ReignMan
New Member
46 year old man, Registered Nurse, late diagnosed less than a year ago. ADHD, high functioning ASD, PTSD. I wondered if I had, at the time Asperger’s, here and there since my 20s, but always backed away because not everything seemed to fit. It wasn’t until I watched Hannah Gadsby that I learned someone on the spectrum could look, sound, and act like me. It explains so many unnecessary situations that awareness could have avoided. But, I’m trying not to lament too much.
Initially I devoured anything I could read, or watch to understand how this happens, and other‘s experiences assimilating themselves with the reality of a late diagnosis. I understand more about what this means for myself, and my family. Ways to cope, reveal a bit from behind the mask to empathetic coworkers, improved communication at home to avoid a major misunderstanding.
Still, there are things that remain elusive. I drive myself nuts from within my bubble, trying to relate to others experiences, their motivations, how the feel and perceive common situations. I admit I get confused when I see more profoundly affected individual. It’s unsettling to my self perception, and I feel like a fraud. Then, someone says something incredibly boring, and tries to engage me further. Then, my irritation and anger over the un-welcomed banter help me recall the truth of my diagnosis. It’s been, and continues to be a process.
I don’t feel I relate to others very well, and in many ways feel even more isolated. I am curious to hear other’s experiences about what made them wonder, ultimately seek a diagnosis, how you reconciled this new information, and how has it changed your life. To any that might respond, thank you.
Initially I devoured anything I could read, or watch to understand how this happens, and other‘s experiences assimilating themselves with the reality of a late diagnosis. I understand more about what this means for myself, and my family. Ways to cope, reveal a bit from behind the mask to empathetic coworkers, improved communication at home to avoid a major misunderstanding.
Still, there are things that remain elusive. I drive myself nuts from within my bubble, trying to relate to others experiences, their motivations, how the feel and perceive common situations. I admit I get confused when I see more profoundly affected individual. It’s unsettling to my self perception, and I feel like a fraud. Then, someone says something incredibly boring, and tries to engage me further. Then, my irritation and anger over the un-welcomed banter help me recall the truth of my diagnosis. It’s been, and continues to be a process.
I don’t feel I relate to others very well, and in many ways feel even more isolated. I am curious to hear other’s experiences about what made them wonder, ultimately seek a diagnosis, how you reconciled this new information, and how has it changed your life. To any that might respond, thank you.