Hi!
I'm a 31 year old female, from the (USA). I'm on a waiting list to see a specialist in my area for an Asperger's evaluation. I'm almost positive I'm an Aspie, and 100% positive my biological sister is (though she has never sought diagnosis).
I would consider my presentation as childlike: interests in trends younger than my age, naivety, and physical/vocal characteristics that make me seem younger than I am. I've also developed problems with depression and anxiety, due to rough family circumstances and life-long social rejection by female peers. On top of this, I tend to have emotional issues due to hormonal imbalances and sensitivities to mood-altering or xeno/phytoestrogenic compounds, especially noticeable around my cycle (I have these issues mostly under control with oral contraceptives, though god forbid I miss a dose!)
I had extroverted behavioral problems as a child, but became intensely introverted as a preteen and beyond. I became almost a loner in high school, opting to hang out occasionally with some of the misfit guys.
I've had some obsessive tendencies, the most notable of which was my exotic birds hobby during my teenage years. I read books to learn everything I could about proper care and breeding of these birds. I bred them, drew detailed and realistic sketches of them, and made science fair and 4-H presentations on them.
I do not, however, have repetitive behavior. In fact, I find repetition to be boring, and I crave trying new foods and experiencing new things, as long as those things aren't too risky. I do have a hard time trying new music, strangely, and I feel uncomfortable when someone tries to have me listen to something new. I generally have to find it on my own, otherwise I listen to a lot of the same music over and over. I also have to have control over my own environment. Though I don't keep a rigid schedule, I do absolutely hate surprises, or when someone interrupts what I'm doing, or is late or changes plans.
I make and keep lists of things like foods I eat and their macro nutrient profiles, as well as activities to do in my free time, chores, various potential daily routines (though I have a hard time sticking to the routines, thanks to distractions like the internet).
I love fantasy and scifi shows and movies, but prefer to read nonfiction books or information on the internet. When it comes to fiction I prefer writing my own stories, of which I have many very intricate and unusual plots, but have never been able to finish any to completion.
I'm a first generation college student, from a low-middle class family. My family has never been very supportive, and when I told my mother I thought I had Asperger's, she laughed and sarcastically said "yeah, right." In fact, I know if I were to tell my extended family my suspicions, they would think I was just doing it for attention, or that it can't possibly be true because I though it up first and brought it to the doctor's attention. I've been accused of being selfish, self-absorbed, and a "know-it-all" in the past by them, though such accusations hurt terribly.
Has anyone else had problems bringing up their concerns or discussing their diagnosis with their family?
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My momma told me I could be anything I set my mind to, so I became a recluse
10 Sep 2016, 11:36 am
