Trebornos64 wrote:
Thank you all for your responses. Let me try to clarify some more details: I have been at the same job for 21 years but I've held two different positions in the same company. The first position which was for over 10 years, working a midnight to 8 am shift required very little interaction with people. I was basically a body with no responsibility. It afforded me the opportunity to persue other interests like culinary school. I have a BFA in Fine Art. In my newer position I have to work with many people (from intellectual types to union employees) and now my job is in jeopardy. While I said co-workers like me and I want to believe that, the reality is they would rather me leave. I've learned a lot about myself through them: definitely TMI about myself. It's a large organization and for some that don't know me, I have been targeted as weak and vulnerable. Truth is, at 6' 4" and 'easy on the eyes', I can be imposing.
Social skills were always a struggle....even as young boy. I always found interests in building and creating and those hobbies didn't require interacting with people. I was mostly on my own with no strong friendships. I acted out mostly as the class clown. It was a survival tactic and it worked while I was young but definitely not now.
I struggled academically in school. Definitely not a savant. I recall working with a speech therapist when I was 8 or 9. In the 1970's there wasn't a thing called Aspergers or ADHD. Teachers told my mother I was a 'late bloomer'.
It doesn't really matter one way or the other if I am or not. I just helps me understand why I am the way I am.
One or two non autistic traits does not disqualify you it is the whole picture which I can not know. The question is did the psych get all the information you just posted, how did you do on the tests etc. They still need to see that you had traits very early in childhood. You have written about social and eye contact difficulties while that is what most people even many aspies focus on there is a lot more to it such as sensory and executive function., obsessive special interests.
I am from the NY area and based on your description I think I know who saw you. I would think the next step if you have not done it yet. would be read not only this thread but a lot of threads here. There is a section called "In-Depth Adult Life Discussion" . Every thread will not seem relative to you but if you find a lot OMG that is me moments it is worth perusing a second opinion. Also besides her group there is GRASP. You have to become a member. They will ask you "If you do not have an "official" diagnosis, do you think you may be on the autism spectrum? ". Yes you do. They have support groups in Manhatten, Brooklyn, Jersey, LI etc. Attend a GRASP meeting or her Group meeting and see if she is right about feeling you do not belong.
If you can afford it scheduled another meeting and have her explain in detail what she saw and did not see. Instead of an hour try for a 1/2 meeting if that is possible.
After the process you will either become more convinced she was wrong or you will change your mind. Either way continue to pursue an answer.
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Professionally Identified and joined WP August 26, 2013
DSM 5: Autism Spectrum Disorder, DSM IV: Aspergers Moderate Severity
It is Autism Acceptance Month
“My autism is not a superpower. It also isn’t some kind of god-forsaken, endless fountain of suffering inflicted on my family. It’s just part of who I am as a person”. - Sara Luterman
06 Nov 2013, 9:48 pm
well maybe not profit, i say that too much, it's a misused word lmao.
