The Unofficial Official Diagnosis

[amethystlight]

Unofficial because I'm not yet certified on the condition, but my therapist has offered an official diagnosis. I haven't put a name to it in previous posts for fear of jinxing things and for fear of criticism.

I have been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.

Comments

I knew there was a reason I like you ;)

[meeksp]

*firm hugs* Can't say I'm especially surprised. Everything you've described above sounds very familiar. I recommend reading this article, if you haven't already. It's important to remember that there is a positive side

Re: I knew there was a reason I like you ;)

[amethystlight]

*hugsback* Thank you for the link! That was very helpful to read. :)

I'm glad to hear that you are aware of the sensory processing difficulties associated with AS.

As with the depression, I had a feeling there was something more to me than the usual "ADHD" diagnosis. There was an underlying reason for why I became distracted or stressed out when there was sound/visuals coming at me from multiple directions. When I read about the sensory input part of AS, it fit the bill.

Have you looked into working with an occupational therapist at all?Not yet, I'll mention it to my regular therapist next session. I think the biggest thing I need to work on is not flipping out when I get touched by someone I don't like -- this happened at my previous job where a coworker I couldn't stand tapped my shoulder and I shrieked at her in front of a customer. (Even though the customer sympathized with me, it was still very unprofessional of me). Usually, unwanted touching results in a small flinch, stiff posture, and me moving slightly away from the

Re: I knew there was a reason I like you ;)

[meeksp]

I have the same reaction to unwanted touch, and not just if it's from someone I dislike. I could barely tolerate hugs from my own family throughout most of my childhood. Light, tickly-type touch is the worst, and usually makes me yelp if I'm not expecting it.

I prefer Macs too...the Mini isn't too badly priced, and even the previous model will probably do what you need. My 5-yr old g4 can still handle most things, except for Snow Leopard and H.264 HD video...

Believe it or not, I've got fewer shoes than you XD Four pairs, including slippers, and that's the most I've ever had at one time. I just can NOT get interested in them!

[newsy891]

I AM SO FREAKING PROUD OF YOU! (Yes, all caps = screaming, but that's me screaming from the rooftop just how proud I am of you. You fought for an answer, and you got the answer you needed.

We'll message back and forth more about jobs, because you know I'm part of The System now. ;)

And I'm mostly proud of you for putting into words what you need from us. And those words can boil down to three, I think - patience, understanding and compassion. I hope you find us up to the task. :)

[amethystlight]

THANK YOU!!!! =D

And I'm mostly proud of you for putting into words what you need from us.

That's been the hardest part, over all the times I've reached out for help. Giving the condition a name, and finding the professionally stated, specific needs.

[dragoness_e]

This was very odd to read, because you seem to be describing my life.

[amethystlight]

I'd say that it really is a small world after all, isn't it, but it seems the AS world is actually encompassing more here. o_O

[horsetechie]

Gawd... I totlaly feel your pain when it comes to socializing. I am the same way when it comes to face to face talk... I am not the "starter" or the one to show concern first about the toher person's thoughts. I tend to focus more on what I want to say first, otherwise not really caring about the other person's day. Only a rare few who just naturally take their turn to talk about what they think with very little prompting from me get along wiht me. Otherwise, the other person/people I'm with are asking all the questions... up unitl they run out and then more or less give up on me because I don't have much to ask of them. *sigh

[amethystlight]

What you may find... I feel, is that your therapist may start asking if there are ways to help yourself be stronger by not always letting your AS have its way.

That's what the cognitive therapy will help with. :) The AS will be there, but I can learn how to deal with each situation in better ways.

You could say he's also become an ass by telling me I brought this on myself. That I turned the cold shoulder on him first, otherwise making him less willing to be friendly and talkative with me in return.

I would suggest that you talk to him about your difficulty with socializing. Typical people and, well, some men in particular simply don't get why anyone would have a problem just going up to someone and start chatting. (This is an additional part of why it took me so long to tell my dad. I knew he would have a thick skull about it). The trick is to word it correctly to get through to them, give examples that they can relate to. (I compared my problem to situations I knew my dad had faced at work.)

[horsetechie]

Yey for constructive therapy. :D

As for my husband, that's something I have to figure out. I have told him about my tnedancy as an introvert to not be the life of the party. I only really get along with certain kinds of people. But he does not like take "excuses", mostly due to the Korean upbringing. He thinks if it really matters to me, then I should be working at it with all my might. "Respect is earned!" yadda, yadda. Half-assed attempts don't work for him. *tsk* But yeah, add that to the typical "gotta fix everything wrong in this world" stubborn attitude men have, and it's a a real hassle. -_-

[dragontail]

You know how I feel and you know you always have my support... well done on writing this, and on the steps that led to it being written, and for all the work that's to come.

[amethystlight]

Thank you. :) *hugs*