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Why do I always have the feeling I’m late to the party?

Although not usually mentally disadvantaged, most with this condition have some degree of language impairment. They often learn to speak later than normal and may have difficulty learning to read and write.

Funny you mention that.

Although they eventually learn to speak normally, most have some degree of language difficulty throughout their lives.

Oh yeah, you mean that disconnect between my brain and my tongue?

Those with the condition have particular difficulty with expressive language – the ability to verbally express thoughts and feelings.

That rings a bell.

If left untreated, the language impairment experienced by many with this condition can lead to academic failure and loss of self-esteem.

Yep.

Fortunately, with appropriate help, children with the condition are usually able to compensate for their language difficulties. The chances of success are greatest if action is taken in early childhood.

Bummer.

Those with the condition are at risk for depression, especially if they are diagnosed in later adolescence or adulthood and do not have the benefit of early intervention and treatment.

Hmm, yes, I’ve noticed that, funnily enough.

Adolescence can be difficult for boys with the condition.

You’re telling me!

Feeling that they are “different”, lack of strength and sporting ability, together with a history of learning difficulties, may damage their self-esteem.

You don’t say.

Peers may worsen the situation through teasing or ridicule; teachers and sometimes parents may have misread learning difficulties as laziness.

I am seeing my life flash before my eyes.

Language problems and low self-esteem in social settings may have resulted in isolation from their peers.

Yep, and lasting all the way to the present day.

Some boys may react by becoming depressed and withdrawing socially.

Now it is all starting to make sense.

Therefore those with the diagnosis, especially if they are diagnosed late, may need psychological counselling in addition to help with learning difficulties.

If only I had thought of that. Probably would have been better than spending 25 years writing about it.

Some studies show that, by their forties, most people with the condition have been able to overcome many of their problems.

Yes, thanks to the most unusual coping mechanisms, I’m now almost normal.