newbie aspergirl and ADD

Absolutely, it is also great to get some perspective. How is your PhD going?

I totally agree with your last comment.  It does make you feel less alone knowing others have similar issues and/or know what you're talking about :-)

Part of my problem is once I know I've done something right or very good, I automatically try too hard. It's kind of like one step forwards and two back :) It's something I'm trying very hard to work out. I just keep thinking about something one of my professors said at my undergrad graduation, "She's got the skills, she can do it". For a professional historian to say that about me was very flattering. I've got a bit of a persecution thing, I always think people are out to get me, mainly because I didn't really look at people as being helpful. My experience of people before uni wasn't exactly positive. However, my last meeting was such an eye opener because I had been having a few problems and my supervisor was just great.

At times I do find it a bit overwhelming, but I'm hoping I will qualify for a DSA and a mentor. I think that would be an awesome help. At the moment though, it's great to be able to speak to like-minded people about their experiences. This has also been an eye opener. It's comforting to hear that I'm not alone and other people have been going through similar issues. Makes everything less scary.

I know the feeling that you have to work twice as hard etc... I quite often see people as animals and in my supervisor meetings I am definitely a swan....looking calm and thoughtful (hopefully) but underneath paddling like mad.

The thing is you're probably a really bad judge at just how bloody good the stuff is that you produce.  People don't generally offer positive comments unless you ask for comments (which I don't because I think I'll get criticism) so it could very well be that peeps think you do amazing stuff, they just don't say it.

I've just applied for DSA too and hoping for an assessment of needs in the next couple of weeks. 

My supervisors were supportive, but there aren't many students on the autistic spectrum at my university. I just had a meeting where I had to tell them that I was kind of behind because I had spent so much time focusing on some of my sources and working on too much instead of focusing on the task at hand. But they are making new arrangements to help me out. I spoke to disability services as well, they were really nice and said I should apply for DSA so I can get the necessary funding for a mentor. I do worry about mine too. It does seem like everything is that bit more stressful. Sometimes tunnel view and the social problems make it quite hard. I feel like I have to try twice as hard as many of my fellow post grads to be half as good. It is difficult to try and accept that I simply view things differently, not necessarily in a bad way. Alot of my friends at uni have been very supportive. I've had to be quite selective about who I've told in my life though. I think some people, particularly at work, wouldn't understand very well. My sister has AS too, she's been a big support. 

Hi Raven,

my research in on domestic energy use and human behaviour.

How did your supervisors react to your diagnosis.  Mine were a little confused but ok.  I think I might have to explain things to them as and when stuff comes up.  I have just got my official report so I can speak to disability services to get some support.

Sometimes I worry about the PhD.  :-?

Hello, I am also new to the site and had a late diagnosis of AS. I didn't know there were communities like this. Can I ask what your PhD is on? I'm also a PhD student.

Hi Lulu

It's good to meet you.

Welcome to the community KeanoLulu

We hope that you find it a useful place to be and enjoy being involved in some of our discussions.

Alex - mod