[dprsdgafyt]

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 I'm very quiet and withdrawn, I love to read and do research, and I can't stand much stress.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.

[-jimi-]

It does seem like an older father increases the chances.

[manwithnofriends]

that is old for a mother, especially during the time the OP was born (the 1950's - surely the average age of first mothers was like 20?)

[-jimi-]

Older fathers more likely to pass on autism-linked genetic mutations to offspring, study shows - HealthPop - CBS News

This only seems to hold true for sporadic autism though. If it is running in the family the parents can give it to their children at any age they have a baby. Like my grandfather was kind of autistic and he got two sons one when he was young and one when he was much older and they both have asperger traits.

[Lexi232]

Hmmm... I was born and i believe my mom was 18, and my dad was 29.

[rosska]

My mum was 28 and my dad was 36 when they had me.
That article jimi linked was quite interesting.

If you suspect anything like aspergers or autism, you should really speak with your doctor about it.

[BlueWisteria]

Is there any way you can get away from that border? That sounds awful.

Also, to chime in, my parents were older (especially my father), and I was diagnosed with aspergers several years ago. However my sibling was born about 5 years later and she is neurotypical as far as I can tell.