Hi everyone,
I'm a self-dx'ed Aspie with a diagnosed Aspie son. I really don't mind being Aspie at all, in fact there are some things I really like about it. My obsessions, for one thing. When I become obsessed with something it can last months, even years. The obsession takes over my life -- but it's so much fun! My husband was questioning whether or not I'm a true Aspie (versus just having some things in common), and I took him upstairs to our bedroom closet where I pointed to the $400 worth of Lord of the Rings action figures I had bought on eBay! He laughed and agreed I had a really good point. I've had obsessions come and go my entire life, although I didn't recognize what they were until I learned about AS. When I was about 7 years old, I became obsessed with police officers. I rode my bike to the local precinct every day after school and just sat outside the building, watching the officers come and go. I got to know them all by name, and I knew which number squad car they drove. I think about that now and it really cracks me up. My mom had no idea I was going to the police station every day. But you'd think she'd be a bit concerned when I'd blurt out, "Look! Car number 2494! That' Officer Jones!" while we were out shopping. But she didn't really notice. Hmmm....
The think I don't like about being Aspie is how people react to me. My own family doesn't know I'm Aspie (other than my husband, and he's great about it) -- nor do any of my friends or co-workers. They just think I'm quirky, unfashionable, sometimes inflexible, or too sensitive, or whatever. They also think I'm quiet -- which isn't really true. I just can't think of anything to say unless I'm talking about one of my obsessions, or work. Sometimes I wish I could explain to them why I am the way I am, but I don't think they'd get it. My son who is dx'ed is so much like me it's scary. And we understand one another perfectly! Another thing I struggle with is not being able to really follow the conversation if people are not speaking plainly. At work, people can use very vague language because they're trying to be diplomatic, and I really struggle to get at what they really mean. Usually I'll have someone explain it to me later, under the guise of asking them how they thought the meeting went. But sometimes I think I know what's going on and I add my two cents and everyone kind of stares at me for a moment and looks away. Then I know I blew it!! Luckily, that hardly happens anymore because I've gotten much better at keeping my mouth shut unless I really know what's going on!
Anyway, just thought I'd introduce myself. Bye!
24 Mar 2006, 8:56 pm
