What is this issue?
Anxiety,worry,obsession,special interest all the above or what???
I made a topic here on obsession over college but I'll restate for those who didn't read said topic. The other day mom asked what are you doing I said reading my book. Why haven't you done the dishes? I've been reading my book. Then she came in my room and yelled at me for being obsessive. I told her I was this way 5 years ago she said STOP I DON'T LIKE IT!! !! ! I've been posting to the classroom board but after 6 posts I keep hearing from the teacher "they aren't right." Thankfully! She's nice and is willing to help you get an A. So that's good. Sadly my parents see the Ethics course work as OMG it's not due till Oct/Nov. Why are your worrying about it now?! !! !! So they took my laptop away for the weekend and forbid me to do school work. Sadly this means RUSHING to do HW tomorrow that's due Wed!! !!
It's only the First week of classes (for me) So I got to thinking what is this? Anxiety/worry over meeting the teacher standards (this is what I thought perhaps) also of course special interest/obsession typical Aspie behavior which my faimly doesn't understand. What are your thoughts? Sorry to make another topic on this issue but it has really gotten to me since it's only my first week back. How to NOT have obsession uh uh drawing a blank. (Outside of do work when they aren't here) but otherwise I got nothing.
That obsession thing can be tough. Are you obsessing or are you just a hardworking focused person? I deal with this sometimes myself. It can be frustrating because sometimes it feels like if people don't want you to do something they say you're "obssesing ". Do you enjoy this school work your doing? Or does it just cause you anxiety?
Most of the time my hobby ( read obssesions) bring me joy. If they start causing me stress I cool it for awile. How? I switch to a backup obsession!
I know alot of people have a hard time doing that, but for me I just need something for my brain to "chew on" and I'm O.K.
I get really focused and obsessive. The only "stressor" is the teacher having issues with things I post when I think it's an ok/good topic. I feel bad if I don't meet the teacher standards. Luckily this teacher is nice and will work with you on getting a good grade.
So that's good. I do enjoy it. My only stress course is Business Ethics but I'm slowly understanding the term and work needed. Plus it's only my 1st week. ![]()
Can you maybe move out? Or... is there a teacher you can explain this to, and ask them to talk to your parents?
Seriously, they're in the wrong. Maybe you can find some way to make them less unhappy, though. Maybe give them five minutes for... whatever they'd rather you do.
Or do your homework secretly with pencil and paper, as a last resort.
_________________
I'm using a non-verbal right now. I wish you could see it. --dyingofpoetry
NOT A DOCTOR
I wish you luck. I love learning, but I hated school. I can't learn in a class room. If I want to learn something I read books or do research
on line and teach myself. Unfortunetly you don't get a diploma doing that, and for some jobs you need the paper.
Having a teacher that is willing to work with you is a big plus.
Perhaps you will turn that single minded focus into a degree and then into a job you enjoy.
Do take a break occasionally though. I find it helps to clear out the mind and you can return with added focus.
Any non academic hobbies? Running? Music? Big game hunting? Cooking?
I guess my first question is: your parents know you're aspie, right? they know it comes with certain needs and things, right?
If the answer to both of these questions is yes, then I think you need to explain some things to them about what you need in your life to make it less stressful and to give you a feeling of more control (adequate time to prepare work ahead). Maybe they feel you are over prepping stuff that isn't due yet to the detriment of other things in your life, but as a college student that's a call they can't really make for you. You need to approach them as the adult and negotiate for what you need to make the situation work for you. Maybe you agree to put assignments away for a certain amount of 'family' time--which would include dishes and chores and non-school things. I don't know...but compromise seems more in order than directives, and better for you as a blossoming adult.
If the answer was no to either of those questions, you have some serious explaining to do--which still means you get to be the adult and approach them armed with information, common sense and a clear picture of what you need to make things work for you.
I wish you luck. I always hate being the adult, but sometimes it just has to happen that way.
_________________
-Amy
without the dark of night we could not see the stars
hereirawr.wordpress.com <---shameless self-promo
You might also consider that your parents simply aren't going to listen to what it means to be an Aspie. When I first encountered the actual definition of Asperger's, I took 6 months to be sure I was right about it before talking to anyone else about it. I brought it up with my friend, with an ex girlfriend, and with an former coworker. All listened and agreed to varying extents.
When I brought it up to my parents, they didn't even want to hear me finish my sentance (and my parents are divorced, so this happened twice).
See if you can find a professional (doesn't even need to be a shrink) who can email or call or write a letter to your parents that informs them about the main details of AS, as it applies to you.
I don't know if you are officially or self diagnosed.. And it really doesn't matter. Certain breeds of parent often won't listen to their offspring without someone 'respectable' who is external to the family offering an opinion.
Be sure you pick someone your parents will approve of as successful and hard working, or this might backfire.
CockneyRebel
Veteran
Joined: 17 Jul 2004
Age: 51
Gender: Male
Posts: 121,609
Location: In my own little country
Thanks everyone. I feel my special interest and obsessiveness is college it was 5 years ago and is now. Sadly my brain is confused part is ME part is your parents are right it's not due till Oct/Nov. It's annoying and makes me want to scream. My FB friend said calm down it'll get done. IMO NO IT WILL NOT UNLESS I FOCUS ON IT AND TRY TO UNDERSTAND IT DAMN IT!! !! I hate the "it'll get done" mentality IMO that's BS! This is the same FB friend over the summer who had a paper due in a week and "Oh it's not done yet" IMO THAT'S INSANE!! !! ! I wish my parents understood my obsessiveness better we'll see how College goes beyond now but my obsessiveness being of issue the first week does have me concerned. ![]()
Hey, don't beat yourself up. There's a difference between obsession and getting control of things that are important in your life. Obsessive would mean that it's taking over other things in your life and preventing you from doing things you love...that you actually WANT to stop, feel that it's hurting you but can't stop yourself.
It sounds to me that's not what's going on here--not entirely anyway (although I only know what you've told me...so you'll have to be the judge of that). Perhaps you just need to allow yourself to formulate a weekly plan for these long term assignments--formulate some ways that you can feel prepared, in control and on time without it taking over your life.
It feels good to concentrate on things you enjoy, it feels good to untangle problems and learn new things. It feels really great to accomplish a huge task. BUT...these things shouldn't eat the rest of your life and also make you feel bad. Hope you get it sorted...I hate feeling like this. I guess...I'm writing this now to let you know you aren't alone in how you feel--I think most of us have been there at some point.
_________________
-Amy
without the dark of night we could not see the stars
hereirawr.wordpress.com <---shameless self-promo
