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mylittlegossip
Emu Egg
Emu Egg

Joined: 25 Jul 2015
Age: 32
Posts: 1

25 Jul 2015, 5:49 am

I was recently given a provisional diagnosis of Asperger's and referred to specialists but they haven't gotten round to seeing me yet. I'm quite old (23 in October) so my doctor says it's likely that I learned enough social interaction in adolescence to disguise my Asperger's somewhat. But it's not enough, peers see me as endearingly eccentric and superiors analysing my communication skills say that there is "something missing", but they can't put it in words. I have to brush up on my social interaction skills so I can learn this thing that is missing.

Can anyone recommend any self-help books on social interaction that have been particularly helpful?



AliceKathleen
Yellow-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Woodpecker

User avatar

Joined: 21 Aug 2010
Gender: Female
Posts: 63
Location: Oceanside, California

26 Jul 2015, 10:18 am

Dear young friend, you are not old. I was dxed at age 61. I am now 70! As far as "learning" social skills, forget it.
Yes, you can learn good manners, and that will serve you well. You can learn to not interrupt others and not to
turn the conversation to your favorite topics, but that takes great self control. I assume you mean, how can I be
comfortable in social surroundings? You won't. But, you can accept that, laugh about it, and as long as you do
no harm to others, it's just fine! Be compassionate and kind, and you cannot go wrong. I suppose, if I look
back, joining the Buddhist Church was probably the most helpful to me. But I do not want to push that on you, if
it's not your thing. I still have to take a glass of wine or half a tranq before a big social event, and I never stay
longer than I have to. Best to you, and just know that it WILL get easier as life goes on, because you fret about
it less...