Asperger's Syndrome

[Lace Neil Singer]

I recently have been given reason to suspect that I have this. I've read up on it, and found that a lot of the symptoms pertain to me, but now I don't really know what to do about it. Anything?

[Lackwit]

See a doctor.

[The Gatekeeper]

Considering that it is suppose to be somewhat rare, I believe that there are a few members of CS who have been diagnosed with it. Perhaps they will post their stories, or at least PM you to give you some direction.

[Lace Neil Singer]

I'd like that. Hope they do see this and do so.

[Dreamstalker]

I've been diagnosed with AS. The difficulty lies in how easy it is to misdiagnose both ways (something else as Asperger's, or Asperger's as something else). It is much more common in males than females, and appears to be genetic/hereditary.

[Luna]

I have found this website to be helpful in many things. Hopefully you can find some answers there:
http://www.webmd.com/hw/mental_health/zq1009.asp

[TNT]

I'd echo the idea of seeing a really good psychiatrist for a diagnosis and any recommended treatments.

When I worked in social services, I had a client who was diagnosed with a very severe case of Asperger's. Severe to the point that he was almost non-functional because of it. Working with him was one of the more interesting experiences of my life.

[Barefootgirl]

I read up on the symptoms of Asperger's and thought quite a lot of them applied to me too (although some of the markers were so wide-ranging as to encompass about 50% of everyone I know)...but since they don't appear to be affecting my life, my work, my fasmily or my friends, I can't really see the point of investigating further.

Would a formal disgnosis of AS make your life easier, Lace? Is there some form of treatment available to AS sufferers that you think you need? Or is it more about getting a label to explain away "personality quirks"?

[Casino Jockey]

I recently have been given reason to suspect that I have this. I've read up on it, and found that a lot of the symptoms pertain to me, but now I don't really know what to do about it. Anything?

personally as someone with AS if you can get a diagnosis it's great. i had major social difficulties and by councelling and reading books i'm alot better

i will reccomend a few books: Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals by tony attwood (the world's expert on the condion, and incidently the man who diagnosed me.)

also Pretending to be Normal: Living with Asperger's Syndrome by Liane Holliday Willey.

The first is a bit more clinical - it has the diagnosis criteria, and is written for people who deal with aspies, but is a good read and may help you understand your (suspected) condition better, whilst the second is written by an aspie, and IMHO should be required reading for anyone interested in AS. I enjoy more the books written by people with, or people related to those who have the disease.

anyways i would reccomend you get checked out, as the sooner you get diagnosed (if you do have it) the sooner you can get some help.

[Dreamstalker]

I had a client who was diagnosed with a very severe case of Asperger's. Severe to the point that he was almost non-functional because of it. Working with him was one of the more interesting experiences of my life.
I was under the impression that AS specifically was very high-functioning, mainly difficulties with social stuff.

The material in public domain, it does seem like the symptoms are too broad (one site I looked at, the symptoms were earmarkers of low-functioning autistics and the site as a whiole was slightly pessimistic about the whole thing).

I also picked up Temple Grandin's books; while not about AS in particular, they did help me understand a lot more.

[Lace Neil Singer]

I read up on the symptoms of Asperger's and thought quite a lot of them applied to me too (although some of the markers were so wide-ranging as to encompass about 50% of everyone I know)...but since they don't appear to be affecting my life, my work, my fasmily or my friends, I can't really see the point of investigating further.

Would a formal disgnosis of AS make your life easier, Lace? Is there some form of treatment available to AS sufferers that you think you need? Or is it more about getting a label to explain away "personality quirks"?
I'm not really sure, to be honest. I think I'm doing fine as I am, also I'm not too keen on going to the doctor for a diagnosis if they can't do anything. After all, I'm perfectly aware that I suffer from migraines, altho I've never been diagnosed. I just try to help myself cuz I don't want a doctor to put me on drugs. The same logic applies; may not make sense to everyone but it makes sense to me.

[MystyGlyttyr]

http://www.aspiesforfreedom.com/

That's where I went. I love that site.

Personally, I adore being an Aspie. Maybe I don't court the social graces so well, but my chosen career is wrestling so a relationship wouldn't work so well for that anyway, I can keep a single-minded focus on my work, and I can see and hear things that other people can't. Granted, there's downsides like being lonely a lot, and sometimes accidently insulting someone without realizing I did it, and the sound of the vacuum makes me crazy.

I know I'm an Aspie because I can't even concentrate long enough to form a coherent response to this, heh. Later!

[Lace Neil Singer]

Well... I took the test, and got 28 points. :/