Should I bring up about possible Aspergers?

[ScarletSpeedster]

Hey guys,

Well, this post may come across as a little strange, but my therapy session is in two weeks time, and I have prepared all the things I want to talk about. I listed them, and have them noted - but then I came across an Aspergers site that actually related to me a lot.

- I don't 'fit in' with society and never have
- I don't like socialising/anxious when in big groups and shut down
- I don't have OR want friends
- I don't understand jokes or 'humourous' things that others find funny (often)
- I have daily routines that must be carried out to feel calm
- I have to know the times of my meals, what I am having, and have to have my special plates and bowls to eat from/ time all meals/ have to eat on a number ending in 0 or 5
- Major anxiety issues when not 'safe' at home/ in 'safe' place
- I cannot connect emotionally with anyone, family included - but I do feel emotion, mostly in form of anxiousness and calmness
- Happiest when alone at home and with films/TV

The thing is, I am aware that I will probably be diagnosed with depression of some form, or anxiety/OCD - but I don't think this is the case for me, as I have always been like what the aforementioned state, even since being a small child. My mum always says I have been different and never liked being with others - I never went to parties, and I never went out with 'friends', and I never really cared about what was happening in their lives (I don't mean this to sound horrid, but it just never has been something I have thought about or have dealt with). I taught myself to read from a very young age, and developed in reading about a year faster than others my age. My mum couldn't, and still doesn't, understand how I cannot be lonely or not wanting a boyfriend, but it is just simply that I have never felt lonely and don't want a partner. I am not intimate at all, in fact I dislike others touching me, and am very reluctant to offer affection (hugs/ kisses etc.), or touch others, even my parents.

Do you think I should bring this up with the therapist?

I just feel like people don't 'understand' me, and actually, I can't understand others. I don't know what they think or feel, and that is a major contribution to my anxieties out in the real world.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Fishmanpa]

That's what therapy is for... To address your feelings, thoughts and fears. Certainly put it on your list to discuss BUT also accept whatever the diagnosis is and work hard to get better.

Congrats on taking a positive step in healing!

Positive thoughts

[.Poppy.]

I wouldn't necessarily come out and say you think you have Asperger's unless for some reason that thought is causing you distress.

I think you should include that you have a history of feeling this way; the therapist will figure it out.

It's funny, when I went in for the first session with a new therapist two weeks ago I was just sure that I'd be blown off. But after launching into my problems she knew exactly what I'd been struggling with and how hard it was and so far hasn't been wrong about what needs to happen to get me on the road to feeling better.

[nicola1980]

Hi my 15 year old son has recently been diagnosed with aspergers, although it's just known as ASD now, autistic spectrum disorder. From what you have written you certainly do have traits of ASD but Infact so does everyone. Getting a formal diagnosis is a very rigorous procedure, it's not a case of saying hey I think I have this, you need to be seen by a consultant who will formally assess you and your parents taking all developmental history etc, it's a very long, tiring and emotional journey but unfortunately ASD can go undiagnosed through childhood hence my sons late diagnosis depending on the severity of it. By all means mention it to your therapist and they will beable to advice on what action if any you need to take now. Good luck.

[MyNameIsTerry]

I agree with Nicola, I can see traits on that list that I have and that are known as OCD traits too. And just as Nicola says, ASD traits can be seen in everyone and guess what, it's the same in OCD. In OCD terms, you are diagnosed based on them interfering with your life.

Are you aware that some of those traits also overlap into Personality Disorders?

[pulisa]

As the Mum of 2 children on the autistic spectrum there was a stage when I believed that I had Asperger's but 2 psychiatrists confirmed that I had OCD. I do agree with Nicola in that you should mention your concern re potential ASD though. It's a very complex procedure-or should be-getting a diagnosis of ASD and you need to make sure you see a competent psychiatrist/psychologist.