Hi komodo. Thanks for sharing your story. I'm sorry it is a long and rough one. Based on the timeline you provided, I think you and I are the same age. It's a pity it took so long for you to get a proper diagnosis. I finally received mine when I was 32. I was still a bit immature back then. I've matured a lot these past 16 years. You certainly seem to have maturity and wisdom at this point, too. I'm sure that will help in your recovery.

I'm sorry you never received your PhD, but I still see you as having achieved a lot.

One of my great grandfather's had a similar childhood as you. His father was an alcoholic and managed to lose the family fortune. When his mother died, he was sent to a foster home. Two of his sisters were, too, but they were together. His youngest sister was adopted by a couple. They never saw the youngest sister again, but luckily my great grandfather did keep in touch with the others. His foster family treated him more like a worker than a son.