Getting to know each other, Dino-style

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What is your first name? Beth

Age: 42

Location: southeastern US

Current perseverations: meows or barks (I tell people I'm multi-lingual)

When did you discover AS? I initiated my own evaluation in early Feb 2011 and am in the process of continuing that evaluation (according to the Clinical Director who performed my first intake, there were "enough red flags" to continue with my diagnosis)

Do you have other psych diagnoses? probably - most definitely depression (at times) - I've found that making sure I take my vitamins (including B-Complex) is better than anti-depressants ever were (Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor and am not advocating that anyone else follow this example, I just know it works for me and I can tell a HUGE difference when I've missed my vitamins for a few days).

Do you have a degree? B.A. - Anthropology; B.A. - Native American Studies; many grad hours in Communication; many more undergrad hours in an assortment of other subjects( English, Drama, History)

Kids? Nope, although I do enjoy the company of my relatives' kids on a one-on-one situation (trying to corral more than one kid and more than one dynamic is a bit overwhelming for me); I have 2 furry cat-kids.

Favorite music: Yes, please. I have a completely eclectic assortment of music that I pick and choose from to suit my mood. Sometimes, though, complete silence is awesome.

Job? Just took a new job after being fired from my old job (which led me to seek out the Asperger's diagnosis because I believe that my actions and words were consistently being misinterpreted, and not in a positive way). I hate being a cog in the corporate wheel and took a paycut when I accepted my new job because I wanted to do something that made sense to me, that seemed to make a difference in the world, and working with severely Autistic adults fit that bill.

Relationship with significant other, past or present? Presently in the best relationship of my entire life, with a guy I'm convinced also has Asperger's, but I'm not going to push that on him - I'll let him make that decision for himself.

Plans for the future? I'd love to return to grad school and complete my PhD, maybe in Anthropology, maybe in History, I just don't know. What I really want to get back to is teaching.

Anything else you feel is pertinent: Still learning, although after an entire lifetime of living (unknowingly) with Asperger's, this is the only thing that's made complete and total sense in a very long time. Thank you.

_________________
Diagnosed with High Functioning Autism well into adulthood.
It's never too late to get a diagnosis.
Hell, I thought I was just weird.

i can (obviously) come off as really abrupt and my tone can sound sharpish, so feel free to ask me to clarify

What is your first name? too paranoid for that

Age: 42

Location: PA

Current perseverations: anime, writing, educating myself in AS

When did you discover AS? I finally caved in two months ago

Do you have other psych diagnoses? recurrent depression

Do you have a degree? BA Fine Art

Kids? 1 daughter, 8yo

Favorite music, other than NIN: there are bands besides NIN? White Zombie, Type o Negative, Marilyn Manson, Pantera, AC/DC, Zeppelin, Sabbath... and on and on and on...

Job? not at the moment

Relationship with significant other, past or present? 17year boyfriend/common law husband

Plans for the future? currently working on that, check back later

What is your first name?: Jordan

Age: 26

Location: Ohio

Current perseverations: Computers, especially Internet communications and the way people compartmentalize themselves to fit into web forms instead of vice versa, but I also like computer/technological hardware, networking, web design, open source software. I also really like comic books, old pulp crime stories, and modern literature. I like cooking a lot. I'm trying to teach myself stuff about cars (or at least how to fix basic stuff). I'm also crazy about dachshunds.

When did you discover AS?: Like, when I had it? I knew I was "different" for a long time, but I wasn't acquainted with AS and I didn't exactly have very attentive or intelligent parents so it went diagnosed for a long time. I've only been diagnosed recently, although now that I've exhaustively research it, it fits me to a T. It's been very affirming and constructive because now I can battle it little by little instead of having no idea where to begin.

Do you have other psych diagnoses?: Severe clinical depression, social anxiety disorder (both diagnosed way before AS).

Do you have a degree?: B.S. in Communication Studies (Public Advocacy). Ironic, I know. I'm going to start a doctoral program in September 2012 for Mass Communication with a focus in Internet communication.

Kids?: None, but I do have a couple "God kids" that aren't technically my God kids, but might as well be. Also, I volunteer at Big Brothers Big Sisters and have a little brother that has AS too.

Favorite music: Mostly older punk and "rock 'n' roll." I like a lot of stuff. Everything from Johnny Cash to Junior Kimbrough to Chuck Ragan to Gaslight Anthem to the Roots to Cee-Lo to Sage Francis. I'm not crazy about gangsta rap or popular country, but everything else is fair game. I've really been into Frank Turner lately.

Job?: I work IT for a university.

Relationship with significant other, past or present?: I'm currently married. We have a wedding ceremony/reception next month, but we got married in January at the courthouse because my health insurance was lapsing.

Plans for the future?: Well, ultimately, death. Mostly, I want to get my Ph.D. (I think I'm one of three people excited to write my dissertation). I want to get a better job -- better paying and fewer interactions with people, ideally. I want to work on learning to play guitar. I want to cuddle with my dogs, smile and learn to express emotions better.

Age: 35

Location: Utah

Current perseverations: I collect hobbies. Currently watchmaking. Others too numerous to name here.

When did you discover AS? Not sure. I've been aware that i think differently for a very long time. Not sure when i put a label on it.

Do you have other psych diagnoses? ADD. Not to be confused with ADHD. Not the least bit hyper. Oh, and depression.

Do you have a degree? I'd have had to complete a college application form to do that.

Kids? Nope.

Favorite music, other than NIN Varies. I spent time listening to both Wu-Tang Clan and Bonnie Prince Billy today.

Job? Sr. Software Quality Engineer. We break it so you don't have to.

Relationship with significant other, past or present? Bitterly single.

Plans for the future? Keep on doing whatever it looks like I'm supposed to be doing as well as i can do it. Attempt to gradually and continually improve my ability to maintain a serene state of mind. I don't expect to achieve enlightenment in this lifetime.

Anything else you feel is pertinent: Just some guy, you know.

What is your first name? Danielle

Age: 33
Location: Jersey (USA)
Current perseverations: VoIP (top in the industry) and certain books, iPhone, soon to be our apps
When did you discover AS? Yesterday. Seriously, that I had it was yesterday. My son has it and is going through the process but to see what an Aspie woman is was like a description of my personality.
Do you have other psych diagnoses? When I have dipped my toe into the psychiatric system I think I was labeled as ADHD/Bi-Polar/ I forget what else. Self-soothed/medicated.
Do you have a degree? Yes. My Bachelors is in Electrical and Computer Engineering. I don't like engineering as much as psychology and writing but I wanted to make money and engineering/math is easy.
Kids? Yes, 2 boys. My oldest is my mini-me (well really mini-him since he is an Aspie). Youngest is NT like my husband.
Favorite music, other than NIN - Sublime, Eminem, CeeLo Green, Lady Gaga is on my itunes at this particular moment in time.
Job? Yes, I am the lead Voice Architect for the biggest car manufacturer, but I am outsourced by one of the biggest telecom providers where I am an employee. I work at home and make plenty of money for all of us to "chill" at home. I fly and give presentations once in a while but mostly hang home with my fam. I have people that set stuff up for me in the lab and I log in and try to break it. Oh, I was a VP in IT before Wall St crashed all around me. This job fits me better.
Relationship with significant other, past or present? Married, he is NT. He has helped me realize that there was a reason for me and my boy's weird sh*t. Well, he thinks the stuff we do is weird but ya know what I mean.
Plans for the future? Help other Aspie girls once me and my oldest boy complete our money tree business in the next few years.

What is your first name? Sam

Age: 29

Location: Colorado

Current perseverations: Building furniture from cardboard, writing fiction, growing pepper plants

When did you discover AS? 5 or so years ago. My mom learned about it and told me she thought it described me. The idea of going to a psychologist made me anxious, so I never went for diagnosis. I feel like I´m well adapted for the most part but can´t seem to solve the puzzle that is intimate relationships. I think getting support will help me professionally as well.

Do you have other psych diagnoses? Nope.

Do you have a degree? 3 credits from a BS in Mathematics, then on to a Masters is Software Engineering.

Kids? Improbable

Favorite music, other than NIN I like lots of music, but not much mainstream.

Job?

Relationship with significant other, past or present? I think I dated a girl for a year once, but I´m not certain. That was almost a decade ago.

Plans for the future? I´d like to finish my Masters then move to Europe. I´m guaranteed Irish citizenship because my grandmother was born and raised there.

Anything else you feel is pertinent: I have really cool dreams.

Age: 32

Location: India

Current perseverations: painting, indian classical music, occult,

When did you discover AS? couple of months ago

Do you have other psych diagnoses? self diagnosed depression, mood swings,

Do you have a degree? Economics graduate.

Kids- one

Favorite music,- shania twain, eric claption, tracy chapman, enya, flute, piano, kevin kern, kenny g...etc

Job? unemployed was previously working but was kicked out

Relationship with significant other, past or present? married from 8 years

Plans for the future? wanna get out of this city since i was abused a lot here keep getting flash backs

Anything else you feel is pertinent: want to have a extra martial affair but platonic one mostly

What is your first name? Leigh

Age: 39

Location: Weatherly, PA

Current perseverations: Internet, Video Games, Sex

When did you discover AS? In the late 1990's

Do you have other psych diagnoses? no

Do you have a degree? Associates IT/Web Design

Kids? 15yo and 10yo girls

Favorite music, other than NIN Lots of stuff

Job? Underemployed Web Developer, Paintball Referee

Relationship with significant other, past or present? 1 divorce, remarried for 11+ years.

Plans for the future? Click Submit on this form

Anything else you feel is pertinent: I've been a member for a long time, but not really active. Looking to connect with others.

What is your first name? Edward but known by second name John

Age: 45 in a few days

Location: Wellington, Aotearoa/New Zealand

Current perseverations: pre 80's Jamaican music, short stories [particularly Russian and Irish], non fiction circling 'human issues', deep ecology and the like.

When did you discover AS? 2006/2007 with formal diagnosis a year or so ago

Do you have other psych diagnoses? depressive and stress disorders

Do you have a degree? no, I am entirely self educated

Kids? no

Favorite music, other than NIN? I'm not actually much of a nine inch nails fan, mainly I like english and Jamaican music but really my tastes are pretty broad

Job? not at the moment but I have tended to do all the nessasary sh#t

Relationship with significant other, past or present? happily single, string of past disasters the longest of which was seven years

Plans for the future? not really, eventually to die

Anything else you feel is pertinent: not really I am entirely unremarkable.

Age: 31

Location: Norway

Current perseverations: Writing a theses on aesthetical philosophy. Painting. Reading books. I also write, published some things years ago. Havent tried to publish present writings yet.

When did you discover AS? November 2010

Do you have other psych diagnoses? eating-disorder, post traumatic stress. Not pressing at the moment neither one of them.

Do you have a degree? yes. I am an illustrator, and I have a bachellors degree in aesthetics, literary theory and art theory. Currently writing my master thesis,

Kids? Yes! Wonderful, 4 years old.

Job? working part-time in newspaper, handeling layout and text editing. Illustration-work once in a while. I sell paintings too

Relationship with significant other, past or present? Currently single. I broke off my relationship to the father of my son almost two years ago.

Plans for the future? To make sure I can appreciate all the wonderful things I have, to have more of them, and for my everyday life to be less of a constant struggle.

Anything else you feel is pertinent: I am dealing with getting this diagnosis at the moment, and I think I would like to find others here I can relate to. My relationship to my family is not very sound, and I have not told them of my diagnosis. I relate to them and keep it pleasant for my sons sake. I would very much like to hear what other people experienced, I have not decided if I will be open about such a diagnosis at work or with familly. To be open always seems like a good idea, but is it really? There are a lot of things that feels good about getting this diagnosis, and a lot of things that seems very difficult.
I am here hoping to come to terms with it,, to learn from the experiences of others, and perhaps also to meet people I can relate to easily. I am very social and have a lot of friends, but I mostly relate to other people on their terms. Apart from a few close friends, who actually have turned out to be bipolar or authistic themselves, most of my social life requires a lot of effort for me. I believe this is not visible to others.

What is your first name? April

Age: 26

Location:

Current perseverations: I don't understand.

When did you discover AS? A couple of years ago, but I was only diagnosed this year.

Do you have other psych diagnoses? Clinical depression and anxiety

Do you have a degree? Not yet, halfway through a Masters

Kids? Not yet, still weighing up whether or not I could do it.

Favorite music? Neo-folk, IDM, Classical, Doo-wop, the list is long and varied.

Job? Student and part-time retail (which I detest)

Relationship with significant other, past or present? Living with my partner

Plans for the future? Fuzzy at the moment

What is your first name? Melissa

Age: 34

Location: US

Current perseverations: Current perseverations involve my sensory system

Do you have other psych diagnoses? I have not been diagnosed with anything. I am afraid to pursue diagnosis of any sort. It is difficult enough to go to a doctor for illnesses.

Do you have a degree? Yes

Kids? No

Favorite music, other than NIN Laughing I do not enjoy NIN. I enjoy specific types of music.

Job? Yes

Relationship with significant other, past or present? I am divorced. I have one significant other now. It is difficult.

Plans for the future? Yes

Anything else you feel is pertinent: Not at the moment

What is your first name? Chuck

Age: 34

Location: USA

Current perseverations:

When did you discover AS? One month ago

Do you have other psych diagnoses? No

Do you have a degree? Working on a BSEE

Kids? No

Favorite music, other than NIN Laughing -> Any industrial/electronic/dark music... Front 242, Skinny Puppy, Assemblage 23, Synapscape...

Job? None

Relationship with significant other, past or present? Yes... Long distance relationship (she lives in Holland).

Plans for the future? I have plenty...just a matter of deciding when the future is. :-/

Anything else you feel is pertinent: I am happy now that I have an answer (diagnosis) as to why I am the way I am.

What is your first name? Michelle

Age: 21

Location: Los Angeles, California

Current perseverations: Reading, writing, etc.

When did you discover AS? Last year.

Do you have other psych diagnoses? Anxiety and depression

Do you have a degree? I'm about to get my BA on Tuesday!

Kids? Nope

Favorite music? Rap, pop, rock, classical, jazz

Job? Don't have one but looking

Relationship with significant other, past or present? Single

Plans for the future? Finding a job and moving out of my house.

What is your first name? Chris

Age: 30

Location: Scottsdale, AZ

Current perseverations: Film Analysis, Watching Movies, Videogames, Music

When did you discover AS? My therapist first mentioned it a month ago. After further information was gathered, formally diagnosed last week.

Do you have other psych diagnoses? Stress, misdiagnosed ADD and depression in middle school (just before doctors acknowledged AS).

Do you have a degree? BA in English For Corporate Communications, Associates Degree & Certificate in Film Analysis

Kids? I hope not (seriously, none)

Favorite music? 80s-90s pop & rock, Eagles, Aerosmith

Job? Office assistant at an HVAC call center

Relationship with significant other, past or present? Never been on a date. A couple crushes, but they had found other guys by the time I finally worked up enough guts to ask them out. (they're both married now w/ kids BTW)

Plans for the future? Hopefully something along the line of freelance writing about film, maybe in the form of a blog or some other Internet medium.

Anything else you feel is pertinent: I go to church and have worked in youth ministry for the past 10 years. And no, I'm not a psycho fundamentalist or anything like that.