Thanks to the listserv ... and my PDD/NOS diagnosis ...

November 28, 2008

I wanted to share some personal news with the listserv. On Wednesday

I received a diagnosis of PDD/NOS, with the information that I had

had full Aspergers when younger, and have moved along the spectrum in

the course of my adult life in terms of 'Theory of Mind' skills.

It has been such a great relief to me to discover this. I developed a

depression when I was in my late teens, which has never really left

me - in a minor form - for over 30 years. Since Wednesday, I feel as

though it has started to lift ... and I have come to realise that I

was struggling against the odds as an adolescent, trying my very best

to make my life work, and not making much progress through no fault

of my own. It is a time for a very radical re-framing of my

history ... and a time for me to think about how I can treat myself

kindly in future, and not put pressure on myself any more to attain

unreasonable goals for which I am not consitutionally suited, and

instead to direct my energies into projects and activities that draw

on the talents and experience that I do have.

One interesting thing I was told is that, when I get stressed, I move

deeper into the spectrum, from PDD/NOS to full AS again. I was amazed

to hear that from the psychologist, as it exactly accords with my

experience. I will now hopefully be in a position to be mindful

whenever that happens, or is about to happen ...

I really wanted to say what a marvellous listserv this is, and what a

wonderful community it is. I have learned so much of great value from

what members have shared - with great compassion - in terms of their

knowledge and experience, and it has been and continues to be of

enormous support to me. I have also made a wonderful new penfriend -

you know who you are! :-) - from where I am in the UK across the Big

Pond.

I am so pleased to be able to share my news and appreciation with you

via this listserv.

Best wishes,

(just dx PDD/NOS ... after a lifetime in the darkness .....)

Recommended Posts