While I sit here procrasterbating from an upcoming pharm exam, I thought I would post and see if I could get some feedback. I have posted before but cannot find my previous thread so I have started a new one.
Where to begin. Honestly, I always knew I was different. I preferred to read how I was supposed to do something before trying it. This includes social norms. I've picked up on quite a bit in my years. However, the constant intense schooling has had me become retroverted back to my high school days: This will be my second master's degree in science.
At first I denied the possibility that I may have an autism spectrum disorder. My symptoms mirrored ADHD inattentive in the classroom as I would always get distracted building something in my head or drawing. Interestingly, the more I read about Asperger's the more I feel like I'm not unique by any manner. Random things I do or my brother does seem to fall under this broad category of AS.
Here are a list of things I do that I never thought were related. Maybe they're not but I keep seeing underlying interconnecting traits.
1. I'm incredibly good at math. To the point where I will say something in a not so typical manner because it best description. Today I was asked what an fluid output was and I said something like the answer is 2 / second almost instantly. The teacher asked how I came up with this answer. I explained that I took these two numbers multiplied together and then divided them by 3 different numbers. He just looked at me blankly and said that in the future the two numbers multiplied would suffice.
2. I love science and focus too much on some small concepts which sometimes inhibit me from seeing the big picture.
3. I'm horrible at handwriting. My last girlfriend (who was ADHD and probably high functioning autistic) asked if I would consider taking writing lessons.
4. I have great spacial concepts but fail to move fluidly. I mean I act normal and look normal but I really have to try.
5. I chew my nails.
6. I have sleeping issues. I will not wake if people are loud around me but if someone tries to tiptoe or whisper I jump out of bed. Sometimes I sleep walk.
7. I have issues connecting with people.
8. I've been told I have no empathy and cannot seem to calm people down.
9. My friends in college always thought it humorous that I would wear almost the exact same clothes everyday. I have 25 of the same shirts that differ only in color.
10. I have been asked why I am smiling multiple when I shouldn't be.
11. After a long day I rather come home and be by myself then out with friends.
12. I wake up exhausted.
13. I have issues at bars because they are so loud.
14. I struggle having a conversation and looking someone in the eye. If I prepare I can do it but it takes a lot out of me.
15. Nevermind my favorite hobbies.
16. I use atypical wording without a second thought.
17. When I am inattentive in class it is because I am building something in my head. I've been told people with ADHD usually just lose focus.
18. I solve problems that most people don't know where to even begin.
Now this list makes me sound pretty ridiculous. Overall, people love me. I'm told I'm very refreshing with a different look on life. My previous girlfriends have all been beautiful. Over time, though, I noted that they all have had similarities (dyslexia, ADHD, ASD) and some just issues (bipolar, depression, schizophrenia). I sometimes wonder why my friends all notice these issues before I do?
Well that was my pedantic recap of my life. Any ideas? Am I just nuts?
21 May 2010, 7:44 pm
