Adults On The Autism Spectrum

@2cents Like @auntieoakley mentioned, I was identified as "gifted" at an early age. This started in the late 1950s. Twice the school system attempted to have me jump grades. The issue was with my mother. You see, I have a twin brother. She decided that allowing me to skip a grade would be a blow to his self-esteem, nevermind how it devastated me. My father tried to give me new and challenging things to learn, but never advocated for me. There was a math teacher in junior high, and an English teacher in high school, who took it upon themselves to give me extra work and challenge my mind, for which I am still grateful for. But the overall effect was to underscore my "odd ball out" "different kind of kid", setting my path to not fit in with peers and having relationship issues, both personal and work. Not until 2013, when I was officially diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome, did a lot of the puzzle pieces fit for me. The interpersonal challenges are just the tip of the iceberg.

I applaud those who advocate positively for themselves, and their family members, who fall somewhere on the autism spectrum, and help us to not feel alone in this world.
Ginger

How fortunate to be "seen" by others in a supportive, positive way! And recognized for your strenths as benefits, instead of obstacles!

Unfortunately, my life experience, at least as I remember it, and focus on it, is a series of attempts, goals identified, sought, pursued, and disappointment - frequently undermined by others (always females) - whom I've been told in therapy were most likely jealous of my capabilities. Maybe so, but that sure doesn't help me or my efforts at success!

I'm still intrigued by the many ways autism can manifest in adults, and have not yet come to any way to determine if it describes me and/or my sister, so that at least I might be able to make some sense and peace with my life experiences, at least insofar as autism may impact them.

I hope I'm not too late in coming to this discussion now, in 2023. I'm going to continue to read through the posts here up to the present, and also check out "Everyday Asperger's" (if I haven't already purchased it and - like most of my self-help books - haven't actually read it yet!! ... but hope springs eternal!)

Hugs and smiles and enduring patience and understanding to all who travel this path. And, as always, thank you Mayo Clinic Connect and all the folks here for so many life-saving and peace-of-mind, comforting posts, guidance and genuine sharing.

@brandysparks Being on the autism spectrum is like a pendulum swinging. Symptoms and manifestations can change dramatically based on what else may be going on in a specific situation or day! I believe that goes for children, teens, and adults alike, formally diagnosed or not.

It is my own personal opinion that a formal diagnosis can be very subjective. It can be very enlightening to know, scary to contemplate how to proceed, and saddening to realize how things might have been different "if only I had known this before!"
Ginger

We are feeling the regret over "what might have been" big time with our daughter - like you the diagnosis is Asperger's among a laundry list of other diagnoses, some of which we have known for 25+ years, others are new.
But she is getting help now to try to get everything under control. And we are ALL understanding better why she reacts as she does, and how we can help her avoid triggers.
I try to remember that we are in our infancy in understanding many of these conditions, much as we were with ADHD 30 years ago. What amazes me is the resiliency of the human brain, mind and spirit in coping with atypical brains and emotions.
Sue

I apologize for coming to the table so late. COVID, my oldest child passing away, my husband hospitalized four times, and life in general did a number on me. My daughter passed away in November of last year, but I was having major difficulties prior to that. My executive functioning was so off. I still find myself searching for a word, or trying to remember a name. Grief held me bound for so long, I didn't think I would ever be able to return to this place. But here I am. And I am grateful to be here and to read these posts and know there are some truly wonderful survivors out there. Let's talk! Always grateful,Mamacita

Ginger, what scares me, really and truly, are the number of professionals who deal out diagnosis, deny a diagnosis of Autism because someone is verbal, or they can give eye contact. Those two things knock an enormous amount of people out of much needed services. And that, because they have mastered skills we want them to have to begin with when planning IEP's! It is so contradictory and frustrating. I can only imagine the roadblocks our community must face to get what they need .

omg this is me! I found out at 37 years old I have add, adhd, adhd inattentive, dyslexia and Alexia and late adult onset fluncey disorder

@eeschott, how has finding out that you have these diagnoses changed (or not) how you navigate your world?

I am still in the process of being diagnosed. Getting an appointment with a reliable shrink isn't easy. I have completed several tests online and they indicate I could be a reasonably high-functioning autistic, and may possibly have ADHD as well. When I read the other accounts and experiences of people on this site, many of the comments apply to me. Angela@Aus

@astephens123 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, Angela! Many of us feel relief when we get a diagnosis that we are somewhere on the autism spectrum. It helps us understand why we have responded in the manner we have for a long time, and can offer us coping skills go going forward. It is important to remember, the "spectrum" is just that, quite a range of symptoms and ideas for working with it.

What accounts and experiences have felt apply to you, may I ask?
Ginger