School Assignment on Asperger's Syndrome

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Hi there,

I have to make a simple assignment for school, i could choose any subject i found interesting. I have been interested in Asperger's Syndrome for a long time now, so i thought i'd write something about it. As it turns out i need to interview someone as well. Now i am not sure what the rules are exactly regarding posting "essays" on the forum, but i hope it's allowed. Basically this essay of mine is very simple and as such the questions are too. Feel free to remove the thread if it's not allowed. Many thanks in advance for those that take the time posting answers.

-How old are you?

-In what country do you live?

-Do you have diagnosed Asperger's?

-Are you employed? If still in school, are you worried you'll have difficulty applying for a job?

-Do you have any hobbies or obsessions, if so can you elaborate?

-If applicable, what do you feel about turning your hobby into paid work?

-Do you have routines at work?

-Was your workspace adapted for you?

-How do you feel about trying stressful jobs like being a doctor, or fireman? Jobs where steady routines are not possible?

-How much difficulty do you experience understanding sign language or facial expressions? Have you been able to teach yourself how to do it?

-Do you have many social contacts on a daily basis?

-Would you say that you can entertain yourself enough on your own? Example being keeping busy playing games, watching movies etc.

-Are you getting professional support at the moment, or do you do things on your own?

-In what way do you experience Asperger's Syndrome? Are you proud to be you? Would you rather be neurotypical? The answer to this next question is different for everyone. What do you think, can Asperger's Syndrome be considered a curse or blessing?

-How old are you?

31

-In what country do you live?

USA

-Do you have diagnosed Asperger's?

yes

-Are you employed? If still in school, are you worried you'll have difficulty applying for a job?

Currently employed

-Do you have any hobbies or obsessions?

Yes

-If applicable, what do you feel about turning your hobby into paid work?

My job is within my special interest.

-Do you have routines at work?

Yes

-Was your workspace adapted for you?

No

-How do you feel about high stress jobs like being a doctor, or fireman?

I do not understand the question. I'm trying to decide the link between doctors and fireman that distinguishes these jobs as higher stress.

If you mean jobs that require you to make decisions quickly--I avoid them.

-How much difficulty do you experience understanding sign language? Have you been able to teach yourself how to do it?

I have taught myself some sign language. I do not think I have any difficulties with it.

-Do you have many social contacts on a daily basis?

I only really see people I need to for work or family.

-Would you say that you can entertain yourself enough on your own? Example being keeping busy playing games, watching movies etc.

Yes, I can entertain myself.

-Are you getting professional support at the moment, or do you do things on your own? I see a psychiatrist, an ASD specialist, and a speech therapist.

-In what way do you experience Asperger's Syndrome? Are you proud to be you? Would you rather be neurotypical?

I don't want to be neurotypical. Many times I am in a lot of pain though. Much of this could be eliminated if people like me were better understood and accepted. Sometimes I am understood by neurotypicals as being mean or like a "smart @$$" when I did not intend to be so. After enough years of that, I developed social anxiety on top of my already existing social troubles. I see the bulk of my troubles as being a problem that lies between me and neurotypicals, but it seems neurotypicals (including professionals I seek for support) see it as a problem wholly within me.

The answer to this next question is different for everyone. What do you think, can Asperger's Syndrome be considered a curse or blessing? It's both. You can't have one without the other.

Thanks Screen_name for taking the time to answer! Yes, i meant jobs where you have to make quick decisions and everyday is different. I meant that as a doctor no day would probably be the same, as well as a fireman having to adapt to each scenario, always facing new situations. Could you perhaps elaborate on how your special interest fits into the job you currently do? Have you also taught yourself the ability to read facial expressions, or do you still experience issues with it?

I agree that the issues neurotypicals have with people that have Asperger's could be a lot less if they were informed, even if just a little bit. You are right on the last question. For most it's not a black or white thing. I think that there are some people like that though. For me it's an intriguing question. Having done some research i have read that some people suggest Asperger's Syndrome might be the next step in evolution. In some ways it makes sense, as people are growing apart and we become a more technologically advanced species. Some of the special skills that people with Asperger's Syndrome have might be really useful in this next step in evolution.

It's a difficult question. If you were born with Asperger's Syndrome and always been like that, would you know what it feels like to be neurotypical? I'm not sure. So when you don't know, you also can't really say if it's a curse or a blessing. In any case the best answer would indeed be that it's both. Thanks again!

-How old are you?

27

-In what country do you live?

USA

-Do you have diagnosed Asperger's?

yes

-Are you employed? If still in school, are you worried you'll have difficulty applying for a job?

I am employed. My job involves problem solving using computers. This often involves programming. I have been complimented on my technical and problem solving skills, as well as my ability to focus for hours. However, I find it very difficult when what I am supposed to do is not specifically defined. Also, we currently have multiple ongoing projects, and there have been many phone conferences about these projects. I usually don't understand anything that is said during these meetings unless it is something technical, like discussing file specs. My boss is expecting more of me lately since we are busy. She expects me to prioritize and ask questions when needed. I have difficulties with both of these tasks. Because of this, I do worry at times if I can keep my job. If I lose my job, I'm afraid I would have a hard time finding a new one. I would like to have my own business in which I write custom programs for businesses, but I don know anything about business, so I would need someone who does to help. I also have poor organizational skills, so I would need that person to handle organization and scheduling.

-Do you have any hobbies or obsessions?

Yes. I have obsessions that last anywhere from months to years. I usually have one or two at a time. Right now I am obsessed with Star Trek. In the past I have been obsessed with the following: cats, oceanography, ASL(American sign language), tornados, programming, psychology-especially autism, Scottish history, the Irish whistle, and probably some others that I cant think of at the moment.

-If applicable, what do you feel about turning your hobby into paid work?

My job is one of my former special interests that has turned into a simple interest. I would, however, like to have my own programming business (see where I mentioned this above. I would cut it and paste it here, but I am posting from my phone) I also am talented at sketching cats. ( maybe other things too, but I haven't tried yet) I would like to make a living selling my art, but that is not a guaranteed secure job.

-Do you have routines at work?

To a degree. Or really, most likely everything I do is based on a routine that I don't even know is my routine since I never sat down and decided to create a work routine. I tend to end up in a routine without trying and no realize it until later. Though, my routines are hard to define because they aren't based on time but on events. Ex.i check email. I delete anything that I don't need (I get all emails that are sent to the department I work in, but most of them are not for me) I select one email to work on. I finish it. I check email again, get rid of ones that don't apply to me,select another one to work on. I also have routines for going to the break room, and getting tea or water.


-Was your workspace adapted for you?
Yes. I have my own office. I turn off the over head fluorescents and use lamps that I purchased myself. These were adaptations I did myself, not ones that he company did for me.

-How do you feel about high stress jobs like being a doctor, or fireman?

I don't think I would be able to handle a high stress job . My job is relatively low stress, but is at times too stressful for me to handle, especially since we have multiple projects right now. I also get stressed when I have to work late, but did not expect it. If I know I will have to work late early in they day, then I am fine. If it is a surprise ( something happens just before time to leave forcing me to work late unexpectedly because I am needed to fix it) I get extreme my stressed. Usually, I don't notice the stress building up until I am having a near meltdown( near meltdown because I don think it is severe enough to call it a meltdown) in which I start repetitively saying something like "I can't figure it out. Why can't I figure it out? I can't figure it out?" (This varies based on what triggered it) and crying... Feeling like I am going to scream. I try not to scream because other people will hear. One time I did what I thought was a slight squeak when trying not to scream and my boss heard, and thought I screamed... So maybe I screamed without realizing it? It is usually something small that triggers it, but is probably because stress had been building up for a long time.

-How much difficulty do you experience understanding sign language? Have you been able to teach yourself how to do it?

I have no difficulties with sign language. I took a sign language class and learned it faster than the other students (NTs) I notice more facial expressions in sign language than I do in English because they are more obvious. Still, NTs notice more facial expressions than I do, but I still recognize enough to understand what is being said in ASL one of the things I like about ASL is that I can actually get information from facial expressions. In English, facial expressions are so subtle that I usually don't even notice them. I think one of he reasons I learned ASL faster than the other students was because it was my special interest at the time, so I was absorbed in it. I do notice that it is actually easier for me to converse in ASL than it is in English. In English, I am more likely to monologue. In ASL, I am more likely to actually converse.

-Do you have many social contacts on a daily basis?

I live with my parents, so I see them almost daily. Sometimes they go out of town and I am completely home alone. I find that very refreshing. I see my co workers Monday-Friday, but my job does no require much interaction, so I don't talk to them that much. There are a couple of geeks at work, though, and the three if us talk about Star Trek a lot. (As well as other things... but Star Trek illustrates the type of conversations we have) I know a few people outside of work and home that I want to be friends with, but haven't really gotten pas friendly acquaintances. I have one friend that I have known for years, and consider a friend, but we really don't hang out much.

-Would you say that you can entertain yourself enough on your own? Example being keeping busy playing games, watching movies etc.

Yes, I find it difficult to understand that some people can't. I remember when I was a kid,people often commented that i was good at entertaining myself, but I didn't understand why it was such a big deal that they would comment on it.

-Are you getting professional support at the moment, or do you do things on your own?

I don't have professional help, but i get a lot of help from my mother. Currently, due to sensory issues, I can't buy groceries since I can only handle stores for about 30 minutes before I start to shutdown. I am also very forgetful and disorganized, so I don't know if I could live on my own. I would like to though.

-In what way do you experience Asperger's Syndrome? Are you proud to be you? Would you rather be neurotypical?

I don't want to be neurotypical, but I do wish there was more understanding and acceptance. I wish I had support socially. Ex. Someone who is patient enough to actually teach me basic social skills step by step, in tiny steps, and will show me how, and will be there as support as I attempt to try to socialize(ex help approaching and joining a group at gatherings) I wish people would understand that I really want to be their friend, but I need help doing so...and that I might not always do what they expect. I wish I could deal with sensory issues better and had better executive functioning . However, I don't want to become someone whose focus is socializing. I like my ability to focus and figure things out. I enjoy solitude. I like that I prefer to learn rather than go to a party. But I would like to have a close friend or two.

The answer to this next question is different for everyone. What do you think, can Asperger's Syndrome be considered a curse or blessing?

Both. I feel I have great gifts and great challenges.

-How old are you?
19 years-old

-In what country do you live?
England, United Kingdom

-Do you have diagnosed Asperger's?
Yes

-Are you employed? If still in school, are you worried you'll have difficulty applying for a job?
I'm not currently employed in any paid, full-time profession nor am I in the full-time education. I am currently taking a part-time college course in GCSE English and Maths on Tuesday and Wednesday morning. However the closest I've ever had to a job is my ongoing voluntary work at my local park's animal centre. I am indeed worried about applying for jobs and I've had little luck finding one so far.

-Do you have any hobbies or obsessions, if so can you elaborate?
My core interests revolve around nature, natural sciences (biology in particular), art, psychology and psychiatry. These strong interests and hobbies have largely molded me as a person and have had a strong influence on me.

-If applicable, what do you feel about turning your hobby into paid work?
I'd love to! In fact, if I'm successful enough as to achieve my desired GCSE grades, I'd love to pursue a diploma in biology at university. However, I'm still unsure as to where that could leave me.

-Do you have routines at work?
Yes. I typically travel a certain route on my bike to my voluntary job.

-Was your workspace adapted for you?
N/A

-How do you feel about trying stressful jobs like being a doctor, or fireman? Jobs where steady routines are not possible?
I'd be willing to accept those particular jobs at the cost of it being stressful for me. Work is work.

-How much difficulty do you experience understanding sign language or facial expressions? Have you been able to teach yourself how to do it?
I have issues recognizing subtle uses of nonverbal communication. I don't miss obvious uses of sarcasm and metaphors as much as I have difficulty picking on some gestures, body language and the inflection of voice. I don't know sign language.

-Do you have many social contacts on a daily basis?
I seldom talk to anyone outside of my family, college and work ties. My only friends are online.

-Would you say that you can entertain yourself enough on your own? Example being keeping busy playing games, watching movies etc.
Yes. Solitary activities like reading, video games and watching movies are good ways of keeping me preoccupied. I feel I'm less susceptible to loneliness that other people as long I aren't deliberately being ostracized or left out of something.

-Are you getting professional support at the moment, or do you do things on your own?
No. I haven't received any professional support from psychologists or counselors since I hit my eighteenth birthday.

-In what way do you experience Asperger's Syndrome? Are you proud to be you? Would you rather be neurotypical? The answer to this next question is different for everyone. What do you think, can Asperger's Syndrome be considered a curse or blessing?
This is a hard question to answer since my experiences can vary so much. Yes AS can often leave someone socially isolated and make it difficult to navigate throughout society, but you can't claim it has no perks or benefits. It gives one a unique perspective of the world, strongly outlines their personality, influences their life altogether as well as helps them pursue some complex and esoteric interests to a degree that most wouldn't even touch. In a sense it can be viewed as both a curse and a natural gift depending on symptoms in question as well as how they effect people.

Personally, it is for these reasons -- having lived with AS all of my life -- why I would not want to change myself, no matter how many challenges it presents for me. I've simply lived with it for far too long and I also think it makes me myself as a person. It's fine if others think differently and would want to become neurotypical if given the opportunity; I just ask for my opinions to be respected in turn.

-How old are you?

28

-In what country do you live?

USA

-Do you have diagnosed Asperger's?

Yes

-Are you employed? If still in school, are you worried you'll have difficulty applying for a job?

I am employed.

-Do you have any hobbies or obsessions, if so can you elaborate?

Yes. I am obsessed with my story now.

-If applicable, what do you feel about turning your hobby into paid work?

I am too shy to even publish it and would rather just post it online only which is what I do. It's gotten lot of hits on a forum but not many comments and I talk about it to selective people online. I don't feel comfortable talking about it to everyone.

-Do you have routines at work?

Yes

-Was your workspace adapted for you?

I don't understand the question.

-How do you feel about trying stressful jobs like being a doctor, or fireman? Jobs where steady routines are not possible?

I don't have those jobs so I don't know how I would feel about it. I had one where there was no structure and it was hard and I didn't get fired for my faults.

-How much difficulty do you experience understanding sign language or facial expressions? Have you been able to teach yourself how to do it?

I know some and I always forget to look for the others because it's like I can't do both in social situations and analyze it and wonder what does this posture mean or that. I will sometimes read about body language online and it sounds so simple but only to know I will be breaking those rules again in the situation because I can't do both. If I notice something off, I ask if anything is wrong and I expect them to be honest otherwise I just assume I read them wrong.

-Do you have many social contacts on a daily basis?

No.

-Would you say that you can entertain yourself enough on your own? Example being keeping busy playing games, watching movies etc.

Yes. I learned to do stuff alone in 6th grade because I had no one to play with so I learned to entertain myself.

-Are you getting professional support at the moment, or do you do things on your own?

No I am on my own.

-In what way do you experience Asperger's Syndrome? Are you proud to be you? Would you rather be neurotypical? The answer to this next question is different for everyone. What do you think, can Asperger's Syndrome be considered a curse or blessing?

I don't consider it neither. It doesn't give me anything positive and I don't have any aspie gifts so I feel dull with myself. If I could get rid of anything about myself it would be anxiety and learning issues and shyness. I got more anxious as I got older because I got too aware and I am afraid of offending people or bothering anyone and being annoying due to past experience so I keep to myself. I do wonder how different I would be as an NT.

-How old are you?
I am a month and a half away from turning 19 years old.

-In what country do you live?
U.S.A.

-Do you have diagnosed Asperger's?
I have had one therapist "strongly suspect" that I have Asperger's and another therapist suggest that I have Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (an autistic spectrum condition where one does not fit the full criteria for an autistic spectrum disorder but where one has at least a few symptoms that impact their lives in some way); as far as I know, I have no "official" diagnosis, however.

-Are you employed? If still in school, are you worried you'll have difficulty applying for a job?
I am an unemployed college student that often does volunteer work; I do sometimes fear that my social inhibition and occasional awkwardness may interfere with getting employed (this was the case, I'm pretty sure, when I attempted to work at the local library in high school), though I hope to be more-or-less self-employed as a writer and a disability advocate.

-Do you have any hobbies or obsessions, if so can you elaborate?

I do not know if any of my current interests are intense or comprehensive enough to count as "obsessions"--I can read information about genetic, developmental, and psychiatric disorders all day, but I do also attend to other activities (such as college, volunteer work, and familial/social obligations). I can read nearly anything, in fact, all day, and I often spend large amounts of time surfing the internet and reading whatever happens to pop up in my daily surfings.

I daydream near-constantly whilst doing other stuff (the "characters" will often comment on this world from within their world), but I am not sure that such is an obsession, either.

I also enjoy writing (though I seem to do less of this as of late) and jewelry making (which I can also do for hours at a time).


-If applicable, what do you feel about turning your hobby into paid work?

Both my writing and my jewelry making have been commended, so it is not impossible that I will eventually be paid for such; I am also hoping that my interest in various disorders and the people they effect will be conducive to my goal to become a disability advocate.

-Do you have routines at work?
At school, my only "routine" seems to be the class schedule--I go to my classes at their appointed time, but every other activity is apportioned according to when I have the energy and desire to do it, when it needs to be done, and when it is the most convenient to do it.

-Was your workspace adapted for you?

As my classes are only hour-long stints at a time, I do not require adaptations; my sensory and emotional issues wear me out gradually enough to where I can function for the entire day (most days) and get done what I need to get done.

-How do you feel about trying stressful jobs like being a doctor, or fireman? Jobs where steady routines are not possible?

As mentioned priory, I am not terribly reliant on routine; being a doctor or fireman, however, would likely be too stressful for me for other reasons, such as being responsible for the lives and safety of others, having to deal with other people at their angriest/most upset (I do not function well when others are displaying strong emotions), having to regulate many orders at a time efficiently (I prefer to receive one order and perform one task at a time), and, of course, the long, often unpredictable hours.

-How much difficulty do you experience understanding sign language or facial expressions? Have you been able to teach yourself how to do it?

My largest issue with non-verbal communication is paying attention to it. Once I am looking at the person, I can usually determine more-or-less the mood that the person is in, and I don't seem to struggle with sign language (though I cannot read lips to save my life and sometimes have problems following a gaze). I sometimes struggle with certain facial expressions (such as the difference between being contemplative, sad, or mildly irritated; I tend to assume the latter two in many cases where the former is correct), but, for the most part, it seems that I have a pretty firm grasp on this (how much of this is due to training over the years and how much is due to the sub-clinical nature of my presentation, I do not know; I do seem to find this much easier than many people on the spectrum and some people in general).

-Do you have many social contacts on a daily basis?

My parents call me every day when I am at college (my school is over a hundred miles from the house; I visit nearly every weekend). I also communicate with my professors (when it's relevant to do so), and I am a member of a few clubs that meet bi-weekly, such as a volunteer organization (thus the volunteer work) and a writing club. Between meetings, it is not uncommon for me to go three-or-four days without having more than one-or-two full-on conversations (were it not for my parents, there would be some days where I would literally not speak to anyone the entire day).

Now, if imaginary friends count as "social contacts," then I am quite the social butterfly...

-Would you say that you can entertain yourself enough on your own? Example being keeping busy playing games, watching movies etc.
I entertain myself on my own [either with daydreaming or the aforementioned hobbies] for most of my waking hours; my parents claim that, despite all of my other eccentricities, I was an "easy" child because I always entertained myself.


-Are you getting professional support at the moment, or do you do things on your own?

I do receive counseling once a week, and my parents provide for me financially, but I take care of most of my daily needs, such as eating, driving, personal hygiene, managing schoolwork, ect.


-In what way do you experience Asperger's Syndrome? Are you proud to be you? Would you rather be neurotypical? The answer to this next question is different for everyone. What do you think, can Asperger's Syndrome be considered a curse or blessing?

As mentioned above, me being on the autistic spectrum is more speculation at the moment than fact. My symptoms largely take the form of sensory and emotional issues (most severely emotion--I have been known to bite and hit myself out of frustration, and I seem to cry much more easily than do most people my age), with a few defects in cognitive function (such as misplacing things quite often, sometimes not knowing what steps to take to complete an action, being absolutely terrible with directions), mild-moderate clumsiness (I have injured myself on multiple occasions from simply not watching where my body was, and I sometimes have difficulties manipulating certain items [my handwriting isn't spectacular, though it's supposedly legible now], though I am still capable of taking care of most of my needs), some prosody issues (my speech can sound a little "odd" at times), the occasionally flattened affect ("Why don't you ever show any emotion??"), and minor social awkwardness. If being "wore out" easily can be considered a symptom of Asperger's, then this is also a way in which I experience...whatever it is that I am experiencing.

There are some days where I am deeply upset that I am not as mature, strong, or capable as I "should be," and there are times that I am treated as mentally deficient, even by close relatives, but I am overall not displeased to be myself. I am not sure that one would call it "pride," but I acknowledge that I have many strengths and some likable qualities, and I would rather be myself than anybody else (which answers the "Would would rather be neurotypical" question; as the adage goes, "Fight the demons you know").

My specific presentation of...a presumed autistic spectrum disorder...can be described as a blessing with a few "catches." It can be frustrating sometimes going near-catatonic, sometimes "crashing" at an early part of the day and not getting all done that I need to get done, and I fear that I might be lonelier than I consciously recognize, but I experience the world in such a way that inspires me, fills me with awe, and that seems to allow me to have some positive impact on it in return. As one member on this forum has said (and which may have come from ThAutcast, an online blog published by an autistic man), "My lows may be low, but they make my highs that much higher," and I feel blessed to experience the highs as I do.

-How old are you?

33

-In what country do you live?

Sweden

-Do you have diagnosed Asperger's?

Yes, I was diagnosed in 2010 at age 30.

-Are you employed? If still in school, are you worried you'll have difficulty applying for a job?

I am employed in the private sector. I've been fortunate in knowing the right people at the right time, or I probably wouldn't be doing so well. Not that I'm bad at what I do, I just don't think I'd have gotten the chance under less favourable circumstances.

-Do you have any hobbies or obsessions, if so can you elaborate?

Computers, most of all. Other things vary, but I like science fiction in both book and cinematic forms, and language. (I can be quite the punster when in the right mood.)

-If applicable, what do you feel about turning your hobby into paid work?

That's pretty much what I've done. I've turned obsessive hours in front of the screen and "internet addiction" into quite a nice career in IT. So I'm positive indeed about that concept.

-Do you have routines at work?

Some, but not much more than the average person, I don't think. If I find one way to do something that works, though, I tend to be fairly unwilling to change it.

-Was your workspace adapted for you?

Not much. My manager knows I have AS and moved me to a slightly less noisy area of the office, but besides that, not really.

-How do you feel about trying stressful jobs like being a doctor, or fireman? Jobs where steady routines are not possible?

I used to think my answer would basically be "no way in hell". That might still be applicable when the stakes are as high as in medicine or firefighting, but I've managed to weather critical situations with lesser stakes, so I don't think it's completely ruled out.

-How much difficulty do you experience understanding sign language or facial expressions? Have you been able to teach yourself how to do it?

I don't understand sign language at all, but then I've never had cause to learn it. Facial expressions? I can read obvious strong emotions but am a bit hazy on the subtleties. It's also difficult to read facial expressions in real time when at the same time I have to pay attention to both the tone of voice and the words being spoken.

-Do you have many social contacts on a daily basis?

On weekdays, work tends to wear me out enough that I need alone time the rest of the day. I've a gaming group I see weekly. My best friend from that group, I also used to do lunch with pretty much daily during the week, but we no longer work within lunching range of each other.

-Would you say that you can entertain yourself enough on your own? Example being keeping busy playing games, watching movies etc.

Overall, yes, if something like a good selection of books or a computer with an Internet connection is available, I can keep myself entertained very nicely indeed.

-Are you getting professional support at the moment, or do you do things on your own?

I've had regular contact with a psychologist/therapist free of charge since my diagnosis. This has sometimes been useful, but lately I haven't needed much support of that kind, so I'm on a break from it.

Otherwise, yes, I do things on my own. I wouldn't say I do great at it; my apartment is in a terrible state, though livable. I keep myself fed, clothed and clean, so I guess I'm managing.

-In what way do you experience Asperger's Syndrome? Are you proud to be you? Would you rather be neurotypical? The answer to this next question is different for everyone. What do you think, can Asperger's Syndrome be considered a curse or blessing?

It's hard to answer this question, since I don't have a non-autistic frame of reference to compare to. But I experience it as both a curse and a blessing. I wish I didn't have sensory issues like poor sound filtering, sensitivity to strong light, finding wool insufferably itchy, etc, but I think the different perspective I have on the world can be useful. I've often been told I "think outside the box".

Thank you all for your responses! Interesting answers! They shed some light on the ideas i had about Asperger. I really appreciate the time you have all taken to answer.

-How old are you? 29

-In what country do you live? United States

-Do you have diagnosed Asperger's? Yes

-Are you employed? If still in school, are you worried you'll have difficulty applying for a job? I have been employed on a (mostly) continuous basis since I was 10

-Do you have any hobbies or obsessions, if so can you elaborate? Obsessed with learn about Spectrum Disorders... Also with the Titanic, Harry Potter and TV shows.

-If applicable, what do you feel about turning your hobby into paid work? I'm a therapist and specialize in working with people with Asperger's.

-Do you have routines at work? I have very rigid routines and get very flustered if they're broken. Luckily I also have very understanding coworkers.

-Was your workspace adapted for you? Therapists get office they get to do whatever they want with... Mine is very calming.

-How do you feel about trying stressful jobs like being a doctor, or fireman? Jobs where steady routines are not possible? Stressed just thinking about it.

-How much difficulty do you experience understanding sign language or facial expressions? Have you been able to teach yourself how to do it? Sign language is a complete mystery... I'm better at facial expressions than I used to be (part of my training )

-Do you have many social contacts on a daily basis? Outside of my wife and professional contacts, no. But I do try to mingle for fun at least once a week.

-Would you say that you can entertain yourself enough on your own? Example being keeping busy playing games, watching movies etc. Absolutely! This is my preference. My wife has to motivate me to get out and about.

-Are you getting professional support at the moment, or do you do things on your own? I do things on my own, but I did disclose to my supervisor to help her gain understanding and the ask for only patience.

-In what way do you experience Asperger's Syndrome? Are you proud to be you? Would you rather be neurotypical? The answer to this next question is different for everyone. What do you think, can Asperger's Syndrome be considered a curse or blessing? I was only just diagnosed in the past six months. I am proud to be who I am and am gaining more peace in my life. I used to be really ashamed of my social shortcomings, but now I understand and am working to accept and/or improve them.

-How old are you? 35

-In what country do you live? USA

-Do you have diagnosed Asperger's? No. I do have diagnosed ADD (diagnosis made around 1987).

-Are you employed? If still in school, are you worried you'll have difficulty applying for a job? I am employed.

-Do you have any hobbies or obsessions, if so can you elaborate? A few. Maps, bicycling, hockey. I pretty much involve all my free time in these 3 things.

-If applicable, what do you feel about turning your hobby into paid work? I would love to, but there's no market for my hobbies.

-Do you have routines at work? Yes, and I stick to them when I can. They regularly get broken, but it's the one thing I've learned to overcome more than anything else.

-Was your workspace adapted for you? Somewhat.

-How do you feel about trying stressful jobs like being a doctor, or fireman? Jobs where steady routines are not possible? They would be tough. My job's tough enough.

-How much difficulty do you experience understanding sign language or facial expressions? Have you been able to teach yourself how to do it? I think I'm OK at this.

-Do you have many social contacts on a daily basis? Usually 1. Sometimes several.

-Would you say that you can entertain yourself enough on your own? Example being keeping busy playing games, watching movies etc. Yes. Absolutely.

-Are you getting professional support at the moment, or do you do things on your own? Dealing with it on my own. Can't afford professional help. So I look for alternative avenues such as books and message boards.

two questions you need to add.

1. What age were you when you suspected/were diagnosed?
- if it was at a later age, to what degree did it help you understand yourself
2. Do you have difficulty (on a regular basis) getting other people to understand you?
- if so, do you suspect it has more to do with your verbal abilities or your body language?

I posted a reply to this but I think it was blocked by a witless bot (or botless wit even) who left me the following message

In order to try to prevent spammers, we do not allow our users to post URLs in any form until they have posted at least 5 legitimate posts and have been with us for more than 5 days. We appreciate your understanding in this matter in order to help us eliminate spam from this forum. If you have somehow gotten this message even though you meet both of the criteria, please let us know ASAP.

Thanks!

It must be a new bot because I've been a member of Wrongplanet for a good many years (3 or 4 maybe) and posted dozens of legitimate posts (though not recently as I've been studying and working which have taken up my time). I hope that's all the bot did was block it and saved it in case it turned out I'm not a spanner!

Namaste

Adriantesq

-How old are you?

17

-In what country do you live?

Canada

-Do you have diagnosed Asperger's?

No.

- What age were you when you suspected/were diagnosed?

I was diagnosed with high functioning autism when I was four. I'm starting to suspect I was misdiagnosed.


-Are you employed? If still in school, are you worried you'll have difficulty applying for a job?

Not at the moment. I don't have as much energy as other people. I only go to school part-time because of this. I'm worried that I won't have enough energy to work.

-Do you have any hobbies or obsessions, if so can you elaborate?

I've always been interested in music. I've been more interested in it lately. Especially Scandinavian music. I've been obsessed with computers and a bunch of other things in the past.

-If applicable, what do you feel about turning your hobby into paid work?

I kind of want to, but I'm not sure if I'll make it. If I can't make enough money from music I will work in an optical lab. I've always been interested in lenses and eyes. I've been taking a break from this interest lately. I'm pretty sure this interest will return one day. My interest in music went away a few years ago as well.

-Do you have routines at work?

Not much of one. I actually have trouble sticking to routines. Especially when it involves being on time. I'm better at being on time for doctor appointments than school.

-Was your workspace adapted for you?

No. People have tried, but nothing they do really helps.

-Do you have difficulty (on a regular basis) getting other people to understand you?

At school I have a lot of trouble. My autism diagnosis allows me to go to school part time without people accusing me of being lazy. The one problem I have with this diagnosis is people blaming all my problems on this one diagnosis. I have extremely low mental energy and they haven't really been able to help me with this.

-How do you feel about trying stressful jobs like being a doctor, or fireman? Jobs where steady routines are not possible?

I probably wouldn't get one. I don't really mind having no routine, I just don't like being under pressure.

-How much difficulty do you experience understanding sign language or facial expressions? Have you been able to teach yourself how to do it?

I don't know sign language. I used to not pay attention to body language. When I made myself pay attention I quickly got better at reading it.

-Do you have many social contacts on a daily basis?

Not really.

-Would you say that you can entertain yourself enough on your own? Example being keeping busy playing games, watching movies etc.

Not really. I get bored easily.

-Are you getting professional support at the moment, or do you do things on your own?

Yes. I go to counseling once a week.

-In what way do you experience Asperger's Syndrome? Are you proud to be you? Would you rather be neurotypical? The answer to this next question is different for everyone. What do you think, can Asperger's Syndrome be considered a curse or blessing?

When I believed that I was autistic I really hated my life. I was extremely ashamed of who I was. Now that I'm questioning my diagnosis I have a better self esteem. I also feel way less anxious and depressed. I think it's probably a curse, unless you can do things that NTs can't do.

I'm 26

I live in the US

I was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome about 13 months ago, after about 10 years with other diagnoses (depression, social anxiety, and pseudo-neurological problems)

I'm in school in a program with a 100% job placement rate. I've been in and out of college since 2005 and only have an associates degree and one job I didn't quit after a few days. I think this program will be a good fit, and I'm not worried about employment after I graduate, but it's been an issue with me for a while.

I play the same video games over and over and over (doing the same thing in them), and I'm obsessed with tea (like I have 20 or 30lbs of loose-leaf herbs, spices, and tea varieties, I don't do bagged tea or commercially mixed teas - I have an antique tea set from Meiji era Japan with kintsugi work, etc). I'm also a bit encyclopedic about religion and history in an academic sense, though I'm a bit encyclopedic about everything. like they used to call me "encyclopedia" in school, and this was *after* I'd moved from the school where I was literally wandering around reciting encyclopedia articles verbatim.

none of my hobbies or interests are easy to commercialize, and the closest things all involve more uncertainty and social interaction than I'd prefer.

my school program involves extremely routinized work, where we do exactly the same thing every night. the only variation is that each time we do it it's with a new patient (it's a branch of diagnostic/preventative healthcare).

my work was not adapted for me

I do extremely well in jobs where my role is to work with information and be an expert. I do horribly in jobs that require interacting with people outside of the expert/teacher/technician role. I'm in school for a career that involves working with no more than 3 members of the public (usually 2, sometimes 1) on any given night. I prefer working nights because it's quieter and there are fewer people.

I can go days or weeks without interacting with others face to face, and be perfectly happy about it. I usually don't go that long due to school/work, though. I have the normal amount of friends, I think, but our interactions are almost always initiated by them rather than me.

I entertain myself just fine, for the most part.

I have a therapist

as far as I can tell, my autism has roughly equal amounts of good and bad attached to it. I consider myself a milder version of a savant. I've been called a genius all my life and have been effortlessly better than NT people at music, math, language, memory, and so on since I was a very young, very precocious child. without practice or study I've outperformed peers who were putting their all into things...and then not had the social or emotional capacity to do anything with that ability, gotten bored or had a meltdown, and moved on. I've dropped out of school 8 times, been in therapy for 10 years, had serious and devastating suicidal breakdowns, and so on. looking back, my problems dealing with Aspergers have lead to more or less throwing away years of school, but I've also received tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships and grants because my ACT score was so high (I fell asleep during the test and was still in the 99th percentile) and the essays I wrote in 20 minutes earned me full-ride scholarships. I didn't even finish 10th grade because I was nearly institutionalized. all the time I save not studying is spent in rituals/stims/etc to help me function emotionally.

all of that said, I wouldn't want to be anyone else. there's no such thing as "me" without autism, and I'm ok with that. it's both a blessing and a curse, and so far they seem to have balanced each other out. by the time I'm 40 I'll probably have figured out enough tricks for dealing with emotional and social problems that I'll be a healthy, functional, and independent person roughly on par with someone much less intelligent but much more normal than I am. *shrug*

posted by error