I'm 43, and just got my "official" diagnosis of Asperger's this summer.
I'm also allegedly "gifted", which I hate, but is important because some of the professionals think that the more gifted an Aspie is, the more the Aspie realizes his/her differences from others.
I also have PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) from my violent father and from being the scapegoat for many people over my lifetime, especially during school when I was growing up.
It sounds to me like you have had similar experiences to mine, and, while I can't diagnose you, it probably wouldn't hurt for you to explore the Aspie/Autism information that is becoming more widely available, and see if you can find a counselor/therapist/other professional who will help you explore these areas of yourself.
By the way, you CAN BE gifted and have learning problems and have Asperger's all at the same time. If you are like me, you may find yourself feeling that you are an idiot, even when people say stuff like "you have potential", "stop putting yourself down", "you are gifted".
(BLAH!!!!)
I only get internet at the local library, and sometimes where I volunteer. Those are both closed from now until Monday due to the Thanksgiving weekend. If you want to e-mail me, go ahead, as I'm not sure if I can find this message board again. If you put "Aspie" or something like that in the subject line, I'll probably be more apt to see it when I have to wade through all the messages next week.
Meanwhile, in case you get this and have internet access this weekend, here is the link to my site, to the Autistic Adults Picture Project, and to the Aspie Hangout Message Board:
My website:
http://www.geocities.com/birdluv.rm/
Autistic Adults Picture Project (click on the pics to see bios, etc. think I'm on the bottom of page 5):
http://www.isn.net/~jypsy/AuSpin/a2p2.htm
Aspie Hangout Message Board at Delphi Forums:
http://forums.delphiforums.com/aspies
Ok, hope to hear from you next week.
Ritagail
