Hi, I'm a self-diagnosed Aspie, formal diagnosis pending. Professionally, I'm a med school graduate and am in my first year of residency. Since my college years I've seen several therapists for anxiety-related issues, with some benefit but never really felt like I dealt with the underlying basis for my anxiety. Only recently did I discover that having Asperger's Syndrome perfectly explains my various quirks, anxieties, and talents. I always knew I was different from my peers, but could never really explain why. For example I usually feel "out of the loop" in casual conversations, have difficulty following the flow of a conversation and contributing appropriately. Maintaining eye contact is also very difficult, especially if I am trying to concentrate on what the other person is saying. Sensory sensitivities...I've got a lot of them. Learning to cope with all of these things and trying to function in society has been a difficult, oftentimes overwhelming process--especially since I didn't know where all these quirks came from. I previously thought I was just a really anxious person and would have to learn how to deal with it. While partially true, I now know the bigger picture of who I am and why I act the way I do. After coming to that realization, I'm already starting to feel more comfortable in my own skin. I'm excited to learn more and hear other people's stories. Glad to be joining the community!
12 Dec 2012, 3:07 am
