Stimulus + memory --> Cringe (Big time!!)

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It can be a song that I heard shortly after an embarrassing situation or it can be an expression that someone I dislike used to use, and as soon as I hear it I immediately feel oblivious to my surroundings, I get transported back in space and time to that moment where I felt embarrassed or when I lost an opportunity.

I immediately force my eyes shut and clench my fists. I may bite my hand or utter an obscenity. As soon as I curse, the vulgarity "wakes me up" and I am once again aware of the surroundings, which may now contain someone totally perplexed by my erratic "crazy" behaviour.

Later this situation itself becomes the embarrassing moment, and I cringe when I remember the time when I was caught remembering an even older moment and cringing at it.

This is causing me very, very hard time at work and at home and ruining my life.

I am very high functioning but it is things like this that make people suspect there is something wrong with me.

What should I do? Please help me...

I can relate. Dont do that exact thing. But I do do things like talk to myself. Just try not to get emotional about memories while on the job. Tell yourslelf t wait until quitting time -to pick up on that train of thought- and think about something else (like about that Three Stooges video you saw on Utube the other day) while on the job.

How common is it for aspies to have this? Or maybe this is not related to being an Aspie but is rather a different ailment I have? I don't get to choose. It just happens. And me cursing (which can be quite obscene) is the worst bit because I do it audibly and people notice sometimes.

i wonder if this has anything to do with Tourette's? when i was your age i useta go off on reveries until an external force slapped me back into reality. and i used to have tics that i could not control. am thankful that i seem to have aged out of that.

I am positive I'm an Aspie, but how do I know if I have Tourette?

Usually self-diagnosable
It involves uncontrollable repetitive movements or unwanted sounds (tics), such as repeatedly blinking the eyes, shrugging shoulders, or blurting out offensive words.
People may experience:
Behavioral: compulsive behavior, impulsivity, hyperactivity, meaningless repetition of own words, nonsense word repetition, repetitive movements, swearing uncontrollably, or lack of restraint
Muscular: tic, difficulty with bodily movements, increased muscle activity, involuntary movements, involuntary muscle contraction, or jerking muscle spasms
Mood: anxiety or apprehension
Also common: coughing, eyelid twitching, frequent throat clearing, learning disability, repetitive blinking of eyes, or stuttering
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Below are the criteria that a doctor or other health care professional will use to diagnose TS or other Tic Disorders. There is no test to confirm the diagnosis of Tic Disorders, but in some cases, tests may be necessary to rule out other conditions.
Tourette Syndrome (TS), also known as Tourette’s Disorder: 1) At least 2 motor tics and at least 1 vocal (phonic) tic have been present, not necessarily at the same time. 2) Tics may wax and wane in frequency but have occurred for more than 1 year. 3) Tics started to appear before the age of 18. 4) Tics are not caused by the use of a substance or other medical condition.
*Persistent (Chronic) Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder: Either motor tics OR vocal tics have been present for more than 1 year; cannot be both motor and vocal tics.
*Provisional Tic Disorder: Motor and/or vocal tics have been present for less than 1 year, and have not met the criteria for TS, persistent (chronic) motor, or vocal tic disorder.
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by the above definition, a lot of people seem to be afflicted with it.

What your describing is normal humans have memories linked to outside sensory input like a song reminding you of an ex partner for example.

This is not autism but a normal part of brain functioning.

It’s your reaction to it that is the problem

Thanks for the elaboration. Based on what you wrote I do not think I have Tourette's