Thread: Ask me about Aspergers

Thank you for the offer.

First - what has been your experience of love and empathy compared to what you observe in others? Would you say that you have connections as strong as other people and, if so, are these limited to a select few people?

Second - to what extent have you felt you needed, or wanted, to interact socially the same way as others do? Have you tried to copy others' social cues and habits and how effectively has this worked?

I realize that there is a range here, so these questions may not be quite as applicable to you. Still, any insights would be appreciated.

Does people's behavior towards you change when they learn you have Asperger's? And how?

Originally Posted by RedNaxela

Thank you for the offer.

First - what has been your experience of love and empathy compared to what you observe in others? Would you say that you have connections as strong as other people and, if so, are these limited to a select few people?

Second - to what extent have you felt you needed, or wanted, to interact socially the same way as others do? Have you tried to copy others' social cues and habits and how effectively has this worked?

I realize that there is a range here, so these questions may not be quite as applicable to you. Still, any insights would be appreciated.

First of all since you mentioned the fact that there is a range I should say I'm very high functioning. It's kind of hard to answer your first question since I have yet to have any luck with any kind of romantic relationship. I think I have experienced love the same way other people have, even if it hasn't been reciprocated. As for connections with other people that has definitely been stronger as I have gotten older. When I was younger that was very difficult for me. Up until high school I genuinely had no idea how to make friends. I found the perfect group of people for me in college so that definitely was great.

I'm actually somewhat unusual for someone with Aspergers since I'm fairly outgoing. I actually tried copying the mannerisms of people in middle school once to try to fit in but it was very awkward and only got me made fun of more. I didn't try again for a long time but I eventually taught myself how to interact with people and have mostly been successful.

Shabby, usually there really isn't a change. Of course I didn't tell anyone I had it until I reached a point where most people can't tell I have it. Usually the response is that they had no idea and move on. Granted like I said before I'm very high functioning. There are certainly things I still struggle with but I've managed it well the last few years. A lot of other people have a different experience than myself.

I see, interesting! Thanks for sharing and being so candid.

How exactly does one get diagnosed with Aspergers? Is there a special condition doctors can check? Or is there even a difference between people with Aspergers and people who are just not very good at being social.

I’m asking because the experiences you described here are not too dissimilar to my own even though I’ve never been diagnosed with Aspergers or anything comparable. But the again I’ve never had a doctor specifically look for such a thing.

Originally Posted by Creation

How exactly does one get diagnosed with Aspergers? Is there a special condition doctors can check? Or is there even a difference between people with Aspergers and people who are just not very good at being social.

I’m asking because the experiences you described here are not too dissimilar to my own even though I’ve never been diagnosed with Aspergers or anything comparable. But the again I’ve never had a doctor specifically look for such a thing.

I honestly have no idea what the process is. I was very young when I was diagnosed so I don't really remember much from it. There's more to it than just not getting social cues too. Obsession over certain topics, which can be either fairly normal or very obscure. A good example is that I grew up when everyone was very into Pokemon and people I went to school with still thought I talked about it too much. Sensory issues can also occur but I don't really have that as much aside from a few specific things. If you think you might have it do some research and see if its similar to your experience. If you think so ask a doctor about it.