redrobin62 wrote:
Yeah, I have it. I didn't realize the DSM-IV mentions it and quite a few people suffer from it.
I mention it now because I yelled at two neighbours - one three days ago and one tonight - for allowing their large dogs to walk freely towards me without leashes.
When I see those dogs coming I panic. It's like I want to quickly climb a tree or jump onto the roof of a car.
I usually run to the side, into the bushes or out to the street. Then, when the dog's owners yank them to safety, I unleash a verbal tirade I'm embarrassed about later.
Just seeing a dog coming towards me makes my heart want to leap out of my chest.
Is this related to Asperger's?
I heard that it's a very common thing for people on the spectrum to have. I'm guessing because dogs are very tactile, very physical animals that seem aggressive even when they are being playful. If an autistic person has a lot of sensory problems, a dog might trigger very horrible sensations. Plus, dogs can be unpredictable, which is alarming for anyone.
I myself am not phobic of dogs. Quite the opposite, actually. I love dogs and when I see them, I have the sudden urge to pet them (obviously I don't because I don't know what their temperament is like).
Important advice from a dog owner; freaking out may incite the dog to get excited or get anxious. If you encounter a dog, try your best to keep your arms at your side and don't look at them. Don't make any sudden movement and try to breathe slowly. I know if my dog saw you freaking out and running, he might chase you and try to play with you. Other dogs might get scared and might try to bite you. Some dogs just stare vacantly. Just depends on the dog, really.
It's important to have a caution around strange dogs, but clearly this is affecting your life very badly so I wish you all the best in overcoming this.
And seeing as we are confessing our own phobias, I have trypanophobia (fear of hypodermic needles). Not exactly sure what subtype I am because I seem t encompass all of them.
15 Feb 2013, 1:59 am
