Thanks. Last night when I was writing this I wasn't really sure what to write, but after reading some other posts, I think that writing symptoms night make more sense.
He's generally a very social person, but often over the top. He likes to be in the middle of things, but not always for the right reason. If the topic of conversation moves from him, he'll announce something that has nothing to do with anything (often something from a previous conversation that might have taken place half an hour before).
He's got a crazy obsession with music. He's fabulous at the guitar and piano, but on top of that, if you name any metal song from the '80s he can tell you exactly who the musicians where, what type of instrument they are playing (make, model, year et.), as well as what type of cords and amps etc.
He talks about music like everyone knows what he's talking aout. He can get into very dramatic conversations about guitarists that nobody has ever heard of, and would go on for an hour without pause, not having a clue that the other person is completely uninterested or has phased out all together.
He can't not talk to himself. It's like his internal dialogue has to come out of his mouth. It's a bit quieter when other people are around, but normal to loud volumes when he's by himself, and sometimes shouting when he really thinks other people can't hear him (in the shower, for example).
He doesn't really get social etiquette (eating, talking at the right times and saying the right things, not interupting), and when explained it just doesn't make sense all the time. He says things that are very out of place sometimes, and has the oddest 'sense of humour' of anyone I've ever met. He laughs at things that are plainly not funny, and is often the only one laughing in the movie theatre, and then leans over and says, 'C'mon, now THAT'S funny!'.
He also uses words that most people don't use on a regular basis. The best example I can come up with is that he calls almost all males (even 5 year old boys) 'gentleman'. Like, when most people would say, 'That guy over there', he'll say, 'That gentleman over there'. I know that doesn't sound like much, but it's really odd.
Most people meet him and really like him right away - he's got a lot of friends. But, if much time is spent with him, it becomes very apparent that he is lacking a lot of elementary social skills - he's very socially awkward. It can be very frustrating, and I've spent a lot of time wondering why he 'just doesn't get it'. I'm sort of starting to think it's because he can't really get it, because that's how he is.
This is really just a general overview, but it's some of the main points. There's definitely a bit of OCD in his personality, but that doesn't seem to be a problem. I've also noticed some body motions that are similar to tics, I guess, as well as a very interesting swagger to his step (never thought anything of it in this aspect - just thought that it was him until I read up a bit on AS).
Basically, AS explains a lot, but I have no idea where to go from here. I've never known an adult with AS (that I've known of). He's 28, and I'm not too sure if it's just something that is what it is, or if his social skills or socal awareness can be helped at this point.
Any ideas, or any thoughts on how to deal with this (from a relationship and a friendship standpoint) would be really helpful.
Wow, that was long. Sorry.
25 Nov 2008, 5:44 am
