Published on 12, July, 2020
I recently met an Aspie (online, and then in person), and she told me that I am one, too.. I did some reading, and many of the traits seem to resonate with me, so it seems likely she's right.
I don't think I need a diagnosis, but have joined here to find others who may be in the same position and would then understand me.
I have worked with computers and moved into programming (to make computers and computer-controlled equipment, do useful things.
While I tended to get on with colleagues, I have had almost no friends outside work, and since I became self-employed, have little contact with others.
I have always found it difficult to start a conversation with people, but I do better, online. Sometimes I get on with someone and manage to meet them, later - I tend to contact people from abroad, and then try to meet them during my travels.
Most days I only talk to the cats that visit me. I have discovered cat cafes in recent years, and have visited 10, so far.. including in Prague, Bratislava, Vienna and Budapest.
Sometimes I haven't spoken to anybody for weeks, but communicate online most days.
Even with people I know, including my siblings, I prefer texts and emails to phone calls.
Hi,
I joined the Community today, mainly to learn how others cope with life's emotional problems and to read other stories, so that I can develop some better understanding and self-awareness.
I was accused of being Aspergers by a medical professional (a newly-qualified GP), but in the social circumstances of the conversation (as I said, accusatorial) I did not take it seriously. Sadly that was about 20 years ago. I've more recently started to read about Aspergers/High-Functioning Autism, and recognise enough of the symptoms, backed up with a high AQ score of 34-36, to self-diagnose.
For me, a formal diagnosis would not make any difference. In my area there are very limited health care resources and help for late diagnosis adults. What support there is should be given to those with associated severe depression and anxiety, I feel, rather than people like me.
Phones are weird things. Professionally I use phones all the time. I work from home, so spend hours on conference calls. But I am crap at social calls - phones seem to highlight an inability to read people. I can get into a real state of anxiety over making a first professional call to someone I have not had any contact, even electronic, before. I have just got used to coping mechanisms - e.g. emailing first and setting up a time for a call seems to help me.
PS I have a co-worker I talk to. Provided he agrees not to sit on my laptop or miaow during conference calls, we're fine.