Hi, my name is 'Voltaire2017' and I live in Sydney, Australia. I was diagnosed this year with Asperger's Syndrome, after suffering from bouts of depression and anxiety. I left my job about 2 years ago and am currently enrolled in a university preparation program for adults. I left my job as a clerk after having been bullied over a long period of time by co-workers. I stayed in my job because I liked the security that it brought, disregarding the fact that the toxic work environment was slowly but surely damaging my psychological health. After leaving work, I became housebound and was subsequently diagnosed with depression and anxiety. The psychologist I was seeing also suggested that I had Asperger's Syndrome because he noticed I was not making eye contact during our first session. He suggested I see a psychiatrist so a formal diagnosis could be made. So here I am, in my 30s, trying to cope with life as best I can. I'm taking it day by day and hoping that one day, things will be better for me.
Before diagnosis, I was always anxious - all along, this was due to the fact that I can hear and sense everything. Now, I walk around my home with a pair of ear muffs stuffed with stockings so I can't hear my neighbours going about their business and gossip (I live in an apartment complex). The sensory sensitivities would have to be one of the most challenging aspects of AS. Because I live in poor housing stock (no insulation or soundproofing), it makes life especially difficult. The sensitivity to sounds causes me to sometimes yell and throw my sneakers at the window and this has unfortunately given me a bad reputation among my neighbours, who have labelled me a 'weirdo', little realising that I face these challenges. I don't know if I should explain to them that it is because of my AS - I don't think they will understand. People don't seek out such information - it has to be given to them - even then, they are not always receptive. That is why I joined this forum, so that I won't have to feel so alone. Until next time, Voltaire2017.
26 Jun 2017, 5:30 am
