Autism Research

» ladybugsuperfly2 - I always knew I was not like other people...

In response to I always knew I was not like other people... posted by prism97:
I'm so glad that I read this. You could be describing me. I just came across this web site. I work in a very social line of work and I usually come home crying and with headaches. The whole, "This job would be great if it weren't for the people" is true for in many levels. I've been described as looking like a "deer in headlights", I'm more focused on efficiency, and I find flirting and social interaction during school or work time to be an extreme waste of time. I almost resent it, but also feel strange because I seem to be the only one not to value or need this type of interaction--I find it annoying. I also do not look "bookish" and it often leads people to initiate relationships with me only to be shut off by my coldness or lack of need to conform or act normal. I get good grades and I used to bring my homework to bars thinking that I liked the social interaction, but really I think I just preferred to be out with my books. Finding a name for what is "wrong" with me is a relief, but I'm also seeing my limitations. I've been joking lately that I'm slightly autistic, and that is what ausberger's is. The stress of everyday normal interactions and having to act all of the time is wearing very thin. More than anything, I want to be authentic.

I am just looking into this myself, so I hope we can share resources. I am seeing a neurologist soon and will ask questions. I hope you get this repsonse. Thank you for a very descriptive and helpful post.

-- posted by ladybugsuperfly2

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» molliejoy - I always knew I was not like other people...

In response to I always knew I was not like other people... posted by prism97:

Hi,
I am what people here call a Neurotypical (NT). I have been in a relationship with a person with undiagnosed (but many characteristics of)Asperger's (Aspie) for 5 years. We are both 55 years old. He has not been in a long term living together relationship in his life until now. He is (as it sounds like you are) very attractive and extremely intelligent. You sound in many ways a lot like him. He is an instructor at the UW in the area of computers and has a MS in Electrical Engineering.

I am lucky because I have taught students with special needs for a very long time, some with Asperger's and Autism. I have also taken many classes, worked with people with Asperger's and Autism professinally and now even teach classes about Asperger's. So I know and respect many people with AS. I think I probably understand where they are coming from more than some NT's although there are still frustrations and confusion at times.

I'm not sure if they let me give my e-mail to you, but it is molliejoy2002@yahoo.com I'd be glad to give you some resources, links, suggestions etc. if you are interested. I have heard Tony Attwood (who is a specialist in this area) speak and have seen DVD's, listened to CD's, and read books he has written or suggested. If you Google him, some of them night be helpful to you. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Mollie

-- posted by molliejoy

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» ChosenLast - I always knew I was not like other people...

In response to I always knew I was not like other people... posted by prism97:
Prism wrote, "I just 'turn off'(neutral expression, unfocussed blank eyes). This is a bit like being deeply asleep with open eyes. Why does this happen? "

Neuro-typical brains pre-process sensory input, attach emotional significance, and filter out much of what you experience. The filtering rules evolved with the species and are hard wired into primitive parts of the Neuro-typical brain.

Autistics get raw sensory input. What you describe is autistic shutdown. This happens when an over abundance of stress hormones cause an autistic's brain to overload. The main culprit is cortisol, which puts your body into fight or flight mode.

Normally the stress hormones are countered by the release of hormones like oxytocin but, due to inadequate neural connections in parts of the autistic brain, the stand-down message does not get delivered. Autistics have to chill out by sleeping, spending "alone time", or taking tranquilizers.

The only upside of having an autistic brain is that you consciously learn to set the rules on how you perceive the world.

-- posted by ChosenLast

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» dasmith - I always knew I was not like other people...

In response to I always knew I was not like other people... posted by prism97:

If its any condolance your not the only one. This is my daughter also. She is a touch me not and dont look at her for a breif time or she sceam quit looking at me. No friends really doesnt care if she has any. Only thing going she has is she LOVES to sing and very good at it. Has no emotion in it though. Wont even say thank you when someone compliments her. No eye contact. She also is a very attractive girl and people love to hear her sing. She is 15 on homebound cause she can not cope with being in school has anxiety attacts. People always tell her she is a freak, standoffish and weird. I have done alot of reading on aspergers. The book im reading now is Asperger syndome and adolescence helping Teens get ready for the real world. By Teresa Bolick. VERY GOOD BOOK! At what age did you get diagnoised? Sara was diagnoised about 2 mths ago. No one could ever figure out what was wrong. Just thought she was quiet and shy. but that was not the case at all. From what I see what your going though is pretty norm for a asperger. Read and educate yourself there is lots of techniques you can use. Good luck!

-- posted by dasmith

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