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Hello from London

CJB

Member
Hi everybody,

I'm Chris, 28 from London. I haven't been diagnosed with anything yet and I'm here as my therapist recently asked me if I had ever been tested for Asperger's. I have an appointment booked with my GP, but I just wanted to get some advice beforehand.

I've been doing some brief research this morning and although I can relate to some of the symptoms, I personally don't think I suffer with Asperger's, but I'll never know until I've been seen by a professional.

I basically suffer in any kind of social situation, my mind goes blank and I can't think of anything to say. I over analyse everything in my head - 'is it okay to say this', 'would that sound offensive', 'is that funny' etc, then by the time I've decided the conversation has moved on and I don't say anything. I hate being known as 'the quiet one' and I hate feeling uncomfortable when I'm around people I don't know. It seems as if there's a barrier in my mind that I can't get passed.

I also think everybody is judging me, a seemingly simple task of walking down the street becomes difficult, everyone that I pass I assume them to be thinking something about me ( I don't walk around naked or anything, just so you know).

I have a good group of friends, never been bullied and had a good up bringing, but I've these problems for as long as I can remember and it really has hindered me in life.

Anyway, that's enough from me for the time being!
 
Welcome Chris :)

It's hard to say, though I could relate to what you had posted. I myself am self-diagnosed. One thing you may learn about AS, is that some of the information out there on AS, is either outdated, or inaccurate. Also, many of the listed symptoms tend to portray the more severe cases of AS. You'll also learn that AS in fact sits on a spectrum. This means that it can affect a person at various extremes, and it can present differently in different individuals.

The best way to learn more about AS, is to talk to others with AS. Here, you can join discussions, ask questions, and try to determine if you feel the connection. Also, I recommend a visit to our resources section: Autism & Asperger's Resources | AspiesCentral.com

You'll want to look in to Dr. Tony Attwood as well: Home

I hope all goes well with your doctor's appointment. Be sure to let us know how you go.
 
Welcome! As the other have said, the things you have mentioned could be related to aspergers, but it could also be something like social anxiety (or both). Do you have any other symptoms like sensory sensitivity, obsessive interests, difficulty recognising people motivations or humour, low social intelligence?

You could try taking a some of the online tests.
Anyway, I hope you find this forum usefull and that getting a diagnosis goes well and helps you understand yourself and you problems :)
 
What you describe could be symptoms of autism, and might also fall under the categories of Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder, or Social Anxiety. Whatever the case, welcome, and I hope you stick around! :)
 
Howdy!

I know Aspies don't like being "the quiet ones" as you said - my Aspie friend also wishes he was more extroverted, but I have to tell you as an NT that I much more prefer the quiet guys. The extroverted guys will run all over you and monopolize the conversation. It's like they are so busy talking about themselves that they aren't really interested in getting to know the other person. Anyway, just my thoughts at the moment.
 
The extroverted guys will run all over you and monopolize the conversation. It's like they are so busy talking about themselves that they aren't really interested in getting to know the other person. Anyway, just my thoughts at the moment.


Well, I already know about your cat. Tell me about your antique nutcrackers! :p

 
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Hi Chris :) It's a great idea to get a referral from your GP - let me know if you need help knowing about the diagnosis process in the UK! Hope you enjoy it here.
 
May I share a comic link?
Depressed Alien
number 159, but it has a questionable word (that they CAN use on the radio, so it's probably ok here)
it relates to exactly what you just said about social anxiety.

Hi everybody,


I basically suffer in any kind of social situation, my mind goes blank and I can't think of anything to say. I over analyse everything in my head - 'is it okay to say this', 'would that sound offensive', 'is that funny' etc, then by the time I've decided the conversation has moved on and I don't say anything. I hate being known as 'the quiet one' and I hate feeling uncomfortable when I'm around people I don't know. It seems as if there's a barrier in my mind that I can't get passed.
.com/159
 

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