Hello, I was wondering if anyone here knew about Aspergers Syndrome. I am already 50 years old but there have been lots of times I have wondered about it because of comments that people have made how I walk right past them or don't hear them because I'm concentrating on something. I also have hypersensitivity to sounds and lights. I know that something is different about me but I haven't ever talked to a physician about it. My mother possibly has Aspergers and my nephew has autism. Where would someone go to get tested, or do they even test people my age?

Hey, Lily.

Yes, you can get tested. Ask for a referral to a psych and if you can, get multiple opinions. My son was 2 1/2 when he was dx'ed with autism, from several specialists at a child development center, but a good psych could at least steer you in the right direction.


Good luck...

LIZARD

Heck, I say "go for it". Especially with family history like that.
My son saw Dr. Tony Attwood and he sure explained a lot about myself at the same time. I'm very, very thankful that he lives near here. Up until seeing him it had been years of denial by other doctors and years of misdiagnoses and years of unnecessary treatments and years of suggestions that he'd need residential care and years of missed support and guidance in school. Years! Phooey to them.

I found a list somewhere with knowledgeable doctors or psychologists on it. I'll go find it and post it when I do. Are you in USA or elsewhere?

Sometimes it can be a real revelation to finally talk with someone who understands why a person has done or does certain things. By the time we reach middle age people tend to adapt pretty well, but there can always be those nagging questions and self-doubts.

If you're wanting to learn more for the time being, you might find some suitable sites online if you just search "Asperger's Syndrome and adult issues".

Edited to add: This is one of the lists I kept.
http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/clinicians.html
Some are Pediatric practices, but others see Adults. I will post the other one for adults if I can find it.

OK, more here...
http://www.aspergers.com/asplist.htm

p.s. I can't personally vouch for any of them. The second one has different people listed than the first. Only one I know is Tony Attwood.

I can relate also Lilly as I was told by a Psych Dr. in the fall of 06.
My primary Dr. said, "I should have known".

Can an MD make that call?

Aspergers isn't likely to have been recognized when you were a child. I think that my father has/has it, and that most of us in my family have some signs of pervasive developmental disability spectrum stuff. It might explain a few things, but what would be the benefits of getting diagnosed with Asperger's at this point in life? To qualify for benefits it has to have been diagnosed before age 18. There are lots of kids who have trouble getting help that they really do need because professionals hesitated about labeling them "autistic" even though they are.

What would you do differently if you were diagnosed with this? How would it change your perspective on your life or the world in general? There may be some good answers to these questions.

Hi. My son has aspergers.

It presents very differently than most cases of Autism. It's more of a social thing, and not being able to read facial clues.

Since you are 50 years old, I assume you have worked most of your life, right?? Did you have friends? Were you comfortable in social situations?

Also the hypersensitivity to light and sounds is also one of the traits.

But it mostly affects the male population.

I once went to an Aspergers Support Group meeting in NYC. There were 50 men and exactly 2 women.

It was not diagnosed when you were younger. It wasn't even on the books way back then.

I don't know if a diagnosis would make you feel better or do anything to change your life, but if you want to know, then go for it.

Also, and you might find this very helpful. there are countless message boards for people with aspergers.

Here's a good one, just perfect for you. Lots of people here who were diagnosed later in life.

http://forums.delphiforums.com/adultdxaspyauty/start

So go and poke around and you might just find out if you are indeed Aspergers!!!

Best of Luck.

Melody

if you think it wil help you in some way to get diagnosed then do it.

i think you should get tested