I was reading a thread where the Veteran's kids had what used to be called Aspergers. And ...well, since I am also on the Spectrum, and qualify for what used to be called: "Aspergers." I felt I could add to the discussion.
So how did I find out?
I never knew I was Autistic. Never even crossed my mind. I did a show on a Cruise ship. On that Cruise were a bunch of Neuroscientist, Psychologist, and Educators...all specifically there for a Conference on board, about Autism. There were like 200 of them to exchange their expertise,and new research.
After my show, several of them invited to dinner. And they said this:
"What a clever way to work with your Autism."
I was stunned.
"Er..uh...like what do you mean work with my Autism?"
"Well you do an hour long show. And you make people laugh. And what is an hour of Comedy, except for a conversation that you control completely. You talk about the things you want to talk about, without interrupting or dominating an ordinary conversation. It is brilliant. Play to your strengths."
I was still stunned because I didn't know I was on the Spectrum. What they were telling me was all new to me.
"It is just an ordinary comedy show. I'm just funny on stage."
They laughed again.
"Kevin, how many comics you know make jokes about the Standard Model of Physics, the Big Bang Theory, and mention the Medulla Oblongata and the Celsius Scale as set ups to punchlines. All while introducing local Russian and World History into other setups. That's Autism in action."
So the next day I called my Wife and kids. I told them about the dinner and laughingly said: "They think I was Autistic."
Nobody laughed on the other end of the phone. Dead silence. And then my daughter said:
"They know what they are talking about...maybe you should get tested."
Well, that led to a two and a half year journey. That is a story in itself.
At the end, we sat with the Professor from Duke University in my final assessment Interview where I got the Formal Diagnosis.
When she told me I was on the Spectrum, and a very easy to Diagnose...my eldest daughter broke out in tears:
"Dad, now your life makes sense."
And yeah, it does.