Diagnosed w/Asperger's as an adult: does it matter?

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starwonder
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18 Sep 2009, 10:16 am

Recently diagnosed with Asperger's sydrome, as an adult. Not a huge shock to myself or anybody who knows me.

My question is: does it really matter? And if so, how does it matter? I've been fairly successful since leaving behind the horror years of high school -- I've graduated college and have managed to hold down full-time jobs. I have a understanding long-term boyfriend. I have, however, switched jobs very frequently and failed to ever find a job which actually utilized my talents and skills to my level of capability. My therapist made a point of telling me this, and I agree. The lack of real connections, however, is getting in the way of my attempts to advance myself. But I'm not even sure how to remedy this -- the places I've worked at were mostly unprofessional places, probably most of my old bosses have never written a reference letter in their life. I'd try volunteering or something, but my current job (found luckily after a period of unemployment, so I really want to cling to it) really sucks the life out of me. Furthermore, there's probably not any greater chance that I'd make any meaningful connections with anybody on a volunteer job, even if it's my area of interest.

In short, I feel stuck in a rut. It feels like knowing I have Asperger's could help me get out of it, if only with the self knowledge, but I'm not sure how. Suggestions?

EDITED FOR TYPOS. Though being diagnosed as an 'adulit' sounds exciting!



lelia
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18 Sep 2009, 11:26 am

I was shocked when I discovered I had asperger's. Self knowledge might help you seek the kind of job that will fulfill you. (Of course you have to seek during after-work hours.) Have you read What Color Is Your Parachute?



rainbowbutterfly
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18 Sep 2009, 11:28 am

Volunteering is a good way to get networking connections to possible jobs that interest you. (80% of job seekers get jobs through networking, 5-15% find jobs through want adds.) Also, another good way to network is by attending mixers in your field of interest, and maybe through the website Linked In.
With my Asperger's diagnosis, I have been able to get free disability employment services from the government from the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR). As a matter of fact, last Monday, I just took career interest and aptitude testing. Also, with the DOR, every client is assigned to a counselor to help them with the job search. You might want to do research on the closest DOR in your area.
Perhaps Goodwill can also help you find the right job, but I'm unsure whether or not they'll charge for their services.



DaWalker
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18 Sep 2009, 11:53 am

Hello starwonder

Welcome To

Image

Quote:
My question is: does it really matter? And if so, how does it matter?


    It's a matter of understanding to me, and in understanding me...it does matter.
    But only to those I wish to to tell, does it matter
    and I have learned that I Do matter,
    the hard way as a mater of fact.

:)



AardvarkGoodSwimmer
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18 Sep 2009, 1:34 pm

starwonder wrote:
. . . I'd try volunteering or something, but my current job (found luckily after a period of unemployment, so I really want to cling to it) really sucks the life out of me. . . .


I have experienced that also. And it can be an awkward trap.

Only thing I can recommend is add free positives to your life, without being two picky what.



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19 Sep 2009, 1:18 am

Welcome to WP!


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lawgirl
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19 Sep 2009, 7:34 am

For me it really mattered. I had an inkling that something was "not quite right". Then people around me would make a comment here or there. Nothing definitive, but an aside about someone they knew and how I would do something that reminded them of that person.

The more I read, the more I had to step back. I got depressed. I actually went through all of the stages of grief.... Anger, denial....etc.

Most profound though was the fact that I'm 34. My symptoms are so well masked that unless you are very close to me for a very long time, you never notice. Heck, I didn't really notice. I would just say that I was "Quirky" or "difficult". Difficult was my fave! That's how I explained being married so many times.

It mattered to me for the doctor to say that it was Asperger's and that it had a name. Everyday I try and control it, it sucks sometimes...but the fact that it has a name is easier for me.


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Tim_Tex
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19 Sep 2009, 7:37 am

Welcome to WP!


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JetLag
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19 Sep 2009, 10:38 am

Welcome greetings to the Wrong Planet neighborhood, starwonder.


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