High-functioning Autism (Aspergers)

[vixxcampbell]

Is there anyone here who has high functioning autism (Aspergers)?

IF so would appreciate communicating.

I have this and it went undiagnosed for most of my life. I know early detection is important.

I have found it increasingly difficult during the pandemic. Maybe because I have had more time to think about this.

 

[Jasmina]

Yes. Adult diagnosis is incredibly difficult to get. CAMH does it though. I went through exactly what you are going through now about 3 or 4 years ago, I felt knowing with certainty would help me learn better coping/understanding. Nothing came of it, because of the lack of education and resources and eventually that feeling passed.

Oddly, Covid has actually been good for me on the mental level, the hyper focus I put into things I love has lead to new businesses and a lot of hours working which has drastically improved my finances and has, for the most part, kept me more sane than some others I know. I can handle isolation as I general cope well being alone.

Routine is important for folks like us, if you are struggling it might help to focus on setting up a rountine (if you don't already have one) even if it is just a set sleeping schedule, set work out time, set reading time, set TV time, set work time, if you are not working, than maybe some set creative time of some kind (writing, painting, wood work, playing guitar, etc etc).

 

[peterw]

I haven't been diagnosed but I believe I have Aspergers. I didn't even know what is was until a few tears ago. But when I read what the signs are, it described me almost perfectly! I am finding that during this pandemic, I am actually coping very well. I don't see how early detection would have helped and made any difference at all. I am who I am.

What is Asperger Syndrome?

Asperger Syndrome was a diagnosis that described someone on the autism spectrum that needed limited supports (high functioning autism).

www.appliedbehavioranalysisprograms.com

 

[underground]

My cousin has Aspergers Syndrome. I would bet money that Kawhi Leonard and Bill Gates have it. Key symptom is the inability to place oneself in another person's shoes mentally.

 

[peterw]

Key symptom is the inability to place oneself in another person's shoes mentally.

That's 90% of all humans

 

[Jasmina]

That is not entirely true, with clear communication we can empathize and relate, however, we aren't good at reading emotions in others so vaguery and hints, which most people are guilty of, do not translate. We dont do subtle LOL.

My cousin has Aspergers Syndrome. I would bet money that Kawhi Leonard and Bill Gates have it. Key symptom is the inability to place oneself in another person's shoes mentally.

 

[Insidious Von]

I've never been diagnosed probably never will due to insurance.

The medical profession doesn't always get it right. I had Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis since the age of 12 onward, the pain surges were crippling. It wasn't finally diagnosed till the fall of 2016 as Psoriatic Arthritis. The diseased caused my social skills to become stunted, I had trouble communicating around large groups of people - have committed social suicide on numerous occasions. I'm a complete putz at reading signals which hampered the development of my personal life.

My professional life is a different matter, I've been able to focus on tasks that would totally discourage extroverts. At the moment it's not Covid - 19 that's hampering me, it's the lack of sunlight sapping my health. I need to get back to the Mediterranean sunshine but who knows when that will be.

A song for people with Asperger's.

 

[Renus]

Being smart is a mental illness ?

 

[Renus]

Key symptom is the inability to place oneself in another person's shoes mentally.

Wrong.

They understand what's going on with other people, they just act awkward about it, which make them seem either cold or weird.

Deep down, they care.

I know, a friend of mine tells me I have it.

I always cared about people, if anything I care too much and people take advantage of me.

 

[anon1]

americanson posted often of his aspergers.

 

[peterw]

I think all terbites are Aspergers

 

[y2kmark]

I think all terbites are Aspergers

Speak for yourself?

 

[y2kmark]

americanson posted often of his aspergers.

True, but it doesn't mean all aspergers sufferers are right wing nut cases...

 

[GameBoy27]

I know a few people who are definitely high functioning Aspergers. They're also some of the smartest people I know. Think genius/Mensa type individuals.

 

[desert monk]

Anyone remember Squash500 ? He posted about Asperger's all the time.

 

[Classy Angel]

I was diagnosed as an adult. As a child, I always kept my mouth shut in social situations, So people just assumed I was shy and bright.

I’m very good at reading and having deeply meaningful connections with one person at a time. However, I am abysmal at reading a room or following the conversation when there’s more than four people and sarcasm involved.

I have never lacked empathy. If anything, I feel everything (including other peoples emotions ) at an overwhelming level.

I have more of an on off switch as opposed to a dimmer switch. When feeling overwhelmed in social situations, I may appear to be aloof. Alternatively, I can shut emotion right down and operate completely logically and rationally. My own emotions will shut down at this point as well.

This can be an amazing skill when you need to make Quick and accurate decisions.

Before my diagnosis, I used to joke that I was an empath by birth, and a sociopath on demand.

I care and empathize very deeply for all sentient life, and require a huge amount of personal time or time in nature to process and separate the days interactions and emotions.

I became a companion prior to my diagnosis, because this lifestyle fits very well with personality.

Meaningful connection, and one on one interaction or paramount for me to thrive. In exchange, I am able to provide high leveMeaningful connection, and one on one interaction or paramount for me to thrive. In exchange, I am able to provide a deeply nurturing, highly attentive experience with detail to all the small things.

I feel like every perceived challenge has an equally weighted gift. It’s about figuring out a way to make your life work for how your brain does. Create your own paradigm, rather than trying to squish your life into a lifestyle that doesn’t work for you.

Find ways to manage the areas you can’t work around. If support groups or counselling helps you find methods to work, absolutely use them!
But never let your diagnosis negate you.

 

[y2kmark]

"Bubbly" is not usually an attribute associated with Aspergers...

 

[vixxcampbell]

Thank you all for your replies. And apologies for not responding sooner. I have been having a tough few weeks recently. Used to be more active on terb and the last few years not at all so I wasn't in the routine of checking terb daily like I used to years ago. I can relate to a lot of what people have said here.

I guess for me I can deal with having a small number of friends but the difficulty in forming relationships with girls when I was in school or women as I grew up was the hardest thing. ACtually, in my 20s and even 30s there were times I seemed resigned and okay with being alone but lately things have made me wish I had all the things that come with a relationship and I don't just mean sex. I realize that forming relationships to a lot of people is an easy thing or even 2nd nature. But for me it has always been very difficult and a big part of that is the problems or difficulties I have with social interactions. I find it all very stressful and its hard for me to not come across as slightly awkward.

Plus , the fact that I feel like my interests in life is very different from most people has now started to make me hate myself. I don't seem to be interested in a lot of things that others are interested in and sometimes I just wish I could just be more like most people and not feel so different.

 

[rhuarc29]

"Bubbly" is not usually an attribute associated with Aspergers...

As she said, one-on-one interactions can be starkly different for those with Aspergers.

 

[Insidious Von]

I wrote about Peter Sellers in the Rod Stewart thread, classic case of Aspergers. He was a fragile socially awkward man. George C Scott said he was playing himself in Being There.

And perhaps the best comic-actor of all time.