Autism/Mysophobia (fear of germs)

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mysophobia: The irrational fear of germs.
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I'll be frank; I sort of have this, but not to the degree it was some 15 years ago, nor to the degree that Howie Mandel has it (he refuses to shake anyone's hand because of this).

I ask you, do you have this? Over time, mine sort of faded away, but I will periodically clean myself a lot when the situation calls for it.

EDIT: Rephrasing the thread so people can understand it more easier.

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LIONS-STAMPEDERS-ELKS-ROUGHRIDERS-BLUE BOMBERS-TIGER-CATS-ARGONAUTS-REDBLACKS-ALOUETTES

The Canadian Football League - What We're Made Of

Feel free to talk to me, if you wish.

Every day is a gift- cherish it!

"A true, true friend helps a friend in need."

Thought I'd rephrase the thread a bit.

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LIONS-STAMPEDERS-ELKS-ROUGHRIDERS-BLUE BOMBERS-TIGER-CATS-ARGONAUTS-REDBLACKS-ALOUETTES

The Canadian Football League - What We're Made Of

Feel free to talk to me, if you wish.

Every day is a gift- cherish it!

"A true, true friend helps a friend in need."

I had it severely when I was younger. These days I just get on with it if I get a cold or something. I was so scared of germs at one point that I wouldn't go out (3 years agoraphobic) and I wouldn't let anyone touch me, come near me etc. The weird thing is though, and I have never fully understood this, when I was at my worst I just COULDN'T wash! I think it's because my brain was saying that the bath was dirty but I am not too sure about that. OCD is a strange thing!

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I have HFA, ADHD, OCD & Tourette syndrome. I love animals, especially my bunnies and hamster. I skate in a roller derby team (but I'll try not to bite )

I don't have it at all. I can easily walk on dirty ground barefoot, shake hands and eat a cookie without washing hands etc.

What I can NOT stand, however, is having my hands visibly unclean (sweat, dirt, anything)... I must wash them immediatly or I won't be able to think about anything else.

go figure...

I have something like that, but not to the extent of causing difficulty in doing everyday work/home things.

I don't like shaking hands with others though I do do it when I have to, just to be polite. I don't like touching door handles. I don't eat food that has been touched by other people's hands. I wash my hands and gargle regularly.

I also fear chemicals. I very carefully rinse soap off when I wash. I try not to use insecticide etc.

I think this germa-/chemophobia is one of the things that people around me find me odd about because nowadays I don't try to hide my phobia. I simply refuse to touch things if I don't want to.

I have no idea if phobia like this has anything to do with autism, but I wouldn't be surprised if people with autism have a tendency towards it.