New & Hesitant to Jump in But Hello From Queens, NY!

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Several weeks ago I decided to google "Why am I so sensitive to light and sound?" because I've been realizing that not everyone is as responsive to these things as I am.

This snowballed into my discovery of Aspergers (something I've known about, but never considered the possibility of "having" [I put "having" in quotations because "having" AS makes it sound like a disease, however I am starting to notice it is in many ways a gift, rather than a mental illness]). In my opinion, nothing is worse than being boring and normal, and so being neuro a-typical is a welcomed possibility for me.

Before my epiphanic google search, I hadn't pieced together my social anxiety (and apparent social retardation - seeing as how I haven't made any new friends since high school ended 4 years ago), depression, history of self-injurious behavior, LOVE of music (seemingly, the only medium through which my emotions can travel), lifelong isolation (even in a group), SEVERE eye contact issues, and lack of emotional attachment to people - even boyfriends and family members.

The more I looked into it, the more I matched the criterion and/or characteristics of AS (aside from a few).

Tomorrow I have another psychiatry appointment (my second with my new psychiatrist [I've been through several]) and I am thinking of bringing up the possibility of my having Aspergers, however I am fearful he will dismiss the idea, as my (talk) therapist did about a month ago (urging me to "get tested" before I diagnose myself with it [although I don't believe there is an "adult AS test"].

I'm 90% positive I have AS, and was even watching home videos last night for early signs of it and noticed several - including swaying back and forth, vocal volume control issues (screaming inappropriately), and the infamous tip-toe walking (if no one is looking, to this day I feel more comfortable walking up stairs on tip toe).

I just wanted to see if I would get any feedback posting on here, ideally maybe even before I have my appointment tomorrow (perhaps a likely possibility - seeing as how there are so many members logged in whenever I visit!)

Does it sound like I have it? How do I know? How did you know? What do I do from here?

Thank you anyone, for reading and responding to this.

Yes, they do test adults for Aspergers--I was recently quoted $1500 to be properly evaluated by a specialist, not covered by insurance. Since I am middle aged and pretty well adapted to the NT world, I declined, but since are younger, you may have more services available to you.

Welcome to WP, homesickalien!

BTDT is right--you can get assessed for AS by a professional.

There are some people who don't think self-diagnosing is accurate, but in case you are interested, here are a couple of online tests:

http://www.rdos.net/eng/Aspie-quiz.php

http://www.piepalace.ca/blog/asperger-test-aq-test/

I self-diagnosed using both. I am 31 and don't think getting a professional assessment will be worth it for me at this point (I have learned to "adapt" also, more or less).

Whether or not you see these as "definitive," they may give you some clues.

IMO, the stuff you mentioned may very well be AS.

Welcome again.

not to fear......we're all a little wacko here.......well, ok....i'm a whole lot wacko.

Welcome!

To WrongPlanet!! !

Welcome aboard the Wrong Planet, homesickalien.

Welcome!

Welcome to WP homesickalien! Nice to see another New Yorker here!

Welcome to WP!

Sorry It took me so long to post again (to be perfectly honest, for some reason responding was causing me slight anxiety), but thank you Tim_Tex, Northeastern929, KyleTheGhost, JetLag, Richie, BrainFre3Ze_93, Conundrum, and BTDT for the warm welcomes and advice. I took an online diagnostic test, on which I scored something along the lines of a number representing "you probably have AS".

I have yet to look for a neurologist who can test me and is covered by my insurance company (GHI) since I have been more focused on my music than my possible diagnosis lately (I always put things off until the last minute).

Anyway, I will keep you all posted on what is to come for me with regard to AS, and thank you again for the kind salutations.

Conundrum - Thanks again. I'm glad I found you all too...

I taught myself a bit of guitar over the last year and recently started taking lessons. It's been a really cathartic experience for me and I am totally in love with my guitar; it saves my life. I used to play piano for years and know a few classical songs but piano never felt as right to me as guitar does.

I write my own songs too, and I'm also familiar with / compose songs on garageband (for mac) and soon Logic (when I can afford it [I really need a job lol]).

I'm currently taking off a semester (or two) from school and so music is really the only thing I have been focused on.

I don't know what I'd do without it.

I also can't believe it took me 3 months to respond. I'm terribly sorry...

I have problems with time (i.e. sleeping patterns, deadlines, insomnia, forgetting dates). Is that common in AS?

Willkommen!
I like the avatar.