h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi there :

Just read some of the conversation you posted on the Asbergers article...I'm researching it at the moment, because basically I think I have it. I have no idea what the heck I'm doing - it was only brought to my attention when a guy I had been chatting to for a while in a chat room told me he had it - which resulted in a long conversation of me saying *wait! I do that!* 6 months later, I'm now struggling...I'm finding it really hard to approach anyone to ask them for support in what I'm doing (basically being afraid that they will tell me I'm acting stupid again).
Everything you posted in the conversation I do (especially having to rehearse what I am going to say/do). It's a huge relief for one - at least I know I'm coming to some sort of conclusion about what's wrong with me. But I'm also scared stiff...! What if no one believes me? What if people start to treat me like a retard? (bad expression I know!) It's bad enough having to deal with exterior life, let alone a whole new set of THINGS.

I know it's not a bad thing though...it's just scary I guess. If you get told you're weird for the whole of your life, you don't think there is anyone out there like you. You CERTAINLY don't expect others to function like yourself and know what its like. You contributing to that conversation helped A LOT...I still have a hard time recalling information unless I have sat down and devoted my head to it. So I just kinda wanted to say thankyou, because you're bringing me closer to my *Goal*

Hi there, thanks for your message.

It's possibly worth diagnosis - as then you have a label and you know why some things are the way they are. Or, perhaps you don't want the label - and would rather be a unique and special person, made as you are individually. Either way is likely to work - so don't worry about it too much.

I've met people who I thought might be, and once I've sepnt time with them, I've decided that they probrably aren't, and it's someting else that seems similar at first.

For me being diagnosed was very useful, as it meant that I could look up the recognition guide and look at it, and research into theories of autism and relarte it to myself, which helped.

It seems to me that understanding the syndrome highlights the weaknesses, and allows me to 'work around' them better - thus leading to a 'more normal' lifestyle (if there is such a thing).

There are support groups out there that have literature on AS, and the rest of the 'Autistic Spectrum', which may be able to help you further with it. I'm afraid I don't have contact details for them, but they are out there - I suspect your local CAB (Citizens Advice Beaurau[sp?]) will have details - they tend to be good at that sort of thing.

And just for your peace of mind - it's not a 'will ruin your life' condition - I'm still in work, still living independently, and still in a committed relationship, and it all works fine.

Special & Unique? No thanks, I've had enough of that to last me a lifetime. Labels are good! It's not like diagnosis changes any aspect of me...what's there is there I guess. I know that I can function. I wouldn't be so concerned about having the syndrome if I could shut myself out from the rest of the world. But I can't! No one can. I did quite well in school, being in a set routine and all, and pretty much getting away with blue murder, but now I have to get out there, get a job, be around people. It takes me over 2 years to settle properly with anything...so really I'm looking for support in adjusting to the job/friends/life aspect. I know it's not the end of the world...the only scary thing is the people who don't understand.

Anyway! Cheers again...the perspective is much appreciated. Any kind of information is appreciated really.