Getting to know each other, Dino-style

Post Reply New Topic

What is your first name?Randy

Age:54

Location:Pa

Current perseverations: music, computers

When did you discover AS? Dx June 7 2012 (though the rest of my immediate family, save my youngest brother and his wife, does not believe me or the dx. They think autism = Rain Man, or my youngest brother's children, who are low functioning autistic.)

Do you have other psych diagnoses?Bipolar Ii, major depressive disorder, OCD, insomnia

Do you have a degree?BA music history MS Library Science

Kids?no

Favorite music, other than NIN Opera, choral music, big band jazz, art songs.

Job?unemployed

Relationship with significant other, past or present? None

Plans for the future?what future?

What is your first name? Trinket(not giving me real name-sorry, to many creepers on the interwebs)

Age: 19(well 20 in a month)

Location: Oregon

Current perseverations: Horses, Dogs

When did you discover AS? A few years ago but wasn't Diagnosed until this year(self diagnosed before that for a while)

Do you have other psych diagnoses? Depression, Anxiety, OCD(all tag-along's to Aspergers)

Do you have a degree? No

Kids? Goodness NO!

Favorite music, other than NIN Laughing? umm, I like a variety

Job? no... sadly.... I haven't been able to keep one for more then 2 months

Relationship with significant other, past or present? no

Plans for the future? Uh, it's all a bit "up in the air" right now...

Anything else you feel is pertinent: I'm still trying to figure this all out, I'm just starting into resources that are available to me. It's all very confusing and complicated

Name: Mike

Age: 50

Location: Cleveland, OH

Current perseverations: Science & tech

When did you discover AS? 5 years ago A friend's son was diagnosed and he called me and said "Uh, Mike, this is you!"

Do you have other psych diagnoses? No, but I suspect alexithymia.

Do you have a degree? Yes, BS Electrical Engineering

Kids? No.

Favorite music: Alternative, electronic dance

Job? Yes, same job for almost 30 years. Engineer in the aerospace field.

Relationship with significant other, past or present? Sadly, no.

Plans for the future? Well, I should be able to retire in ~10 years.

Anything else you feel is pertinent: Looking for an interested female (AS or NT) in the 40-50 year range. Feel free to PM.

What is your first name? Sansa

Age:35

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Current perseverations: financial history, nutrition, child development

When did you discover AS? 2006

Do you have other psych diagnoses? NO

Do you have a degree? BS Biology/Conservation, CPA

Kids? yes, 2 1/2 daughter

Favorite music, other than NIN Laughing to be honest, 90's goth/industrial

Job? Accountant

Relationship with significant other, past or present? Married 8 years, together 13

Plans for the future? nothing significant, always on the lookout for more time to read.....maybe a sabbatical at some point?

Anything else you feel is pertinent:

Of couse you may leave any question blank

What is your first name? Jennifer

Age: 51

Location: St Louis Missouri

Current perseverations: painting, weaving, cycling, reading, surfing the net

When did you discover AS? At age 38

Do you have other psych diagnoses? depression, anxiety, social phobia

Do you have a degree? yes, two: business/computers, special education

Kids? 2 boys: Jonathan is 17, Andrew is 10

Favorite music, other than NIN rock n roll, jazz, rhythm & blues, motown

Job? no

Relationship with significant other, past or present? married

Plans for the future? to be an artist, to raise my kids

Anything else you feel is pertinent: my deepest desire is for others to accept those of us who are different, and not to despise and look down upon us.

What is your first name? Cynthia

Age: 50

Location: Currently in Scottsdale, AZ, but might be moving back to Northern California (I lived there from Aug 1983-May 2012 so consider it "home"

Current perseverations: Not really sure

When did you discover AS? 2011 although not officially dx'd. Scored 171 out of 200 on the test posted on this site which said I was most likely an aspie. When I read more about it, it made a lot of sense to me based on all of my life experiences.

Do you have other psych diagnoses? major depression with suicidal ideation, possibly bipolar (conflicting info), anxiety

Do you have a degree? bachelors in biology

Kids? none

Favorite music, other than NIN "classic" rock, jazz, classical

Job? on SSDI now due to combination of physical and psych problems. In past did clinical research, research for the space station habitats, computer tech support, computer firewall engineer

Relationship with significant other, past or present? mostly 3 months or less, but was married 4 years (divorced now as ex couldn't handle my MI issues)

Plans for the future? exploring my artistic side painting, making jewelry (beading, wirewrapping, chain maille)

Anything else you feel is pertinent: Lately I find that I get highly annoyed with people and have a low tolerance for being with them. Not sure if it an aspie thing, depression, or related to TBI (bunch of concussions due to one car and several riding accidents).

What is your first name? Alison

Age: 43

Location: Ontario, Canada

Current perseverations: It is hard for me to pick one as I change interests fairly often. However, whatever it is, I get very focused on it. Right now I am learning Swedish and upgrading math in my spare time. I am trying to move away from gaming obsessively -- I am not sure how well that is going.

When did you discover AS? In 2008, I googled all the issues that seemed to be coming up at work for me, and found Asperger's. I was referred to a specialist who diagnosed me later that year.

Do you have other psych diagnoses? Anxiety, mood disorder. (As part of AS, I have auditory processing disorder, prosopagnosia, and sensory sensitivities).

Do you have a degree? B.F.A (Honours), B.A. (music) Currently working on a 4-year B.Sc. in Archaeology.

Kids? Nope! (I like it that way). However, I do really like kids, especially my 3-year-old niece, and my 1-month-old niece and nephew (twins).

Favorite music, other than NIN What's NIN??? (OH wait . . . I just figured this out. My ex-boyfriend was obsessed with them. I can't say that I share that particular obsession. ) ABBA is my number one, all time, 35-year-old special interest, but I do like a wide range of other music. My other absolute favourite would be Mozart.

Job? I am trying to balance studio work with courses . . . .

Relationship with significant other, past or present? Single

Plans for the future? More studio work. I would like to do a grad degree, travel more, own a horse and some chickens. Do more hiking, camping, and generally just be outdoors more. I would also like to start playing an instrument again--I stopped playing about 10 years ago.

Anything else you feel is pertinent: If I were better at math (and I am working on that), I would be majoring in physics. I took astronomy and Astrobiology over the past couple of years, and loved it! I need to know more! Seriously.

First name: Ulrik

Age: 29

Current perseverations:

When did you discover AS? About two years ago.

Do you have other psych diagnoses? I have no official diagnoses.

Do you have a degree? Bachelor's degree in rhetoric.

Kids? No. Thank God - I would not have been a reliable parent.

Favorite music, other than NIN: Kate Bush, Eurovision (Europeans will know this - it' pretty trashy)

Job? Administration coworker

Relationship with significant other, past or present? Living partner with another guy - I'm gay.

Plans for the future? None set in stone. I want to program gaming apps for the iPad, and am eorking on it on my spare time.

Anything else you feel is pertinent: in search of kinship with others facing similar challenges, particularly in the field of romance and coping with limits to memory and judgement - issues that confuse me greatly.

What is your first name? Kallie

Age: 22- almost 23

Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Current perseverations: Avatar/LoK, Cosmos, Carl Sagan, Sewing

When did you discover AS? Always knew, was dxed NVLD at age 4, re-dxed AS when I was 15

Do you have other psych diagnoses? Depression, Anxiety, C-PTSD

Do you have a degree? Nope

Kids? Not yet, probably never.

Favorite music, other than NIN? I like alt-rock, classic rock and metal mostly.

Job? Not currently, haven't had one since 2009.

Relationship with significant other, past or present? Currently dating very nice NT guy who is 6 years older than me.

Plans for the future? University in Linguistics, hopefully.

Anything else you feel is pertinent: I am introverted but try very hard to be friendly and to not be called evil, I grew up being brainwashed that I was a socipath by my mother because I don't have good empathy and have been trying to be de-programmed by my psychologist for years now. I like friends.

What is your first name? just call me tippi

Age: early fifties

Location: UK

Current perseverations: information junkie/current passions psychology /aspergers & females/ nutrition & researching health issues - e.g. global trends of alzheimers & diabetes/female role models (nearer my age) /female fiction writers/social groups & how societies are made/social classes/ethnic groups

[b]When did you discover AS?[/b] A couple of years ago, by chance. Not diagnosed

Do you have other psych diagnoses? No diagnoses - only because I never raise the issue and keep my head down

Do you have a degree? Yes, want to do a PhD

Kids? No

Favorite music, really eclectic and just matches my mood or location but mainly classical, lana del rey, 70s mowtown, reggae, 90s music.

Job? Yes, have always worked even though it has been a struggle, I have no choice if I want to maintain a home.

Relationship with significant other, past or present? Yes, past and present

Plans for the future? To move somewhere else - anywhere. Raise animals, live in the open space, breathe....

Anything else you feel is pertinent: Although I am an introvert (I can't take too much of people irl) I still need contact/communication. I prefer on-communication because it doesn't tax me as much, even when I have close friends, I just wish they would text instead of ringing me. But, at the same time, I can be an extrovert from choice and, when necessary. If it were not for the physical manifestations of stress, sensory overload & meltdowns I would think I was completely normal
_________________

What is your first name? Call me Jay

Age: 42

Location: Hawaii

Current perseverations: WP (yaay), deep-tissue bodywork, illustration, lucid dreaming

When did you discover AS? 2009

Do you have other psych diagnoses? No.

Do you have a degree? No, but two technical college ones.

Kids? Not going to happen presently

Favorite music: currently electronic -- Kishi Bashi, Squarepusher, newer Radiohead

Job? Deep-tissue bodyworker

Relationship with significant other, past or present? Yes, quite a few complicated by what I suspect now as BPD

Plans for the future? Accept and bracket my behaviors, and find a center from which to seek happiness

Anything else you feel is pertinent: Wish I'd stopped denying my conditions much earlier

Username 'Boing' represents the amount of times I've been floored (& flawed!!) but somehow got back up again

Age: 41

Location: UK

Current perseverations: Glabalisation & macroeconomic theory - (and I love this title heading - People so often say "Oh you've got Aspergers: what's your special interest?", and I have to say well...er I guess this month it would be........[insert topic or hobby of choice]

When did you discover AS? About five years ago when son was diagnosed. I was dxd about a year ago after seeking help with learning problems.

Do you have other psych diagnoses? I believe I have ADD, but my diagnostician insisted I only have Aspergers and that my attention problems result from this.

Do you have a degree? Currently studying for Social Science degree

Kids? Two : one adult, one 10

Favorite music:Loads of different music, but often tend to fall back on old favourites for comfort - eg Bowie, The Cure, The Pixies, The Chili Peppers. I also like music that's not just pop/rock, (from classical, to latin, to soul, to south african tin whistle, to early rap, to Tijuana Brass ! !!....) but tend to mostly listen to rock I guess. Being an old duffer I'm not very up to date though!! (Would always welcome recommendations!)

Job? Student. Prior to this worked in 'caring' profession as carer or suppport worker.

Relationship with significant other, past or present? In long term partnership

Plans for the future? Complete degree, move to the country, get off-grid, grow veggies!

Anything else you feel is pertinent: I'm prone to extreme waffling (more a warning than a pertinent fact!) I'm also currently focusing on restoring my spiritual self as I'd all but given it the boot over the past 15 years in favour of focusing on the material.

Age: 52

Location: New England

Current perseverations: Writing, Angry Birds

When did you discover AS? This summer. Not diagnosed. I took that test; it has me at 138 out of 200.

Do you have other psych diagnoses? Not diagnosed, but I realize I've been depressed for a few years now, feeling very alone.

Do you have a degree? BA in English

Kids? No

Favorite music, other than NIN: big band, broadway, rock from the 50s to the 80s, some old time country (Hank Williams; Patsy Cline).

Job? Yes

Relationship with significant other, past or present? No

Plans for the future? To be less depressed

Anything else you feel is pertinent:

What is your first name? Dominic.

Age 38.

Location London, UK.

Current perseverations Spectromancer (computer game), Badiou (French philosopher).

When did you discover AS? Early 20s? I remember it being discussed with reference to other family members; it seems (in varying degrees) to be a family trait, of both males and females.

Do you have other psych diagnoses? Depression, generalised anxiety disorder.

Do you have a degree? Yes (English literature).

Kids? 2.

Favorite music Xasthur, Boards of Canada, Red House Painters.

Job? Software developer.

Relationship with significant other, past or present? Divorced, living with new partner.

Plans for the future? Finish writing current book, start another one.

Anything else you feel is pertinent Unsure of relationship to ASD - undiagnosed, but would explain a lot, especially about childhood and teens, and also about behaviour / difficulties when under stress as an adult.

Of couse you may leave any question blank

What is your first name? Wade

Age: 55

Location: southeastern Alabama USA (Dothan area)

Current perseverations: I'm pretty close to NT, probably outgrown a lot of the symptoms of AS.

When did you discover AS? About 10 or 12 years ago

Do you have other psych diagnoses? no

Do you have a degree? yes

Kids? none

Favorite music, other than NIN Top 40, soft rock and AC 1960s to present, and a little country.

Job? home-work: electronic repair, eBay, and get medicaid for diabetes

Relationship with significant other, past or present? always single but recently started dating

Plans for the future? To find a nice compatible woman to have fun and grow old with.

Anything else you feel is pertinent: Don't smoke or drink (don't want anyone who does), don't want kids and I am not religious (but have nothing against it) I do enjoy physical contact and intimacy.

What is your first name? Jeffrey.

Age: 34.

Location: Western NYS.

Current perseverations: I don't know what this means.

When did you discover AS? About four years ago.

Do you have other psych diagnoses? Not unless having been called "intense" by a psychologist counts.

Do you have a degree? Yes, I have a BA in Philosophy.

Kids? No.

Favorite music, other than NIN Very specific singer songwriters, like Peter Gabriel, Mark Knopfler, Sara Bareilles, etc. Plus some soundtracks and such.

Job? Senior software developer, I design and implement large business applications for a living.

Relationship with significant other, past or present? Just me and a cat.

Plans for the future? Find a position where I can be a partial stakeholder in applications I write, possibly by working more directly with tech company founders or other personnel. Maybe work on a social life, maybe not.

Anything else you feel is pertinent: I wish I knew what was pertinent and what wasn't. I get a little lost in my own head sometimes, so it makes it hard to understand what's going on in other people's. Somewhere around that is why I'm good at focusing, learning, and asking questions, which I've been lucky to turn into a satisfying career. As my degree suggests, I have a huge swath of non-tech- and non-work-related interests and inclinations, but we all do.