DarrylZero wrote:
I've always felt like the odd one, at least as far as I can remember. 2 years ago I started having some issues, responding to things in ways that "normal" people don't, and started looking into it. I researched several different conditions. AS seemed the most likely, but I still wasn't sure as I didn't think I had all the traits to the same degrees as listed in the different descriptions I'd read. Then I was in a book store, looking at some AS-related books. I found Asperger's From the Inside Out by Michael John Carley. I read a story he shared in the introduction about how he tried to comfort a co-worker who was experiencing grief, and he used the exact same thought process I did in similar situations. I nearly cried when I read that. That was my "A-ha!" moment.
Shortly thereafter I found a psychologist experienced in diagnosing AS in adults (I was 35 at the time). She diagnosed me with AS, confirming my suspicion. Interestingly, she said, after the diagnosis, that immediately upon meeting me her first thought was Aspergers, even though during the diagnosis she said I had adapted well and my presentation was very mild.
That's a great book... and providing some very a-ha moments for me as well... I haven't finished it yet but that's mainly because I am running out to my boyfriend so much with the book and saying "Honey, look, read this!", that I keep getting distracted. LOL I'm not diagnosed professionally as of yet, but between discussions with my family (I asked my brother, who has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, if I had Asperger's one time. Without hesitation he looked at me and said "Very much so." LOL) and other friends who know me well that are willing to research and give me an outsider's view, I truly believe I have it. When I get some health insurance or find alternate resources to see a professional, I am pretty sure I know what they'll say.
17 Apr 2011, 9:49 am
