I'm an adult aspie (Diagnosed at 40)> I was in LD (SLBP) classes all my K-12 school years. Never got to really socialize or participate with my peers or classmates. In fact I got Rejected most of the time! By the time I graduated, I started to have friends that were in 7th through 9th grade. (They seemed to accept me). Although there wasn't that many of them. I faced a situation where I started getting Accepted by younger people, vs. peers more my age. I always knew that I was Different, but I never really KNEW what I had? The Point I'm trying to make, is that I faced so much Rejection in my life (Especially with people my age or older), It's like I don't fit in anywhere. I have moved from town to town (Big cities & smaller cities). I found that I have no problems making friends or being accepted by younger people (Teens), as to me that "Felt Normal", as it was like I was one of them, and they accepted me. The trouble is, I couldn't see what Others (Referring to Parents/Adults) were seeing? To me, these kid (Meaning Teens & Adolescents) were like school buddies (Or should I say.. the friends that I never had). As my interests were pretty similar to what they liked to do (Various Sports, rollerblading, biking, etc.) Tey were the only ones that had the time to spend time with me, or do this with me. Many adults who have seen this (Me hanging with these kids) looked at this as Strange! But, this was Blind to me, as I could not see what they were so upset about. It felt like I was being discriminated against for something that I couln't see. What's wrong (It's tough to see what people are getting upset with or why they are getting upset with you)? It seemed as though every time you make friends, someone tries to Slam the door down in front of you. (I didn't understand why people were so upset, nor what was so bad about having friends?) I guess when you have aspergers, You are blind to many things (You can't see what others can see and vice versa).

When people don't know you well, or your personal issues, yes, it seems strange for an adult to hang around a bunch of teen agers. Be cautious, as they don't know your intentions, and are being what they think is protective of the younger ones.

Many adults will not know what your going through.

It seems that you can express yourself very well. That you understand why you hang around with younger people is something you also express well. And you see that adults find this a bit odd, and why they find it odd.

So, you are in your 40's, and hang around with teenagers, and I'm not sure why you realize that people would question that behaviour.

I understand what you are saying; that you are more comfortable with them because they are more accepting than your peers or old classmates were of you.

Why do you move so often, and are you employed? How are your relationships with adults that you work with.

If you are wanting more age appropriate relationships, you could try joining clubs, or groups. You ride a bike, as do I, and there are many opportunities to meet people with similar interests.

If you remain as you are, making friends that are more than 20 years your junior, you have to be prepared for the reactions you will get.

There is nothing wrong with having friends, but I think it might be worth your while to find friends closer to your age. You may be happier, and get less rejection as you suggested with your comment, "I didn't understand why people were so upset, nor what was so bad about having friends?"

Good luck to you.