Hello

Post Reply New Topic

Hello all.

So, I've been lurking here for a few days. Im sure plenty of people can say that.... What prompted me to say anything is that Im curious about what it takes to get diagnosed? And is there any benefit to having an "official" Diagnosis (Ive read alot about the negative effects of having a diagnosis, but are there any positives)? I can repost this somewhere else if I should, just please tell me, or move it for me.

I can go into my story, but it really won't matter a jot beyond creating a wall of text, so Ill leave that for later or unless asked for. Suffice it to say that Im about 95% sure Im either Aspie, or something similar.

Edited to delete my name at the end, and to apologize for not reading the rules a little more carefully.

To WrongPlanet!! !

Welcome!

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

I can't speak for others; However, in my case, I don't see the point. I don't mean to discourage you from getting diagnosed. All I am saying is that in my case, I know - I don't need someone else to tell me. I also know that there is nothing a doctor can do to change my condition. In fact, I don't want to change. In addition, I have lived most of my life with Asperger's without knowing what it is. I have become fairly proficient at living a normal life (although there is always room for improvement). But I don't need someone to help me "cope", or any type of therapy from someone who has no idea what the reality is actually like. My learned behavior, ability to remain careful with my choices, ability to learn on my own and find the right style of life that fits my personality....no doctor could help me with these things. At best, they would encourage me to do what I have already done. Maybe they would medicate me for anxiety, but I don't see this as a cure or as helpful - in my case. I don't speak for others...

Just thought I would put in my two cents, for what it's worth. I am interested in hearing other people's opinions...

Welkome to WP.

The WP Kink

Thanks for the welcomes yall!

And thank you MichaelJLynch for responding to my questions. A large part of me feels about the same as you do (And certainly agrees with you on an ideological level). Another part though I think is looking for something that I don't know if it will ever find. I guess to elaborate a little, I think that part of me is looking for the same thing others here have gone looking for (I think there's even a Greetings post made about the same time I made this one with one of these in the very title), Understanding and Acceptance.... I think understanding is actually more important to me then acceptance as well, which I don't know how many people would (ironically enough) understand..... So I asked I guess because I was looking to see if anyone had more positive feedback resulting from a diagnosis then some of the things Ive read here, heard about in media, seen first hand, and can guess when imagining the combination of a "Disorder Diagnosis" with the average contemporary American's attitude towards certain things..... Regardless of all that though, Thank you again for responding .

That said, I agree and hope more people post their opinions/experiences, which is why I asked in the first place XD.

Welcome to WrongPlanet

I don't know if this would be worth anything to you or not, but I was diagnosed at 13. I think it matters more the younger you are, because:
1. As we get older, many of us have sort of "adapted" to the NT world that surrounds us, and are able to disguise our differences somewhat.
2. From what I hear, there isn't that much support available in adulthood (not quite there myself yet so I can't say), and more is available if you're diagnosed early.
I don't think you mentioned how old you were, or which country you reside (though if you did mention then I'm going for my yearly eye check-up soon so don't worry! ), so all this may be irrelevant or useless, but I hope you enjoy your time here regardless

Thank you for responding Tenpencepiece XD.

No I didn't mention it earlier, but Im 27 and live near Seattle WA, USA.

My take on what Ive read so far is pretty similar to what you said. Identify it early so that you can help them when they'll probably need it most (The ridiculous process of going through bureaucratic education, and forced socialization with many people in small rooms, aka School). But Im asking because I don't know, and I guess I hope theres more to it then that. Im 27 and Im out of school. I have gotten better in general at dealing with the world, though the core problems still exist. I eat food in my apartment, or at a table on my own or with my wife if we actually eat out, rather then underneath the back staircase at school so I can get away from the cafeteria, but I still have this problem understanding people and getting them to understand me..... Hence why Im asking what I am.

I know Im curious about what it takes to get diagnosed, because I think I was about 4 the last time I was at a doctor's office just for me, and I have no idea whats involved in getting diagnosed, or even where to start. The second question I have has to do with trying to get a read on if there are any resources available for diagnosed Aspie's vs not. Or if people have ever had many, or any, positive results from disclosing that their aspie? I guess, I want to know if there is more out there then just this board, and a doctor's office where both you and the doctor know you're aspergers? Is being aspie just a continuation of misunderstandings that, ok, so we have an idea about how and why they happen, but just go on continuing to occur anyway? Ok, my wife and I now know that the reason why I need her to tell me things directly rather then infer it or say/do something subtle is something thats not likely to change, and can try and work things out accordingly, but its frustrating talking to people and feeling like you're speaking like a ret*d or something when they fail to get what you're saying (Even though trying very hard to make a logical and easily followable path in what you're saying), or having them come out and ask why you didn't do something they apparently wanted done 2 hours ago but couldn't be bother to ask directly and rather inferred it indirectly.....

Finally, you said that you've heard there are more resources available if you're diagnosed earlier? Mind if I ask what those might be?

Thank you again for your time and response.