job, and losing my mother to cancer 1 year ago and watching her die. Those are the major things. So, therefore, I’m also in the process of being diagnosed with GAD and severe depression.
I’m finding it somewhat helpful to write. I don’t mind sharing with you all. My family has so far been supportive about me having to be away from work. I have just started a medical leave of absence. I am going to use my recent diagnoses to find support in whatever way I need it. 49 years is a long time to live in this world without support. I don’t wish to disclose this to people who (as I mentioned already) are ignorant about autism. My son feels the same. So, this forum should be helpful, and my family (husband and kids only) and one friend so far will suffice for emotional support. Otherwise, I will speak only with certain medical professionals who need to know.
I look forward to “listening” to your shared thoughts. Thank you in advance for your welcome!
I am a recently diagnosed 49 yo female autistic (Aspie) from a beautiful area in the province of Ontario, in Canada. I was previously self-diagnosed in the fall of 2013 when I discovered Autism.
I began researching everything I could about Autism at the time, and my son was diagnosed at the age of 12 the following spring. As for myself, I continued to not only fake it, but also to deny it; these I had always done, but I was only denying it to myself. I am so much more than Autistic, and I didn’t want to be limited by others’ invalid and ignorant opinions. I also didn’t want anyone to think I was a bad mother. I have 3 children (now all teens), and they were all previously tested with gifted IQs! But my middle child was always different, and I wanted the best for this early reader and mathematician. I wanted to protect him from the teachers and well-meaning Sunday school teachers who would always have their opinion and seek to inform me of what they thought I did not know – that he was likely ADHD, and that there were things he could read but did not comprehend.
I’m sure more will be told over the course of time, but that’s my intro! I’m also happily married for 20 years (despite my current condition), and I’m an artist. I am only recently diagnosed because it became obvious to me that I am having a hard time (for about 2 years) trying to function after moving, trying to meet some new people that I might call friends (proving very difficult for me), working at a very stressful job, and losing my mother to cancer 1 year ago and watching her die. Those are the major things. So, therefore, I’m also in the process of being diagnosed with GAD and severe depression.
I’m finding it somewhat helpful to write. I don’t mind sharing with you all. My family has so far been supportive about me having to be away from work. I have just started a medical leave of absence. I am going to use my recent diagnoses to find support in whatever way I need it. 49 years is a long time to live in this world without support. I don’t wish to disclose this to people who (as I mentioned already) are ignorant about autism. My son feels the same. So, this forum should be helpful, and my family (husband and kids only) and one friend so far will suffice for emotional support. Otherwise, I will speak only with certain medical professionals who need to know.
I look forward to “listening” to your shared thoughts. Thank you in advance for your welcome!
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