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Assalamualaikum (for Muslim) and Hi,

First of all, I'm not a native English speaker. So, pardon my language.

I am 25 years old. Married. I'm from Southeast Asia.
I have never been clinically diagnosed as Aspie or Autie. However, I've noticed things about me that are different from the people around. Some people closed to me also pointed out a few thing.

I am a socially awkward person. Generally, I don't talk much, even with some of my family members. I don't have many close friend. Generally, I didn't seek new friend. Instead, I usually mind my own business and sometimes some people for some reason approached me and later, we may become closed friend. That was how most of my relationship started. As I grow up, I understand that it is good to have a lot of friend. I tried to become friendlier but find it hard. I've noticed that for some people, these social skills seems to be like natural things for them.

Whenever I am left a lone with someone in a room, I will not likely to start a conversation. Instead, I often immerse my self in reading stuff from my smartphone, especially when I have access to the internet.

Some of my family members used to make joke that if only I and two of my cousins were in the same house, the neighbors may think that nobody's home. My wife also pointed out that I am not involve much with the society and I always bore people with my talks.

During my teenage years, some of my classmates pointed out that I lack facial expression. They even called me "robot". I even practiced facial expression in front of the mirror just to cope with the problem ( I'm not sure if that is healthy). I've also been forcing myself to have eye contact during conversation and... awkward.

I have an intense interest in computer-related stuff. I have bachelor degree of computer science and I'm currently doing my master's degree. Being the nature of my study, I might be just considered as a geek. Nevertheless I understand that I need to do something about me being socially awkward. I am also interested to know specifically what kind of condition I am having.

I found about this website from wikipedia when I was reading about Asperger syndrome after considering the possibility of me having the condition. I've been considering to undergo diagnosis. I would also appreciate any opinion regarding my condition based on what I've described. Feel free to ask if you have any inquiry.

Nice meeting all of you

hiya, hkmxmc welcome to our neat little club
you are among good people.

Hi, welcome to Wrong Planet.

Wa aleykum wa salam! Kifa haluka?
Im not a muslim but I like the arabic language a lot.
It sounds like you been through a lot of social difficulties In your life. So has I.
It really helped me a lot though to get the diagnosis. It helps me especially when it comes to just being myself and not be ashamed of it. (I am a total language geek and in generel just wierd)

Which language is your native ?

Thank you, all.

Nice to be among the people.

I'm from Malaysia, and my native language is Malay. I've studied Arabic language but done quite badly.
so... "ana bi khoir" (I'm good).
I've also taken an English test in Malaysia and the score was like 4/6. I've done terribly during the speaking test. When I think about it just now, I may not be good in speaking regardless the language. Lucky for us, we are typing and reading in here

Recently, I had a job interview. I feel that I've done terribly and too nerdy.
So here's a question.
How can I compete with the general population while I can't really converse well (regarding the job interview)?

Well... I dont think you should get stressed and frustrated beacuse you feel that you cannot compete with NT's. Aspergers syndrom is a de facto Executive dysfunction disorder. So an aspie will never be able to compete with an NT on equal terms.
If you have computer as your special AS interest then you will have the commitment and enthusiasm as an advantage in the jobinterview. Aspies in generel talk better when they talk about something they are interested in.

But of course, if you could get a diagnosis then you would increase your chances for a computer job. Lets say that you have the diagnosis and you talk with a jobinterviewer about a computerjob.
If you start by telling that you have AS and briefly explains what it is about, then your jobinterviewer will be able to get a much better undertanding of why you have problems speaking in such a situation.
I think that it is normal that NT's have stereotype imagination of an Aspergers/autist being a computergeek that it in your case an advantage.

wow. thank you. never saw it that way

Welkome to WP

Mick

Hi fellow Malaysian.. A'kum.. welcome to WP.. did u got the job? i understand your situation and kinda happen to me also.. nice to see that you already doing Msc. Wanna continue till pHD? Anyway.. kinda hard for people like us/me to compete and succeed.. usually fail or delayed. Sorry for my English, got only 4/6 for my muet test. So you are married... how did you support you family then... forgive for my curiosity, just want to know.

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

Regarding the job, they didn't reply. I assume I didn't get it.
Currently, having difficulties with my Msc. I'm trying my best, but my best isn't good enough. Probably not going for PHD immediately. Since that I'm married, I'm planning to work. I need money. I made a deal with my parents, and they support me until I got my Msc.

Anyway, I'll PM u later, InsyaAllah

Ic... well usually they prefer employee that good in multitasking/social skill/leadership etc... its hard but we need to survive some how.. Btw.. have you try applying for lecturer? Msc should be enough for IT lecturer. Anyway.. dont be sad n let down... just always move forward what ever obstacles you face..

Welkome to WP

Mick