Think my boyfriend has AS - does he know? should I bring up?

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inquisitiveNT
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11 Jul 2011, 3:24 pm

I tried to find a current thread on this topic, but was unable, so forgive me if this is redundant.

I've been dating a guy for a few months now. I really love him and enjoy our relationship. There have been several very awkward/odd encounters and recently a "how's our relationship going" talk that was terribly awkward and confusing for me.

We watch Big Bang Theory and I, having previous knowledge of AS, mentioned that Sheldon's character seemed quite like someone with Aspergers (from my limited knowledge). And then I asked if he knew what that was. He paused, then said yeah. He then told me that he's only met one personally who had "full-on" AS and it was a professor he worked with. He described the monotone, non-emotional way the guy would answer his phone. And then that was it, end of conversation.

But somehow the next day the topic popped in my head again and I wanted to know more about the traits of Aspies, so I started doing research. Then I started recalling all of the suprising, unusual traits/preferences or ways of being that he had and was so surprised to see how many were consistent with Aspies - routine, light/sound/smell/touch sensitivity, picky eater - very restricted diet, very flat emotionally, doesn't compliment, doesn't understand why I'm upset when i occassionally get upset, super flexible, low alcohol tolerance, hates surprises, trouble initiating conversation, seemingly self-focused, stares at himself in the mirror constantly, etc, etc, etc....

I've been diving into research for 3 days, ordered two books about it and I so want to bring it up with him. But one, I don't know how to and if I should and two, it just occurred to me (reflecting on our AS conversation) that perhaps he already knows but chooses not to bring it up. He seems quite aware of his unique preferences and needs and brings them up to me when they need to be addressed.

Advice? Insights?



The_Face_of_Boo
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11 Jul 2011, 3:32 pm

This is just a wishful idea of yours.

Him having something rare and so mysterious makes him sexier, no?



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11 Jul 2011, 3:34 pm

If it doesn't significantly impair his life then by DSM standards he doesn't have it.

Not to say he doesn't have the exact same traits of someone whose life is impaired by these traits...

I guess it comes down to whether having it poses problems for him (anxiety/depression/consistent problems in interacting with others).

I'd guess the thought has entered his mind that he might have it and he rejected it. If he's anything like me 5 or so years ago.

I got diagnosed cause I can't function.



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11 Jul 2011, 3:37 pm

It's possible. A lot of people come close without actually being AS though. If it helps you understand him, then go with it - but realise it's not something official unless a Dr. says it's so.

He may like not being labeled. It might help him. Everyone is different. You could bring it up in a clearly stated joke and see how he reacts. If he doesn't understand that you're even joking then he is probably AS.

(That was a joke, btw)



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11 Jul 2011, 3:56 pm

It's his business. He probably knows that he has it if he does. You could be walking through a minefield if you try to tell him directly. Would you love him any less if he was on the spectrum?


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inquisitiveNT
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11 Jul 2011, 4:51 pm

Thanks for your perspectives. To answer the last question, no I would not love him any less. I am a very self-aware person who likes to grow and learn. I like to know my partners deeply and learn about their needs and dreams and hopes and thoughts. So, my desire to discuss it with him or to "know" whether this resonates for him, is because of my desire to want to connect more deeply and have the best possible relationship.