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

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 person.

Also, it might seem to some people like a frivolous waste of money, but you may want to consider upgrading your computer.

I keep thinking about it, when my other college account matures. Kar'ell and I were at best buy yesterday and I wandered over to the computers. Awesomely affordable prices, all things considered. Except I still prefer Macs. ^^;; Although I do wish I could get a customized computer that's low frills, containing only what I actually need on it: Internet access, art programs, word processing, iTunes. I don't think of it as frivolous at this point; I've just added Hotmail to the websites that no longer work properly on my computer. :\

Mine is my only real connection to the outside world, so I think of it as a worthwhile investment.

True. This is my social life. Between the computer and XBox Live is where my comfort zone rests. I can wear whatever mismatched clothes I want, I don't have to talk about what makes a cute shoe while shopping -- no one cares that I only own five different pairs of shoes, counting slippers and not counting old sneakers used for gardening. ;)

I hope you'll let me know if you think of anything I can do to help

Your reply has been a huge help already. :) One of my fears is people assuming that I'm just crying for attention or looking to have my ego stroked, when I really just want to be acknowledged as being -- I am right here, this is honestly me, I'm a good person but I simply don't function the same as the average person.

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!