Saturday, March 19, 2011

Asperger's Syndrome?

Sorry, no knitting today. Something else has been on my mind. I thought maybe if I wrote it down if would be easier...

I've always had a hard time communicating with people. I would get angry when people wouldn't actually say what they mean. I have a hard time following conversations that have more than two or three people involved, usually being a moment or two behind everyone else in the conversation.

I always thought it was because I grew up in an extremely small town, and I really didn't have much in common with my classmates. I prefered to be by myself, reading during recess and mostly just doing my own thing. It was something that I thought I would grow out of, or would stop once I had found people more like me.

In the last few years, being in graduate school among people a lot more like me than anyone I grew up around, I realized that I still have trouble communicating and understanding other people. I've expressed my concerns to Eric, my boyfriend. He suggested that I look into Asperger's syndrome, because he felt that I demonstrated many of the symptoms, such as little eye contact and inability to understand body language. He often has to explain to me what people really meant when they were speaking.  If you want an example of my personality, think of the character Temperance Brennan from the tv show Bones.

I've started reading on the syndrome. The most useful so far is the book The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome. I originally thought there was no way that I could have Asperger's, Eric was simply overestimating my shortcomings. However, as I continue to read, I'm finding the descriptions very very familiar.

I'm not sure where to go next with this. Should I attempt to get a diagnosis? Am I just being a hypochondriac?  Anyone out there that can give me any advice? I'm a little scared and I feel like I'll always feel out of place when around others. I just don't know what to do.

3 comments:

  1. Hi Sarah:

    I took a look at your blog after you left a comment on mine (thank you!), and thought it was interesting that you are doing grad work in neuroscience (my hubby has a PhD in neuroscience). Just read your post, and while I don't have any concrete advice to offer, I just wanted to say hi and let you know I'd read it, and hopefully send some happy thoughts your way :-)

    Gail

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  2. Thanks for the happy thoughts! <3

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  3. I also fouqnd you here via blogland and I'm glad I did. I have worked for years with those on the spectrum, in particular with children but spent a time working with adults only just undergoing the long process of diagnosis. Whether its Asperger's or not, you've identified a barrier which means a good therapist could help you work on your strengths and needs. Make it a psychologist, and they might be able to offer a diagnosis.

    Feel free to email me at: aplayfulday@gmail.com

    Good luck xx

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I would love to hear what you think!

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