Hello everybody! I haven't used a forum in a long time, but here goes.
I am very new to embracing my identity as an Aspie. My older brother was diagnosed with Asperger's just as I was graduating from high school (about six years ago,) and the extreme nature of his experience necessitated a lot of assistance for him to start functioning better. Because I was seemingly coping with life better (with more learned social behavior, being a girl and all,) I nor my family seriously considered that I might be in need of support as well. My brother's situation was more serious, so I looked over my own experiences.
I have just recently graduated from University with an art degree and moved back in with my parents (hallelujah.) College presented a plethora of challenges that I simply had to white-knuckle my way through; I wish I had applied some coping mechanisms during that time, it would have made my experience much less traumatic. (lol) But that would have required an understanding and acceptance of Asperger's in myself that I had not yet acquired.
Though I've been aware of my various Aspie tendencies for several years, only now am I starting to identify myself in this group and seek information and assistance for my weaknesses and tendencies. I cannot even describe how comforting it is to discover that there are others out there like me, and that you don't have to be ashamed because of things like soothing stims and bizarre, obsessive hobbies. I finally feel like there is an explanation for all of the strange, inexplicable events in my life, and I'm excited to learn more about living with AS and cultivating a richer life, instead of one full of confusion and shame. Beyond excited!!
I am interested in art, music, anime/manga, art history and Japanese culture. I am hoping to make some lasting friendships here! Thank you for reading