Hi. I'm 58 years old. I think I might have Asperger's, although I have never been diagnosed as such. (The diagnoses I have been given at various times include schizoid personality and bipolar.) My husband, who is a certified teacher with certification in special ed and has been in classes with special ed kids and observed them, is convinced that I have Asperger's. It does seem very possible. As a young child I was very sensitive to stimuli (I was scared to death of screen doors, car hoods, dogs, and lots of other things) and did a paper-shaking thing when I read that was similar to hand-flapping. (I still use a stick to read with.) Lots of autism-like symptoms. My grandmother, who lived with us, was convinced that I was mentally retarded. I don't know if she told my parents, or anyone ever advised them, to have me institutionalized. I suppose it's possible, but I don't know. I'm very quiet and withdrawn, I love to read and do research, and I can't stand much stress. Right now I am dealing with a very aggressive person who boards with us and also works with me, and it's tearing me up inside.

BTW, does parental age have anything to do with autism/Asperger's? My mother was 42 when I was born, and my father was 48.