Hi,
I'm posting a little tentatively, because I haven't been diagnosed with Aspergers, and doubt I would get a diagnosis, but having read a couple of articles about women with Aspergers, found real parallels to my own life.
I've had depression and anxiety/social anxiety for a long time, and it seems to come from nowhere - I know that can be caused by brain chemistry alone, but it's made me wonder if there is something causing me stress that I haven't recognised before. I put it down to being 'shy' and perhaps a slightly sheltered upbringing.
Then I came across a little about women with 'hidden' Aspergers when I was researching something for my job, and couldn't believe how similar this description was to me. I can just about manage in work and certain hobby situations, but can't cope with social situations. As a result, I just freeze up complately or avoid them altogether, even family get togethers. I can make conversation, understand jokes and irony, but can't tell what's going on more generally, whether I'm welcome or not, and almost always fail to make/keep friends. I remember having no interest in fashion or pop music as a child or teen, and trying to keep up with others by pretending to be interested. I actually had more interest in wildlife. I also have a quite intense special interests which can last a few years, and some sensory sensitivity - I used to be terrified of loud noises (although I don't react as much as I once did), and get irritated by small or distant repetitive sounds, and slight smells other people don't notice. I have one or two other behaviours that would make sense if I was somewhere on the spectrum.
However, I don't think I've ever had motor co-ordination difficulties or some of the other signs a professional would look for.
