Newly aware that my own unawareness has a name

[Shawn D]

Last week, my husband suggested that I have Asperger's, jokingly, but, in my typical fashion, I took it literally and decided to research it. I found that it was like reading a biography about me. I always knew I wasn't like the other kids and had a hard time making and keeping friends, and now I know why. I am socially awkward, often tactless, highly cerebral, very literal, unable to pick up on social cues, oblivious to my surroundings, often invading people's personal space and running into things; and just don't "get" people. I get immediately defensive when my husband is mad about something, even if it's not about me. Growing up, I was constantly convinced people were mad at me, but didn't know why. My husband is always having to repeat himself when he talks to me or asks me a question, because for whatever reason, what he says doesn't register with me right away.
My husband always calls me "Sheldon" from The Big Bang Theory. I found out that his character, though grossly exaggerated, is based on someone with Asperger's.
As you can see from my profile picture, I was even awkward as a baby. I crave social interaction, but often feel anxious that I'll say or do something "wrong". It doesn't stop me from trying, though!

 

[Ereth]

Welcome, Shawn!

 

[Shawn D]

Thank you!

 

[Rocco]

Welcome aboard!

 

[Shawn D]

Thank you!

 

[Rocco]

and running into things; and just don't "get" people. I get immediately defensive when my husband is mad about something, even if it's not about me.

Check check check, Me too! I am constantly being assaulted by door knobs and door ways, door areas in General can be precarious. I can not remember the last time I did not have a bruise or laceration.

 

[Lukas]

Ditttto!! Welcome to AC!!

 

[Randomperson]

Welcome

 

[StephF]

Pull up a chair and join the convo

 

[SyAn]

Hello Shawn, welcome to our Aspie community of assorted people, many with an uncanny ability for close and personal encounters with doors, knobs, drawer handles, bedposts (a personal favourite) etc, so you fit right in with us

It's great that you keep trying with social interactions, and this is a safe place to practise, get support and have fun.

PS: I think you were a very cute baby, what I see in your photo is a baby thinking "Well isn't that interesting!"

 

[Vanilla]

Welcome

That's an interesting way to find out. I sure you'll find this place quite useful for learning more about the spectrum, and possibly about yourself.

Feel free to take a look at our resources section, for books on AS: Resources | AspiesCentral.com

I also like to recommend this book to our female members:
Aspergirls: Empowering Females With Asperger Syndrome | AspiesCentral.com

 

[Shawn D]

Thank you! I find it ironic that for the first time, I do feel like I fit in somewhere, but with others who probably feel the same way.
My husband jokes that he needs a monkey backpack leash for me sometimes, especially in parking lots. It's a small miracle I haven't been hit by a car yet.
P.S. Thanks!

 

[Vanilla]

Thank you! I find it ironic that for the first time, I do feel like I fit in somewhere, but with others who probably feel the same way.
My husband jokes that he needs a monkey backpack leash for me sometimes, especially in parking lots. It's a small miracle I haven't been hit by a car yet.
P.S. Thanks!

Lol, my mother used to have to use one of these for me apparently, as I was prone to running off on my own as a small child. Apparently she once lost me in a shopping centre, and was so panicked, she called the security guards to help her find me. In the end, I was in the toy store, happily playing on the ground

 

[Shawn D]

I actually did have a leash when I was small. Apparently my curiosity and desire to explore superseded any fear of being "lost".

 

[Scorpiogirl]

It's nice when u finally make sense of yourself isn't it

 

[Shawn D]

It certainly was a eureka moment!

 

[Salmongirl17]

Hello and Welcome!!