Hey, all - after 55 years of not knowing what the heck was wrong with me, I've been reading a bit about Aspergers and think that is my issue. To start with, my family history includes some very serious mental disorders on my mom's side: within 3 generations, there have been 2 family members committed to institutions, about 10 who should have been committed, and about 1/2 of the folks (30) have had some mental breakdown, but (sort of) recovered. My issues: physical abuse and emotional distance from Mom some of the time as I was growing up; other times, a loving and caring Mom. She, we believe, suffered from BPD. A good woman, but weak and sick. I have ALWAYS been uncomfortable around people. It goes beyond introversion. I have a few very close friends, with whom I feel comfortable, but in almost all other circumstances, I am not comfortable with people. Sometimes, not even with these friends. I never know what to say or do. Small talk befuddles me. I have had severe episodes of anxiety, OCD, and depression.I'm highly intelligent - IQ 126 - which I think is part of the problem. Oh, by the way - I'm an alcoholic. I'm at the end of my rope and hope I can find help here. AA doesn't work for me because I cannot connect with people.
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55 years old - think I am somewhere on the Aspergers spectrum
- Thread starter Sherri
- Start date
Hi Sherri,
Glad to meet you, and that you found your way here. This is a good place to be, and a safe place. There are many great people here, and a wealth of good information. It is a whole new world when you find out what you have after a lifetime of struggle and not knowing. I hope that you are discovering the things that will help you find peace and happiness. If being friends with no commitments does that, I want to be.
Have a great day.
Glad to meet you, and that you found your way here. This is a good place to be, and a safe place. There are many great people here, and a wealth of good information. It is a whole new world when you find out what you have after a lifetime of struggle and not knowing. I hope that you are discovering the things that will help you find peace and happiness. If being friends with no commitments does that, I want to be.
Have a great day.
Daniel
Well-Known Member
Hi Sherri! Welcome.
When I first came here, wondering if this was what my deal was ('cause I knew I had some sort of deal), what clicked for me was that I could relate to a lot of the experiences others had, in a way that I hadn't experienced on "the outside".
Everyone is welcome here, really, so it's inconsequential whether you "are" or "aren't" on the spectrum. Just be yourself and explore.
By the way, I'm a recovering addict myself. Bless you, and good luck! You will be in my prayers. (Feel free to message me if you like.)
Ereth
Well-Known Member
Hi, Sherri! Welcome to AspiesCentral!
There are alternatives to AA---and some of them are bound to rely less on group meetings. I think it's worth looking into one-on-one counseling. We'll do what we can to offer support, too. (I don't know how many people here can specifically relate to the struggle with addiction, but I guess it helps just knowing you're not alone.
)
There are alternatives to AA---and some of them are bound to rely less on group meetings. I think it's worth looking into one-on-one counseling. We'll do what we can to offer support, too. (I don't know how many people here can specifically relate to the struggle with addiction, but I guess it helps just knowing you're not alone.
)
Welcome Sherri
If you are in fact on the spectrum, then you'll be sure to find many like-minded individuals here. I've been told by a specialist that those on the spectrum can in fact use alcoholism as a way of dealing with the high-stresses of having AS, and possibly not having a support network. Perhaps by understanding yourself a bit better, and having the support from our lovely members, you may be able to cut down your stress.
A few links that may assist along the way:
Books on AS:
Resources | AspiesCentral.com
A book I highly recommend to women on the spectrum (as it will help explain the differences between male and female traits, and is a good social survival guide):
Aspergirls: Empowering Females With Asperger Syndrome | AspiesCentral.com
Websites discussing the differences between AS in men and women:
Aspienwomen: Adult Women with Asperger Syndrome. Moving towards a female profile of Asperger Syndrome | Tania Marshall
Day 62: Females with Asperger’s Syndrome (Non-Official) Checklist | Everyday Asperger's
A world reknown expert in AS: Home
If you are in fact on the spectrum, then you'll be sure to find many like-minded individuals here. I've been told by a specialist that those on the spectrum can in fact use alcoholism as a way of dealing with the high-stresses of having AS, and possibly not having a support network. Perhaps by understanding yourself a bit better, and having the support from our lovely members, you may be able to cut down your stress.
A few links that may assist along the way:
Books on AS:
Resources | AspiesCentral.com
A book I highly recommend to women on the spectrum (as it will help explain the differences between male and female traits, and is a good social survival guide):
Aspergirls: Empowering Females With Asperger Syndrome | AspiesCentral.com
Websites discussing the differences between AS in men and women:
Aspienwomen: Adult Women with Asperger Syndrome. Moving towards a female profile of Asperger Syndrome | Tania Marshall
Day 62: Females with Asperger’s Syndrome (Non-Official) Checklist | Everyday Asperger's
A world reknown expert in AS: Home
Welcome Sherri
If you are in fact on the spectrum, then you'll be sure to find many like-minded individuals here. I've been told by a specialist that those on the spectrum can in fact use alcoholism as a way of dealing with the high-stresses of having AS, and possibly not having a support network. Perhaps by understanding yourself a bit better, and having the support from our lovely members, you may be able to cut down your stress.
A few links that may assist along the way:
Books on AS:
Resources | AspiesCentral.com
A book I highly recommend to women on the spectrum (as it will help explain the differences between male and female traits, and is a good social survival guide):
Aspergirls: Empowering Females With Asperger Syndrome | AspiesCentral.com
Websites discussing the differences between AS in men and women:
Aspienwomen: Adult Women with Asperger Syndrome. Moving towards a female profile of Asperger Syndrome | Tania Marshall
Day 62: Females with Asperger’s Syndrome (Non-Official) Checklist | Everyday Asperger's
A world reknown expert in AS: Home
Vanilla, thank you soooo much. This is really helpful. I read another post recently that suggested folks within the Asperger spectrum are a "diversity" rather than a "disability". That really struck me. Perhaps we don't need to be on the DSM as "abnormal"? I've often thought that introversion is treated as a disability in our culture. In other cultures - mostly Asiatic, that come to mind - introversion is an asset, not a liability.
Haha, no problem. My auto correct plays up often as well. Just for future references, you can edit posts if you want to
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