Simon Baron-Cohen can stuff right off

[Glint]

I look forward to your thoughts and rants on the subject.

I too had no idea, I always think of you as strong, knowing your own opinion and sticking up for it.

[overthehill]

Thanks so much for sharing your story, Bats. I had no idea. I can't add anything useful, but I'm glad you're finally getting the support you've needed. Well done!

[Topcat]

That was a big thing that you did up there, you know. More power to you mate. x

[Luce]

I'd no idea, Bats but thinks it's great and fabulous that you're able to tell us.

[Mountain Goat]

My god, either I am obtuse or you have done an amazingly good job at hiding it. You just seem pleasingly bloody minded, which is among my favourite traits. It must have taken a lot to post this, which is pretty brilliant. And I am fascinated and need to know more about this.

[Hobbes]

I'm really sorry Bats, I had no idea, and I'm really sorry you have had such a hard time of it.

I think you are amazing, and I'm so glad you have been able to talk about it, and I really look forward to your rant.

One of my best friends daughter falls into the 'obvious from an early age' to us categories, yet it still took until she started high school to get her diagnosis, and then I think only because her mum pushed and pushed, so I definitely agree that its a huge problem.

[Loralei]

Bats - I know we've talked about this briefly but the more I hear you the more I think I need to question my attitude to over-pathologising in general and Bert specifically. Does the Sarah Hendrickx book focus only on Aspergers or is it good for broadening understanding in general?

I have managed to answer my own question using this marvellous contraption called 'the internet'.

[sally maclennane]

Bats, I had no idea either but I have always thought you are awesome. This has just been confirmed to me, given what you have come through in recent years.

I think the stereotypes around autism are so unhelpful. I work with someone who has autism, and I have learned so much in the last 18 months, through working with P. The biggest realisation for me has been the anxiety that P has, before working with him, I assumed that anyone with autism would have been too detached to be anxious. I still find myself challenging steroetypes - at one point, there was a vacancy in our finance dept and some folk kept saying "why doesn't P apply for that? It'll be all spreadsheets, he'd love that" P hates spreadsheets!

My friend always says "if you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism".

[Ruby]

I am posting and running because I have stuff on today but I have lots of stuff to ask you (and smurf) about this "shocking" news. I am really interested in ASD and teenage girls at the moment so I will be pumping you for info.

[olive]

Another one with no idea, Bats and I can’t imagine how tough it would have been for you without a diagnosis. You are batshit, but excellent.

I’d also love to hear your rants on this.

[rosy]

I had guessed about the alcohol, having 'known' you in your drinking years, but the rest of it - you hid it so well. I have always thought you were ace, though, so now you are just more so.

In a freaky coincidence, I was talking to a real life friend this morning about autism - specifically Aspergers - in women, which was a tangent to our conversation about the presentation of heart attacks in women ( Ella). She's a paramedic, we weren't just randomly discussing medical stuff.

This is really interesting so I hope you type your rant when you get the time.

[Smunder Woman]

I am posting and running because I have stuff on today but I have lots of stuff to ask you (and smurf) about this "shocking" news. I am really interested in ASD and teenage girls at the moment so I will be pumping you for info.

It is shocking :verm:

[Ruby]

[Marth]

Stiff awkward hug, Bats, (and you Smunder)

Thank you for sharing this with us. My new manager's granddaughter has been diagnosed with autism and we were just saying that it's really good girls are getting support now. I am really glad you have your diagnosis, but what a long time coming. It's heart-breaking all the girls and women that have to fight much much harder to be listened to.

[George]

Bravo you. Brave post and I take my hat off to you. It’s very interesting and it’s fascinating reading your take on it all. I have just started teaching a little girl who is almost certainly autistic but the process of diagnosis already feels different somehow to that of boys.

[Rosa]

You've had a really tough time, Bats. No wonder the diagnosis was a relief. I'm another who had no clue.

Don't ever stop ranting. You too, Smunder.

[Shoe]

I am posting and running because I have stuff on today but I have lots of stuff to ask you (and smurf) about this "shocking" news. I am really interested in ASD and teenage girls at the moment so I will be pumping you for info.

It is shocking :verm:

So shocking I was lost for words when you told me your news, Smurf. ;) :lol: Sorry again about that.

Bats I'm glad you've got a diagnosis, it sounds like it's been really positive for you.

[Smunder Woman]

It's ok, it was hilarious

[Shoe]

Bats will be sad she can't experience my bad attempt at hiding my lack of surprise. :lol:

[Topcat]

Two bottles a day though? Hats off!