To say hello!

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Hi,

Just found the forum tonight. I think it's really great to have a place like this.

I'm a bit confused. I am a research student in educational psychology ... driven to study through a genuine interest in people and what makes them tick ... perhaps a life-long pursuit.

My area of research is anxiety in young people with autism, particularly those in mainstream education. I have met many students through work who were both undiagnosed and diagnosed yet desperately unhappy. I wanted to research this as a way of raising awareness of something that may affect a significant proportion of people with an ASD. The interesting fact is that the more I go into the research, the more I see myself as a young person.

I have always considered myself to have genuine empathy, yet I have always struggled in social situations, and sometimes find eye contact difficult. Certain sounds drive me crazy and always have. I find it difficult to have a broad circle of friends, although I have a small number of really good friends. I am happily married to a guy who gives me the (considerable) space I need. I am happy in my own company and absolutely love pursuing a line of interest. Yes, I can get really obsessive about stuff, but I hide that quite well!! ! I hate gossip and love computers.

I would be interested in hearing your comments. I know I've only given you scant information, but Asperger's sounds so appropriate, even if at the mildest end. I seriously wonder if I am drawn to research in this area, as it is so close to my own heart. I am not afraid of this, but am curious.

Thank you!