Hello,
I'm new here. Given the number of forums I've inhabited over the years, it's surprising that introducing myself in this manner is completely novel. I'm not sure if I have AS. My current psychiatrist has very little knowledge of it and has no referrals. Though I've known of AS for many years, I have avoided a diagnosis because it seems too convenient. It explains too much of my life. But I'm trying to get my life in order and to understand myself, so I no longer worry about a variable explaining too much of my life.
I'm about to turn 30. I have a five year-old son. I was divorced last year after seven years with a woman I met while in college. (She left me.) I am currently dropped out of law school while I regroup to take the bar and retake a course I did not pass. I work as a consultant (mostly during the week) and have my son every weekend.
Body language is largely a mystery to me except through painstaking library research and prosaic observation. I have difficulty identifying my emotional states and the emotions of others. With at least one notable exception, I generally don't feel sympathy or empathy for or with others except upon post hoc reflection. I set words on play and have a penchant for archaic turns-of-phrase. Regardless, I am clumsy with language and people have trouble understanding me. Though I have acute hearing, I have trouble understanding people speaking. I am also physically clumsy.
Growing up, my English teachers were always on my case for abrupt transitions. Conversely, my literalism stands me in good stead in tax law and other statute-based areas. My allusions and metaphors make Dennis Miller look utterly common-place. I love humor, primarily taking it dark and dry but also crude and sub-sophomoric.
So why I'm here:
I tick off most of the symptoms, all I need is a formal diagnosis, but of what use would that be? I manage alright.
Quite honestly, I now may have a chance with a woman about whom I care quite deeply, whom I have known for many years. I am determined not to let anything get in my way. Sometimes it is worth going all in and playing for broke.
25 Jan 2009, 3:00 pm
