I did not *officially* learn that I had asperger's/autism until 11 months ago - just before my 46th birthday. I always suspected that I was "different" (odd/unusual, etc), but I thought it was probably emotional, or perhaps a chemical imbalance, etc.
I began to consider Asperger's after I was directed to 2 online tests (on the Cambridge test I scored 43 out of 50; on the other test I scored: (Aspie) 178 out of 200, (neurotypical) 26 out of 200).
I had a professional confirm the diagnosis.
People without this disorder can have no idea how difficult my life has been, or what an enormous struggle that simple encounters/relationships have been. Despite a high IQ, I wasn't able to cope with my problems to successfully navigate academics.
I was just wondering about the ages of others who first learn of their diagnosis, and their issues/difficulties/advice, etc., in dealing with it.
This discussion is related to
Aspergers or autism ???.