  The similarity of rotation periods from three interesting classes of neutron
stars, the anomalous X-ray pulsars (AXPs), the soft gamma ray repeaters (SGRs)
and the dim isolated thermal neutron stars (DTNs) suggests a common mechanism
with an asymptotic spindownphase, extending through the propeller and early
accretion stages. The DTNs are interpreted as sources in the propeller stage.
Their low luminosities arise from frictional heating in the neutron star. SGRs
and AXPs are accreting at $\dot{M} \sim 10^{15} gm/s $. The limited range of
near equilibrium periods corresponds to a limited range of mass inflow rates
$\dot{M}$. For lower rates the source of mass inflow may be depleted before the
asymptotic stage is reached, while sources with higher $\dot{M}$ or later ages
possess circumstellar material that is optically thick to electron scattering,
destroying the X-ray beaming and the modulation at the rotation period. The
model works with conventional magnetic fields of 10$^{11}-10^{12}$ G, obviating
the need to postulate magnetars. Frequently sampled timing observations of
AXPs, SGRs and DTNs can distinguish between this explanation and the magnetar
model.
