Newbie: I want to learn

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Hi, I'm a psychiatrist who's looking for info about how to help some folks, especially in the relationship area. Can you direct us to good books or other ways of getting past the anxiety of starting relationships? How about the issue of experiencing touch as overstimulating? I appreciate the help. jk

There is a "books" link on the top of this site- you could start with those.

From the time I was a small child, I always thought that the psychiatrists I met were strange and seemed to enter the Psychiatry
profession because they needed help for themselves...much more that what I did.

This female shrink appears to prove my childhood beliefs.

Welcome to WP!

Tim

Hi shrink,

Welcome to WP.

PS If you want information other that that which you have specifically requested, you might need to post that. We tend to take questions rather literally - we'll answer the one asked.

Welcome,

A touchy subject.

My kid informs me when she is going to hug me, counts to ten, then hugs.

Good Luck!

FINALLY- a shrink who is looking to the right source for help, then one who's ego is to big to look. I'm sick of these inflated, self righteous no it alls who think they speak for people with challenges instead of letting them speak for themselves. You are a vital source for help in your community because you admitt you need help, and you are asking the experts....those who know first hand. GOOD FOR YOU, YOUR CLIENTS and your research. Your peers can take a lesson from you. the more you learn from those in the spectrum the more you will learn how to help your clients. As you will see here, one size doeas not fit all. So you will learn alot of different ways, and alot of different insites that will give you the tools to help. Keep looking, keep researching, keep asking.

Hello, Shrink-
I'm brand spanking new just joined a few moments ago- didn't know there was a great foruml like this for folks like me! Going to the source is commendable; my therapist often does the same thing at conferences. As for the realtionship thing, wish I could help you, but it isn't really a part of my experience. However, I'll share what I have learned for what it's worth. How to begin a relationship? Damned if I know, but I have had success forming friendships, (all 2 or 3 of them), by centering them around things I like to do. Past interests have included karate, (early to mid-teen years), religion- particularly "New Age"- (major interest during my late teens, mid-twenties), dabbled with T'ai Chi, Yoga, Buddhism, etc. It's a good way to meet others with a similar interest on safe ground. As for the issue of touch, I'm lucky in that I can touch and be touched IF AND ONLY IF it's someone I like/love. As for intimate touch, (yes I mean sexual), regretably don't like it, (not afraid of it, just not comfortable, enjoyable, or fun). Anxiety makes it difficult to perform, (literally). Maybe with your clients approach touch-all touch- in steps. Dialogue- ie. "In order to hug you I first need to...then I can...." As for sex, DEFINATELY NO PRESSURE OR URGENCY! How to beginn? Slowly...get comfortable just being in his/her arms for a while then...? Good luck, hope this helps.

Thank you to everyone who answered my post. I'm following up, using your suggestions...

mcsquared: one way would be to direct folks to this website, read suggested books. I'd ask my patients to start posting their questions here, reading what others' experiences are, try to get a sense that they are not so alone. The issue of touch is discussed in much more detail here than what I can provide--also, it's described by people who perceive sensory inputs the same way they do. If there were also dating websites, I'd consider that too.

Nice to meet you, shrink.

I'm Jerry.

mcsquared: I agree so much. All the aspie info is new to my one patient, in particular. I would LOVE any hints you have for her (and for me, so I can be helpful)...