Not sure if I have Aspergers, but I have questions

[Guest Serenity]

Hi. I recently came across an article my mom had left lieing on a counter, about a man who had Aspergers. I am very anti social (I don't hate people, I just find it hard to talk to people - interviews for jobs are very nerve racking!!!). I don't have a desire to date, even though I am 22 and I have odd behaviors (when I start thinking too fast, I hit my head repeatedly, cry all too easily like a 5 year old, my stepdad says; and anger outbursts). I was diagnosed with bi-polar when I was in 5th grade. I do not think this diagnose is correct - and I always lied to the doctors that the medication helped. I think it made my anxiety worse (I was taking Prozac). It takes a lot of effort, but I have my "attacks" down to one every other week or so. It's because I get stressed out and frustrated easily. I display most symptoms of Aspergers, except for the fact I am able to distinguish facial features and I LOVE reading and writing, and thus am very imaginative (creative-wise). I don't always tell the truth, but if I tell white lies, I feel guilty. Either way, I definitly do talk about things more than I should (like my mouse, cats, or dog . . . I mean, I know no one cares, but I still talk about them anyways). I have bouts of depression and I always tend to be negative, even though I don't mean to be. I tend to be rude too, when I don't need to be. I have tried worked very hard on my social skills, but I still laking in a lot of ways. My dad has a paranoid schizo disorder and bi polar runs on both sides of my family. I don't have insurance or money to go and see a shrink, so I can't really ask anyone. My mom's still convinced I have bi-polar, no matter what I may say, and my stepdad thinks everything's in my head (even when I say I have a cold . . . ugh). I know when people are joking, but I also tend to be the last to get the joke. I have always been a social outcast, never making friends for very long. I am very different (my mom jokes they switched me at birth . . . I'm too quiet and shy for this family) and have been called weird several times. If anyone knows anything, that would be of immense help. I just want to talk to other people who have it, and see if there are other ways in which to cope with my lack of social skills. May be, after finally being able to explain my odd behavior, I will feel like there is some definite way to help myself. I know my behavior is my own responsibility - my mom's hammered that in, lol. Thank you and a good day.

[Guest Bob]

Serenity -

 

Sounds to me like you might really benefit from being in touch with someone who can help you figure out the Asperger's question, as well as others who are dealing with similar trials and tribulations. Here in New England, we have the Asperger's Association of New England. You can find them at www.aane.org.

 

They can direct you to resources that will hopefully help. Whatever the outcome, you deserve the opportunity to understand yourself and have a fulfilling life. Good luck!

 

-Bob

[Madpoet82]

Thanks Bob...I'll contact them as soon as I get a break from work, and see if there's a chapter in Florida. Nothing on Internet, so I shall see.

Have a good day,

Serenity