I first started looking into this

[bloom]

I first started looking into this because of a post someone made in the lounge about his sister who is on the spectrum. It sounded a lot like my daughter.

She doesn't think she has it (she's 22 now) - she was diagnosed with other things. But professionals that I've talked to about it think that that is what she has. I think I do too. Not as much.

I remember saying to a friend once (before I knew about Asperger's) that my daughter was like me only more so. That seems to sum it up as well as anything.

She is living at home because she has not been successful at living away from home. Stress gets to her. She doesn't drive (too many different things to think about - is what I think).

She is a math whiz (she's taking classes at a nearby university). Calculus, imaginary numbers, all that stuff - she just eats it up. (She likes to make art as well).

I rather wish that I had gone into a mathematics field. I think it would have suited me.

I liked the art field because it allows for expression without words (without talking to people) and because there are fewer expectations to be "normal" for artists. People look to the computer and math and science fields and see people with Asperger's who work in those areas - I notice artists and musicians who are probably on the spectrum as well.


Someone asked how people cope - DU is one way. Art is another. Of course it's always a good idea to find ways to be with others - even when it's easier not to.

[bloom]

1. And another thing

I think it's possible that more women have Asperger's than is generally acknowledged.

Maybe they(we) end up getting treatment for depression - but I think Asperger's may be likely to go undiagnosed. Just like my daughter and me.


It's something that I would like to see looked into.

[idgiehkt]

4. I think so too

I have been through and through psychiatry being diagnosed with one disorder after another: PTSD, Bi-Polar, Borderline, even seasonal affective. Of course put on a lot of different anti-depressants. I was in twelve-step for years for addiction and I remember a friend of mine being really concerned for me because she said to me that I was doing everything everyone told me to do as far as that particular program (step-work, meetings, service, socializing, counseling, meds) and in her words "you aren't getting any relief". I feel relieved to know that the problem is now, I'd just give anything to have found this out ten or fifteen years ago.

[BlueStorm]

5. Same thing here...

I am still getting different diagnoses, even though it is on record that I have Asperger's.

Throughout school, I was diagnosed with dysthymia, depression, emotionally impaired, etc. One of my social workers even thought I had a split personality problem (Because of the fact that I tend to create "altar egos" which really are more or less characters that I make up that live in my "fantasy" world. And have I ever told you how much I hate the word fantasy?)

Blue

[Aspy in Bend]

2. it's easier not to...

I chuckled when I read your comment. It certainly is a lot easier not be be around people, but I do agree with you that it's a good idea find ways that make it easier, to occasionally deal with other people :)

In one of the books on Asperger I read that "Asperger Syndrome is anxiety looking for a cause to express itself" I tend to agree with this statement to a certain degree, because until I got a handle on the level of my anxiety I felt overwhelmed by so many things. Now I have learned to 'rationalize' and anxiety/stress is in the background, and not ruling my life.

In regards to your daughter and driving: Given where I live, we have to pretty much drive if we want to get anywhere. I'm proud to say that I have not been in an accident, but I do admit people telling me that I didn't see them waving at me. It is rare for me to see acquaintances and friends when I'm passing them somewhere, even if I see them, it is usually too late to wave back. I'm preoccupied when driving. :)

[bloom]

3. welcome to DU

:hi:

[Rosemary2205]

6. On driving.

My husband in on the spectrum. He drives but only in familiar territory and NEVER on the freeway. Over the years he's gotten better at widening his focus and processing all the information coming at him but even now when he is stressed it's just best he doesn't drive. Stress causes him to start shutting down and driving requires him to process all that information at 30-50mph. Not a good combination. The only real problem with his driving is that he lacks good judgement when something unusual happens - because his judgement is based on limited facts. He can't quickly process everything happening fast enough so when someone else does something unexpected or makes a mistake behind the wheel then he's more likely to get into an accident. Fortunately he has really GOOD physical reflexes.

[bloom]

7. I think that stress

if probably part of the thing for my daughter as well - in her decision not to drive. She has a way of shutting down under stress, as well.

Looking back at her life - I think a lot of things that she did - like imposing a 9pm bedtime on herself (she still does) are ways to deal with stress.

Things that can seem like obsessions or whatever.