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ty7044 10-13-2012 04:07 PM

I think I may have aspergers
I've had it mentioned to me a few times by numerous people that I may have aspergers and after looking into it for quite a while I have noticed a few similar traits.

It was pointed out to me a few years ago that I have an "odd bouncy walk," and recently I've been noticing it more and more and it's made me quite uncomfortable to the point that I've had to buy a bike to get around.

I have trouble communicating with people and making friends.
People often think that I'm ignorant or stuck up because I don't talk to them (i can't).

Problems with making eye contact when talking to someone.
Problems with communicating via phone. Phones scare the hell out of me.

I wouldn't say I have any special interests..
I watch a lot of films and I've been watching the same film every night for two years in a row.

I don't know how I would go about getting tested..
I mean, going to the doctors and saying "i think i may have aspergers" seems a bit weird..

Is there any advice anyone can give me?

chris3178 02-05-2013 04:56 PM

Re: I think I may have aspergers
Hi all,

My name is Chris, and like ty, I suspect I may have some form of Aspergers. I'm not sure, though, and I was hoping to get some advice about whether it's worthwhile to ask about this diagnosis.

I've taken two online quizzes, which suggest that I have symptoms similar to AS, but I'm unsure about pursuing it with my psychiatrist. I've already been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, and receive some pretty heavy treatment for it, including electroconvulsive therapy. This helps quite a bit, but I still have extreme difficulty in social situations. I'm terrible at chit-chat; I'm dense when it comes to trying to understand how people think and feel.

I had a formal MBTI assessment when I was 20, which suggested I was an INFP, and so strongly INFP that unlike most others I can't flip-flop into the opposite categories (ESTJ).

I guess I'm wondering if my treatment would change at all with the AS diagnosis. Would therapy change? Would my medications change? Could it open up some doors that might help me? Or is the treatment pretty much the same as what I'm already getting?

I'd love any experience or advice anyone can offer.


NLRJD 02-27-2013 12:34 AM

Re: I think I may have aspergers
[FONT="Georgia"]This is to both ty and chris.

I have a very mild form of Asperger's - diagnosed by my psychiatrist.

Firstly, there are any number of reasons why either of you exhibit your traits - and no one here can diagnose you.

For that, you both need to see specialists. I recommend a psychiatrist or psychologist specialising in autistic spectral disorders.

Odd bouncy walks and unqualified people offering opinions is no substitute for expert examination, assessment, opinion and diagnosis.

In terms of medications and treatment, well, there are no medications for Asperger's to the best of my (and to the best of my psychiatrist's) knowledge.

So a positive diagnosis is unlikely to result in changes to your meds.

However, Autistic Spectral Disorders (ASDs) do cause behavioural 'disturbances' from the point of view of many mental health professionals, so getting a correct diagnosis if you have other mental health issues is very important - it could clarify to your professional why you are acting the way you are - which in theory could result in either reduced medication doses or eliminating the need for some meds. ASD behaviours have been known to prompt doctors to prescribe meds (for depression or anxiety, say) caused by or aggravated by the ASD.

So if you wish to receive proper treatment for you other conditions, it is important that your doctor know whether or not you have an ASD. ASDs have a bad habit of going 'underneath a doctor's radar' as few doctors think of diagnosing it.

What's more, proper diagnosis can, in some cases, qualify you to access physiotherapy facilities that can help Asperger's people. ASD physiotherapy can reduce anxiety - without the need (or reducing the need) for medications and their side effects.

That wonderful researcher Temple Grandin (who has an ASD herself) has done a huge amount of work on the benefits of physiotherapy in ASDs.

She adapted a machine used on her Aunt's dairy farm to hold cows still whilst they are being innoculated or branded into a 'cuddling' machine that helps ease the anxiety that is a natural part of Asperger's and other ASDs.

The availability of physiotherapy programs depends largely on what facilities are available in your local areas. I understand that many programs around the world are strictly for children.

To access such services you will need diagnoses.

And remember that ASDs are often 'forgotten' conditions that receive very little funding and infrastructure.

There are next to no real facilities near me for my condition.

Good luck the both of you![/FONT]
