curious question

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Hey, I'm just curious to know whether or not having Asperger's leads to issues with talking to others on the telephone?
I personally struggle with that majorly. I have an immense sense of anxiety when I need to call someone, even my close friends, or even my family. The prospect of picking up the phone, dialing the number, and waiting for someone to answer nearly kills me. I don't even know what it is I am so afraid of. Anyway, I was wondering if this was a common thing with people who have Asperger's, or if it is just something I need to work on. I know it's a part of me either way, I just want to know if anyone else can relate to that.

I have phone issues. Sometimes I cann't call people, especially if it's bill related or getting something sorted out from the bank, stuff like that. I have a harder time focusing for long calls, I tend to drift off, drives my mother nuts. Last but not least, I don't leave messages on answering machines or cell phones, it kills me to do so, I just cann't do it.

I used to fear using the phone and in some cases I still do. I have overcome a lot of my fear of talking on the phone for the most part. However my preference of communication is through email.

Asperger's may have contributed to your anxiety, but it is not the cause. Some cognitive therapy may help you relax.

I have some difficulties with the phone too, but primarily it's not the result of anxiety. Although sometimes I do feel a little anxious about important calls.

I find difficulties in understanding the other person on the phone. Trying to communicate with others in a casual manner, I don't feel my heart racing or hands sweating. But often the calls end strangely.

I prefer meeting in person over a telephone call. Of course, text is the easiest.

Oh I can totally relate with you. I just HATE calling people I don't know, like credit card companies, banks, etc...I just blank out and then hang up and have to regain my thoughts! And I absolutely HATE leaving messages for people....I get really anxious, and then I just leave a really awkward message and sound ridiculous.

I have some trouble with the phone, but it's not as bad as it used to be. I used to panic, but I started coming up with plans for my (brief) calls until I started to get more comfortable with the idea of talking on the phone. After that, it wasn't so bad... but sometimes I still go blank.

Answering machines and voicemail though... oh boy. I'll leave a message only if it's absolutely, positively necessary.

Now that I think of it, I've actually been putting off a call for about an hour and a half now.

Oh, wow. And a few other calls to handle things that are weeks or months overdo.
It's too bad I can't email them.

I struggle with the phone all the time. For me, I always, no matter what, feel like I'm interrupting something important for whomever I'm calling, although that feeling is much less if I know the recipient is expecting my call and I have a good reason for it... but I pretty much will never call someone just to see how they're doing. I also hate to answer the phone unless it's my cell phone, because if it's not for me, then I feel pressured into either trying to help whoever called me, or I have to interrupt someone else in my house who might be busy to give them the phone.

I hate leaving messages and I hate telemarketers. I also don't like calling people. Today I had to call to make an appointment to take my car in. I always go to the same place for my oil change and stuff. I just hate using phones.

I have a hard time communicating on telephones. Conversations tend to be one-sided, as I have trouble with determining when it's my turn to speak (even more so than in person), plus translating my thoughts to words tends to be a lot harder since I can't use gestures to help the other person decipher what I'm trying to say. I much prefer texting, when I can get away with it.

On a somewhat related note, when I play World of Warcraft, I do use voice chat, and often talk in it, but I find it easier to use because I can fall back on typing in-game when I'm struggling to get words out verbally.

I also hate talking on the phone. I'll just mutter my words to business people and what not. Same with leaving messages are also a problem for me.

I used to have terrible trouble with telephones. As a child and young adult I would not use the phone if there was any possible alternative. I eventually got over it, but I do not (usually - there are some exceptions) find using the phone very comfortable even now.

I seem to do a lot better if it's a speakerphone or anything else where I don't have to hold it to my ear. I hate having to rigidly hold the phone to my ear. I do hate phones in general, though. Business calls aren't bad, but just calling someone sucks. I totally blew a phone interview because they called me by surprise when I was nowhere near ready for it.

I used to have this problem. It was so bad it was practically a phobia. But I cured myself over time by practicing behavioural-cognitive therapy (essentially forcing myself to call people until I got over the anxiety and managed to put on an appropriate phone manner).

I rarely answer or use phones, I wont even phone my parents unless i have absolutely no other choise available.

I love the phone and prefer it to all other forms of communication. I love to spend hours locked in deep conversation. I do, however, hate answering the phone if it's not for me.