NationStates Jolt Archive

Got into a verbal argument with a "friend" at school today, and he accused me of faking my mental disability. He badgered me until I think I snapped. Now I can't talk to people well, and my pattern-based fidgiting has gotten worse.

If you don't know about it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger_syndrome

Why the fuck would anybody fake Aspergers? People suck.
Out of curiosity, can you recognize facial expressions?

Got into a verbal argument with a "friend" at school today, and he accused me of faking my mental disability. He badgered me until I think I snapped. Now I can't talk to people well, and my pattern-based fidgiting has gotten worse.

If you don't know about it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger_syndrome

i got terets...but i am dying for a hamburger...%$#$#^$#

Why the fuck would anybody fake Aspergers? People suck.
Out of curiosity, can you recognize facial expressions?

I think he thinks I use it as an excuse for my occassionally weird behaviour.

And I can recognise pronounced facial expressions, but not usually until the person talks to me, so I really get their emotions from their speech.

My Asperger's is fairly mild compared to some people.

I have it also. But I'm on medication for it, it usually works too.
Luckly I don't have any real tics from it, aside from my leg occasionally shaking.

I have it also. But I'm on medication for it, it usually works too.
Luckly I don't have any real tics from it, aside from my leg occasionally shaking.

Meds? You lucky bastard. I have the leg tic most of the time. I don't get others unless I can't do the leg tic for some reason, or if I get an Aspergers "attack".

I have it also. But I'm on medication for it, it usually works too.
Luckly I don't have any real tics from it, aside from my leg occasionally shaking. (Like right now...:rolleyes: )There is no such thing as medication for AS in itself (that would be impossible, seeing as it is not one condition, but a diagnosis given to those who happen to match many enough of a variety of criteria to a large enough degree), though for some problems related to, but not inherent to it in itself, there is.

There is no such thing as medication for AS in itself (that would be impossible, seeing as it is not one condition, but a diagnosis given to those who happen to match many enough of a variety of criteria to a large enough degree), though for some problems related to, but not inherent to it in itself, there is.

I would say that AS is one condition, just with a wide spectrum of effect.

Wow, Ive never heard of this before now, but its almost a perfect description of me...although Im 'intensly interested' in several subjects, I suppose it may vary from person to person.
*sigh*
And my parents decided I had ADD in week and that ritalin was the perfect solution.

Wow, Ive never heard of this before now, but its almost a perfect description of me...although Im 'intensly interested' in several subjects, I suppose it may vary from person to person.
*sigh*
And my parents decided I had ADD in week and that ritalin was the perfect solution.

People with AS can be focused on one or several subjects.

I would say that AS is one condition, just with a wide spectrum of effect.It's very hard to say where the condition begins and where it ends, though. People are on a spectrum; there is little difference between those who almost have AS and those who almost don't. When people are a bit too "unnormal" in a certain way, they get slapped with a diagnosis and are seen as defective.

There is no such thing as medication for AS in itself (that would be impossible, seeing as it is not one condition, but a diagnosis given to those who happen to match many enough of a variety of criteria to a large enough degree), though for some problems related to, but not inherent to it in itself, there is.

Of course, what I mean is that it helps with some of the signs of it. Depression, Some obsessive behaviors, The Attention Deficit symptoms, Hyperactivity, and some of the Tics. (Help not get rid of!)

But it's not something that can be 'cured'. (Try convincing school teachers and adminstrators that back in the late 90s when it first started being accepted in American schools. "Can't you just give a pill to fix it?")

Got into a verbal argument with a "friend" at school today, and he accused me of faking my mental disability. He badgered me until I think I snapped. Now I can't talk to people well, and my pattern-based fidgiting has gotten worse.


:( Sorry to hear that.

Wow, Ive never heard of this before now, but its almost a perfect description of me...although Im 'intensly interested' in several subjects, I suppose it may vary from person to person.
*sigh*
And my parents decided I had ADD in week and that ritalin was the perfect solution.

ADHD may possibly be related to the Autism spectrum of disorders, especially as chromosome 16 may be partially responsible for both.
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/aalink.html

ADHD is just a bullshit excuse for bad parenting.

ADHD is just a bullshit excuse for bad parenting.
Is that your professional opinion, Mr Cluichstan?

one of my sons has Asperger's, though very mild. He is absolutely brilliant in the things he is interested in.

He has no need for medication, only some extra direction. For example- if instructions are being given to a group he is in, he tends to get lost.

It also affects his coordination. He isnt totally aware of his physical abilities. So-no interest of any kind in any sports, no matter how I encourage him.

Aside from that, his grades are excellent, he is far above his grade level,reads several books a week and is currently composing scripts and then filiming his own home-made movies.

one of my sons has Asperger's, though very mild. He is absolutely brilliant in the things he is interested in.

He has no need for medication, only some extra direction. For example- if instructions are being given to a group he is in, he tends to get lost.

It also affects his coordination. He isnt totally aware of his physical abilities. So-no interest of any kind in any sports, no matter how I encourage him.

Aside from that, his grades are excellent, he is far above his grade level,reads several books a week and is currently composing scripts and then filiming his own home-made movies.
Be careful as if he is anything like me the minute you push him into doing something he likes/used to like he will rebel against it.

ADHD is just a bullshit excuse for bad parenting.

Only if you consider genetics to be bad parenting.

Excesive diagnosis and over medication of ADD, ADHD, and many other very real disorders, may however, be considered bad parenting, and bad psychiatry as well.

Only if you consider genetics to be bad parenting.

Excesive diagnosis and over medication of ADD, ADHD, and many other very real disorders, may however, be considered bad parenting, and bad psychiatry as well.


It's both.

(And they're not real.)

Is that your professional opinion, Mr Cluichstan?

He prefers Dr:D

Be careful as if he is anything like me the minute you push him into doing something he likes/used to like he will rebel against it.

Man-you have that right ! No-I learned a long time ago if he senses too much encouragement, he locks up.

He also doesnt handle praise well. Which is tough, because I am so often proud of him and what he accomplishes-I'll be smiling, pat him on the back and say "Thats Great!" or "Good Job!" and he'll withdraw, get sullen and tell me to stop as if I were mocking or teasing him.
Now I watch closely to see what currently has his interest and make everything I can related to what he is doing available.

He prefers Dr:D

Reverend, actually. ;)

Man-you have that right ! No-I learned a long time ago if he senses too much encouragement, he locks up.

He also doesnt handle praise well. Which is tough, because I am so often proud of him and what he accomplishes-I'll be smiling, pat him on the back and say "Thats Great!" or "Good Job!" and he'll withdraw, get sullen and tell me to stop as if I were mocking or teasing him.
Now I watch closely to see what currently has his interest and make everything I can related to what he is doing available.
Hence my failed music/computer/ect career failures;) Hands off is the best with our sort.On a side note alot of sucessful politicians have AS.(Not to insult your kid):p

i got terets...but i am dying for a hamburger...%$#$#^$#

Me too! Well wanting the hamburger too that is...

Hence my failed music/computer/ect career failures;) Hands off is the best with our sort.On a side note alot of sucessful politicians have AS.(Not to insult your kid):p

I think he will do well with whatever he goes after- he does get somewhat obsessive with things he's into, but when he is an adult, that could benefit him.
I just want him to be pleased with himself.

ADHD is just a bullshit excuse for bad parenting.

Huh. My life has been a living hell because of bad parenting. I never knew that a completely stable family that read to me every night before I learned to read, and even after that, took care of me when I was sick, and all in all was as good as I could possibly comprehend, was bad parenting.

Heheh ,man cheers for the laugh.

'I've just had an Aspergers attack' So was you mugged, did they get your trainers? I know they have problems but really going out and mugging people, thats no way to behave.:p

Be careful as if he is anything like me the minute you push him into doing something he likes/used to like he will rebel against it.

... That's never happened with me, or my cousin AFAIK, we're both Aspies.

I have been diagnosed with Aspergers too. I have a high iq(140), but I have this short attention span and this strange hatred of praise. I also get urges to pick at stuff, expecially acne. I also have a hard time making friends and talking to people man-to-man(or man-to-woman). I'm also obcessed with stuff, like foxies and Metroid. You are not alone for having strange tics and Aspergers.

Why the fuck would anybody fake Aspergers? People suck.
Out of curiosity, can you recognize facial expressions?

Aspergers and manic depression are probably the most commonly "faked" mental illnesses out there.. not that I think the OP would fake it, I have no idea, but it's not exactly uncommon for young people to seek attention that way.

When a friend of mine told me that her hsband and son had Aspergers, I thought she said 'ass burgers' and was so fucking confused. Ah, the good old days.

I have been diagnosed with Aspergers too. I have a high iq(140), but I have this short attention span and this strange hatred of praise. I also get urges to pick at stuff, expecially acne. I also have a hard time making friends and talking to people man-to-man(or man-to-woman). I'm also obcessed with stuff, like foxies and Metroid. You are not alone for having strange tics and Aspergers.

I'm obsessed with computers (especially games) and Germany. I also have a really annoying tic, although I can limit it to when I'm at home (i.e. not at school or with friends); I twiddle this little piece of wire, between my fingers.

Aspergers and manic depression are probably the most commonly "faked" mental illnesses out there.. not that I think the OP would fake it, I have no idea, but it's not exactly uncommon for young people to seek attention that way.

Why would anybody fake Asperger's? It's not fun.

Aspergers and manic depression are probably the most commonly "faked" mental illnesses out there.. not that I think the OP would fake it, I have no idea, but it's not exactly uncommon for young people to seek attention that way.

I don't think Asperger is well-known enough to be used as an attention-device.

one of my sons has Asperger's, though very mild. He is absolutely brilliant in the things he is interested in.

He has no need for medication, only some extra direction. For example- if instructions are being given to a group he is in, he tends to get lost.

It also affects his coordination. He isnt totally aware of his physical abilities. So-no interest of any kind in any sports, no matter how I encourage him.
One word: golf. Or pool. If you've got the concentration, the behaviour of the ball is absolutely predictable, and that's gratifying. Team sports are an absolute no-no.

Aside from that, his grades are excellent, he is far above his grade level,reads several books a week and is currently composing scripts and then filiming his own home-made movies.

Got into a verbal argument with a "friend" at school today, and he accused me of faking my mental disability. He badgered me until I think I snapped. Now I can't talk to people well, and my pattern-based fidgiting has gotten worse.

If you don't know about it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger_syndrome
I am sorry your friend was an ass. I get a lot of that from people about my OCD and my Celiac disease, I just chalk it up to them being uncaring idiots...or ignorant, it depends on my mood and how much crap I have put up with for the day.

My friend has a child with your disorder, we get along pretty well, I can mildly understand because of my OCD, and since we are both on the diet for celiac (it helps him with some of his tics) we are as good of friends as an 8 year old and a 23 year old should be.

Have you tried any comforting rituals? Sometimes I have to basically go to a quiet room and think about something else for a while to control my OCD, it's hard sometimes but I have to do it to calm down, otherwise I have a panic attack.

I'm obsessed with computers (especially games) and Germany. I also have a really annoying tic, although I can limit it to when I'm at home (i.e. not at school or with friends); I twiddle this little piece of wire, between my fingers.

Do you have any extreme sensitivity to light or sounds?

My son cant stand average to loud noises. This may or may not be related to AS.

Sometimes, he also doesnt want to be touched and reacts very strongly to it. Like a family picture, where we would get close for a shot and I'd put my arm around his back, he'll jerk away like I touched bad sunburn. Or he'll be going out the door and I'll pat him on the shoulder to say have fun, or something similar.
Other times though ,he seems not to notice. There is no pattern we can tell-maybe just a mood thing? He's 12,soon to be 13. We've never hit him as punishment, he's never been abused by anyone, so I dont know where that comes from.

One word: golf. Or pool. If you've got the concentration, the behaviour of the ball is absolutely predictable, and that's gratifying. Team sports are an absolute no-no.

You're right about the team sports- absolutely no way.

I play golf from time to time and have taken him to the driving range to
try to teach him the basic club swings with clubs his size I bought. It didnt work out at all.

Pool is a good suggestion,though. Thanks.

Do you have any extreme sensitivity to light or sounds?

My son cant stand average to loud noises. This may or may not be related to AS.

Sometimes, he also doesnt want to be touched and reacts very strongly to it. Like a family picture, where we would get close for a shot and I'd put my arm around his back, he'll jerk away like I touched bad sunburn. Or he'll be going out the door and I'll pat him on the shoulder to say have fun, or something similar.
Other times though ,he seems not to notice. There is no pattern we can tell-maybe just a mood thing? He's 12,soon to be 13. We've never hit him as punishment, he's never been abused by anyone, so I dont know where that comes from.

there are times with my OCD that so much is going on in my head that someone touching me (or even being near me) is panic inducing. Have you asked him if he gets like that? where there is just too much going on?

Do you have any extreme sensitivity to light or sounds?

My son cant stand average to loud noises. This may or may not be related to AS.

Yeah, it's called sensory overload. I don't really get it.

I like to stare at round objects for hours

Huh. My life has been a living hell because of bad parenting. I never knew that a completely stable family that read to me every night before I learned to read, and even after that, took care of me when I was sick, and all in all was as good as I could possibly comprehend, was bad parenting.

They failed at discipline.

I want to hang myself.

I want to hang myself.

why?

I want to hang myself.

Let a lynch mob do it instead. Fun for all that way.

there are times with my OCD that so much is going on in my head that someone touching me (or even being near me) is panic inducing. Have you asked him if he gets like that? where there is just too much going on?

I udually dont discuss it with him as at the time, its a sore subject and I dont want it to be an issue.

Yeah, it's called sensory overload. I don't really get it.

Good.

why?

i can't take not being normal anymore

I udually dont discuss it with him as at the time, its a sore subject and I dont want it to be an issue.

oh yeah, don't talk to him about it then, talk to him about it a few days down the road when he is in a good mood and seems open to conversation.

"hey the other day I noticed that when I went to pat you on the back you jumped, did I make you uncomfortable?"

very much from a tone of "I am trying to learn not to annoy you" and not from a "you are weird"

i can't take not being normal anymore

what if I told you that nobody is normal?

anyone who thinks they are is delusional, and therefore not normal.

I have a keychain that I made for myself

"normal does't exist, perfection is a flaw, and organization is a myth"

it helps me with my OCD, I will never be normal, because there isn't a such thing, nothing can be perfect but if it were it would be wrong because perfections is a flaw, it's okay for things to be out of the ordinary because organization is a myth......the only thing real is you and you are fine the way you are.

what if I told you that nobody is normal?

anyone who thinks they are is delusional, and therefore not normal.

I have a keychain that I made for myself

"normal does't exist, perfection is a flaw, and organization is a myth"

it helps me with my OCD, I will never be normal, because there isn't a such thing, nothing can be perfect but if it were it would be wrong because perfections is a flaw, it's okay for things to be out of the ordinary because organization is a myth......the only thing real is you and you are fine the way you are.

It's a fucking miserable existence. I'm too crazy to think or act like everyone else, and not crazy enough for people to give me any sort of respect. Everything thinks that I'm angry, or stupid, or just like to make trouble. At least people with autism are recognised and treated appropriately for what they are.

oh yeah, don't talk to him about it then, talk to him about it a few days down the road when he is in a good mood and seems open to conversation.

"hey the other day I noticed that when I went to pat you on the back you jumped, did I make you uncomfortable?"

very much from a tone of "I am trying to learn not to annoy you" and not from a "you are weird"

Thats probably good advice and I will try it out-thanks.

It's a fucking miserable existence. I'm too crazy to think or act like everyone else, and not crazy enough for people to give me any sort of respect.
you first have to respect yourself. You can't expect people to meet needs that you are not meeting yourself.

we all do the very best we can do at any point in life.

I am weird and crazy and people don't get it.

I can't let people in my house, nobody, not even close friends, my house is my haven. My best friend has never been at my house. I can't let people in.

I can't touch stickers, I can't eat or drink anything without researching it first. Do you know how embarassing it is for my girls to get offered a sticker a the bank and me to have to explain to the teller that we can't even touch them unless I call the company?

I can't drive on the highway, seriously it would be dangerous, I can't handle the disorganization of it, I can't go to the movies, I can't shop at the mall. I can barely handle going to the fair tonight.

My life is strange to people, I am strange, nobody understands that I have to sort my animal crackers, not that I like to, that I have to, I can't eat them straight out of the bag, I just can't.





Everything thinks that I'm angry, or stupid, or just like to make trouble. At least people with autism are recognised and treated appropriately for what they are.

you can't contol what other people think, they are going to think what they want. You can only control what you think.

What do you think about yourself?

It's a fucking miserable existence. I'm too crazy to think or act like everyone else, and not crazy enough for people to give me any sort of respect. Everything thinks that I'm angry, or stupid, or just like to make trouble. At least people with autism are recognised and treated appropriately for what they are.

I can direct you to several people in similar situation as you (yes, with Asperger) who you can befriend without problems.

As long as you promise to behave. They are close friends of mine, and I do not want them to be mistreated.

What do you think about yourself?

I don't think about myself.

I don't think about myself.

tell me 10 good things about yourself.

tell me 10 good things about yourself.

I'm good with computers, I have a wide general knowledge, I can make people laugh. That's all I've got right now.

It's a fucking miserable existence. I'm too crazy to think or act like everyone else, and not crazy enough for people to give me any sort of respect. Everything thinks that I'm angry, or stupid, or just like to make trouble. At least people with autism are recognised and treated appropriately for what they are.

Keep one thing in mind- I never heard anything about AS until about 10 years ago, when we had my son evaluated. He was showing little idiosynchrasies-nothing significant though. He was our first child, so we paid very close attention to everything. After two regualr experts said he had mild AS and I was still saying "What the hell is that? They have to give evrything a freaking name", we went to an expert in the field at Cornell Medical Center in NYC. You cant get much better than them. She agreed, he had mild AS with some OCD tendencies. He seems to have grown out of the OCD though, which is great.
My point is-very few people are aware of it unless directly affected. Its not widely known. And AS behavior can be put off to a bad attitude or moody to those that arent aware.
You arent alone. More and more people are becoming aware. You arent a freak and the people that are giving you a hard time now, would likely still bother you if you had a big nose or your pants were too short.

You dont want to be categorized or labeled like someone with autism-do you want people to sub consciously pity you? That has to be the worst when people are polite but inside feel sorry for you.
With AS, you have a chance at controlling your behavior and blend in,draw less attention to your difference.

You dont want the "respect" a "crazy" person would get.

I'm good with computers, I have a wide general knowledge, I can make people laugh. That's all I've got right now.

okay, lets focus on that.

Not everyone has those things, so those good things make you unique, in fact a vast majority of people aren't great at computers, are ignorant, and have no sense of humor........so now you are abnormal because of good things.

Yeah, it's called sensory overload. I don't really get it.

I don't get any of the rest of it, but occasionally do get the sensory overload. Suddenly I can hear absolutely everything for miles, sight seems to get extra sharp and I see the minute details of everything around me, I can smell everything all at once, and can even feel the stitching on the inside of my clothes. It is as if I were focussing very closely on a single detail (like when sometimes you concentrate so hard on a dust mote, for instance, that everything else fades out) except NOTHING fades out.

Fortunately it doesn't happen very often (a couple of times a year, maybe) and when it does, if I close my eyes for a few minutes and sometimes cover my ears, it goes away.

The reason it is hard to deal with is that it feels like you are standing in a room full of people all screaming to get your attention at once with life threatening information. And if someone adds to that cacophany (for instance, by touching me) it makes me snap.

As I say, it only happens rarely, and is quickly over, but I can imagine how bad it is for folks who get it a lot and can't control it.

I don't get any of the rest of it, but occasionally do get the sensory overload. Suddenly I can hear absolutely everything for miles, sight seems to get extra sharp and I see the minute details of everything around me, I can smell everything all at once, and can even feel the stitching on the inside of my clothes. It is as if I were focussing very closely on a single detail (like when sometimes you concentrate so hard on a dust mote, for instance, that everything else fades out) except NOTHING fades out.

I get the thing with the clothes stitching sometimes, but I thought it was just me. I can't wear anything with pronounced seams, it itches at me.

okay, lets focus on that.

Not everyone has those things, so those good things make you unique, in fact a vast majority of people aren't great at computers, are ignorant, and have no sense of humor........so now you are abnormal because of good things.

Yeah, I suppose.

I'm good with computers, I have a wide general knowledge, I can make people laugh. That's all I've got right now.

Well- do you have any idea what all thats worth?

If your arent good with computers these days, you have to have a law degree, medical degree or be good with wrenches and hammers.
So-you're already ahead of the game.

Making people laugh is huge,especially if you enjoy doing it. Being able to laugh,especially at yourself, can help you get through almost anything.

Be happy with what you have so far. Things arent that bad. You're in better shape than you think.

Yeah, I suppose.

my point is that we are all abnormal, I could focus on the list of "bad things" that make me abnormal (which is pretty darn long) or the list of "good things"

it's best to focus on the good and work on dealing with the bad.

You wanna know why I get so aggressive and angry with politics and religion? Because I love freedom too much. I love liberty. I'm terrified of anything that might take away people's freedom. Muslims, communism, political correctness and John Howard's bloody IR laws. I just want to live in a world where people don't have to worry about what's going to happen tomorrow, or the day after that, or the day after that. I hate this world. It's going to hell. And I can't stop that. And the people who can don't want to.

I don't like asparagus, either.

You wanna know why I get so aggressive and angry with politics and religion? Because I love freedom too much. I love liberty. I'm terrified of anything that might take away people's freedom. Muslims, communism, political correctness and John Howard's bloody IR laws. I just want to live in a world where people don't have to worry about what's going to happen tomorrow, or the day after that, or the day after that. I hate this world. It's going to hell. And I can't stop that. And the people who can don't want to.

Of course. Aggression and wrath help a lot regarding such problems. Haven't you thought that the people that are dragging this world to hell have their lives ruled by those premises you have highlighted here.

It's a fucking miserable existence. I'm too crazy to think or act like everyone else, and not crazy enough for people to give me any sort of respect. Everything thinks that I'm angry, or stupid, or just like to make trouble. At least people with autism are recognised and treated appropriately for what they are.

Somewhere in my past is a piece of paper with a diagnosis of autism or ADHD or whatever written on it. I could probably find it by asking politely, if not by using Freedom of Information law. It would explain why teachers treated me differently than other students at school. It might explain why no-one took me seriously then, or why my government cuts me so much slack when it comes to welfare.

But I'm not going looking. That diagnosis, if it exists, is a fault in their thinking, in their behaviour, not mine.

I'm bloody proud of being different. I claim it. I'm different from the average, because the average plain out sucks. The average brought us civilization, brought us custom and faith, poverty coexisting with luxury into the foreseeable future, happiness a vague sense of satisfaction, impossible to pin down, while suffering pins us down, limits our freedom like the steel pin through the heart of a butterfly.

Wups, went to far again. Oh well.

If you are true to yourself, if you are honestly trying to live the life only you can live, you can wait for the respect. It will come. To be cruel about it, it will come when those who sacrificed their inner knowledge to be average, to get respect sooner rather than later, realize their mistake. And to be kind on top of that, it will still not be too late for them.
It's hard to give up decisions, to admit that you were wrong, but it's never too late to live your own unique life. (That hurts. It's hard to refute the stupid choices, to undo the mistakes. I'm off now, to bang my head against that wall.)

my point is that we are all abnormal, I could focus on the list of "bad things" that make me abnormal (which is pretty darn long) or the list of "good things"

it's best to focus on the good and work on dealing with the bad.

recognizing and coping with the differences, overcoming and functioning may be tough, but probably not as tough as hiding and avoiding.

Everything I've learned with my son and what you guys are discussing seems familiar to me-I've felt nearly all of this in my childhood and teens.

I'm 39 now and think I've somehow overcome most of it. When I was young and behaved badly or different, I was just "being an asshole" and punishment of some sort was the prescribed treatment then.

All in all,I think I've done pretty well up til now, as far as my place in life.

So-dont give up. I'm happy.

I still have trouble taking direction or instruction-I still feel lost when everyone else seems to get things. I wind up learning everything on my own through mistakes and trial and error. I've learned to live with it, its an existance of adapting and overcoming.
I still have frequent mood swings, still wash my hands often and sometimes find myself counting things to myself without realizing it.

You wanna know why I get so aggressive and angry with politics and religion? Because I love freedom too much. I love liberty. I'm terrified of anything that might take away people's freedom. Muslims, communism, political correctness and John Howard's bloody IR laws. I just want to live in a world where people don't have to worry about what's going to happen tomorrow, or the day after that, or the day after that. I hate this world. It's going to hell. And I can't stop that. And the people who can don't want to.

You are one of those "liberalist" arent you?

Do you have any extreme sensitivity to light or sounds?

My son cant stand average to loud noises. This may or may not be related to AS.
I sure do, and I suspect your son's aversion to certain stimulus is related to AS.

Sometimes, he also doesnt want to be touched and reacts very strongly to it.
Yup! By the way, how is your son with being tickled?

Like a family picture, where we would get close for a shot and I'd put my arm around his back, he'll jerk away like I touched bad sunburn. Or he'll be going out the door and I'll pat him on the shoulder to say have fun, or something similar.
Other times though ,he seems not to notice. There is no pattern we can tell-maybe just a mood thing? He's 12,soon to be 13. We've never hit him as punishment, he's never been abused by anyone, so I dont know where that comes from.
It's symptomatic of Aspergers, and since apparently your son has Aspergers, I'd be guessing that's where he gets it from.:D

The inconsistency with regards to the sensitivity issue is probably (in this case) multi-factoral. For instance partly mood/current state of being (physical such as tiredness, or emotional), and partly contextual for instance an element of 'unexpectedness' to the stimulus, especially if it occurs when focus is otherwise directed (for instance in the photo your son might have been quite focussed on playing his part).

Anyway the stimulus/sensitivity issues you are describing are completely consistent with AS symptomology. Were you simply mentioning these traits as a matter of interest (since it's on-topic and all), or were you actually trying to illicit information?

You are one of those "liberalist" arent you?

I dunno. Most people think I'm conservative, but that's because I'm so overly aggressive in attacking any group, individual, thing or idea that threatens liberty and justice.

recognizing and coping with the differences, overcoming and functioning may be tough, but probably not as tough as hiding and avoiding.

Everything I've learned with my son and what you guys are discussing seems familiar to me-I've felt nearly all of this in my childhood and teens.

I'm 39 now and think I've somehow overcome most of it. When I was young and behaved badly or different, I was just "being an asshole" and punishment of some sort was the prescribed treatment then.

All in all,I think I've done pretty well up til now, as far as my place in life.

So-dont give up. I'm happy.

I still have trouble taking direction or instruction-I still feel lost when everyone else seems to get things. I wind up learning everything on my own through mistakes and trial and error. I've learned to live with it, its an existance of adapting and overcoming.
I still have frequent mood swings, still wash my hands often and sometimes find myself counting things to myself without realizing it.

oh, I function, mostly. I have had to learn to deal with most of it. There are things I just can't do, but I am working on it, I have been wearing mismatched socks all week, which has thrown me for a loop, but it's helping me to get used to a certain amount of discomfort.

I am just saying when you are having a sucky day, it's better to focus on things you can control than to worry about the things you can't.

Thanks guys, I feel better having talked about it. I just wanna know why the world in general sucks so much. Why can't we just fix it? If we tried, it could be a utopia, but it's turning into a real dystopia.

oh, I function, mostly. I have had to learn to deal with most of it. There are things I just can't do, but I am working on it, I have been wearing mismatched socks all week, which has thrown me for a loop, but it's helping me to get used to a certain amount of discomfort.

I am just saying when you are having a sucky day, it's better to focus on things you can control than to worry about the things you can't.

I can empathise with your OCD. I think it may be a component of AS, or maybe they just occur together commonly. Either way, I have some minor routines that take up time, although they're not as bad as what you describe.

Help me out here Potato Factory... What was the name of your last nation here? I've been trying to remember, but just can't.

I can empathise with your OCD. I think it may be a component of AS, or maybe they just occur together commonly. Either way, I have some minor routines that take up time, although they're not as bad as what you describe.

my compulsions are.....overwhelming at times.

it doesn't help much that my celiac disease requires me to be so analytical of everything I touch, or taste, in fact it tends to feed into my OCD.

it's a whole new challenge to balance those two things.

Help me out here Potato Factory... What was the name of your last nation here? I've been trying to remember, but just can't.

Am I allowed to say that?

Am I allowed to say that?German something..?

my compulsions are.....overwhelming at times.

it doesn't help much that my celiac disease requires me to be so analytical of everything I touch, or taste, in fact it tends to feed into my OCD.

it's a whole new challenge to balance those two things.

That sucks. No self harm, I hope? You hear a lot about people who wash their hands to the bone.

That sucks. No self harm, I hope? You hear a lot about people who wash their hands to the bone.

no, I don't have the "germ phobia" thing, I am mostly obsessed with order, for example I can't just eat my food, it has to be eating in a certain order.

no, I don't have the "germ phobia" thing, I am mostly obsessed with order, for example I can't just eat my food, it has to be eating in a certain order.

I'm a bit like that. I do that with candies, for example. Like M&Ms, I'll take a handful out of the bag, put them on the table, then eat the most numerous colours first, and work my way down to the rarest. Although I can forgo that sort of thing if I'm eating them in public or anything.

I'm a bit like that. I do that with candies, for example. Like M&Ms, I'll take a handful out of the bag, put them on the table, then eat the most numerous colours first, and work my way down to the rarest. Although I can forgo that sort of thing if I'm eating them in public or anything.

I do exactly that with M&M's, they're perfect for it. And I do like arranging things in ordered patterns, though *looking around at my desk* apparently not all the time.

Yup! By the way, how is your son with being tickled?


It's symptomatic of Aspergers, and since apparently your son has Aspergers, I'd be guessing that's where he gets it from.:D

The inconsistency with regards to the sensitivity issue is probably (in this case) multi-factoral. For instance partly mood/current state of being (physical such as tiredness, or emotional), and partly contextual for instance an element of 'unexpectedness' to the stimulus, especially if it occurs when focus is otherwise directed (for instance in the photo your son might have been quite focussed on playing his part).

Anyway the stimulus/sensitivity issues you are describing are completely consistent with AS symptomology. Were you simply mentioning these traits as a matter of interest (since it's on-topic and all), or were you actually trying to illicit information?

He is terrible with tickling-we dont do it. Just one time years ago, the standard horse play with him and his brother wrestling Dad- tickling was like a torture to him.

I'm just mentioning things as part of a conversation-He is our first and he will be thirteen soon-Since he has AS so mild, we dont have him evaluated on a regular basis and I am not always aware of what could be AS or what is just adolescent behavior.
The problems he has from AS, though I wish we didnt have them, all seem manageable to both him and us.
His biggest problem with it seems to stem from the dealing with it. He hates to be interviewed by the school psyhcologist and guidance counselors.

He is coping well with some extra guidance as far as instructions, he aces tests in all subjects when he is on track, homework is a non-issue-when he gets it, he completes it, plus any extra credit with ease.

I'm using this forum as a sort of round table-I'm learning first hand from people that deal with it and hopefully, the experiences I describe may help those peopel be a little more comfortable at the same time. Though I have some experience with it, I dont pretend to be an expert and gladly listen to those with first hand experience.

I'm a bit like that. I do that with candies, for example. Like M&Ms, I'll take a handful out of the bag, put them on the table, then eat the most numerous colours first, and work my way down to the rarest. Although I can forgo that sort of thing if I'm eating them in public or anything.

Holy shit-you're reminding me of more and more. I chew one M & M and swallow the next one whole. I dont just eat a bunch at once.

Holy shit-you're reminding me of more and more. I chew one M & M and swallow the next one whole. I dont just eat a bunch at once.

I don't understand why people do that (eat a whole bunch at once) unless they're eating the same color. I mean the differnt colors TASTE diferent (once proved that I can tell the color of an M&M by tase).

I do exactly that with M&M's, they're perfect for it. And I do like arranging things in ordered patterns, though *looking around at my desk* apparently not all the time.

Yeah, I like to have things all orderly, and yet, I let my room get quite disorganised at times.

And the organised patterns thing reminds me of an episode of Scrubs. A friend of Dr.Cox's comes to town, and they both have very young boys, like toddlers. The boys play together with LEGO blocks, and later, Dr.Cox realises that his friend's son may have autism after seeing the symmetry and colour arrangement of his blocks. So, yeah, organised patterns is an austisic/AS thing. >_>

I don't understand why people do that (eat a whole bunch at once) unless they're eating the same color. I mean the differnt colors TASTE diferent (once proved that I can tell the color of an M&M by tase).

I generally only eat them in bunches when I'm in public or with friends, because it's what everyone else does; I can exercise a certain level of restraint with my AS when I need to.

It's weird to talk to other people who have similar problems with me. I only know one other person IRL who has AS, and that's my cousin. She's worse off.

Fascinating conversation, though.

It's weird to talk to other people who have similar problems with me.Just "weird?" Hell, it's REALLY way-out to ME!

When I grew up, there wasn't such a name as Asperger's that I know of. School psychologists were baffled, made a mash of attempting to decipher me, and finally my mother revoked her consent for them to talk to me. Which was a very good thing, considering the clueless idiots were making things worse.

Until last year or so, I thought there was NOBODY in the entire world like me!
Then I followed some link to an AS site, maybe even from General, and found out that there's thousands...

That's pretty mind-blowing especially since I'd grown quite used to, no make that fond of, the idea of being The Only.

On the other hand, now I can be just say Meh when I do something a bit weird! :D
*continues avoiding racketous noises, like those that issue forth from the TV, that "normal" people seem to enjoy*

I just wanna know why the world in general sucks so much. Why can't we just fix it? If we tried, it could be a utopia, but it's turning into a real dystopia.It is quite simple. Human stupidity; it is the foundation of all major societies and cultures. While humans have the greatest capability for intelligence of all animals, our thinking is also the most irrational and error-prone, ie. stupid. Only a few geniuses rise significantly above the norm, and are the ones doing the thinking that once in a while leads to a significant burst of progress, though it is almost always fought against by the braindead mob at first. Humans, with a few exceptions, such as (to varying degrees) some of the people like us, and a few others whose intelligence enables them to sort out their stupidity (in computer terms, debug themselves), are herd animals. Mindless, useless, fucking morons who live only to gain the useless respect of their equally stupid peers, oppress anyone who doesn't fit tightly enough into the patterns that their society (as well as, on a smaller scale, social groups) follow for the moment, and do their best to force those better than themselves to operate at their level of stupidity.

Humanity has worked this way for all of its history, and will continue doing so until it is either wiped out, forcibly changed (perhaps a bunch of the best will one day manage to take control of the world and get it into shape; as technology progresses, the means for doing so will gradually appear. it is not likely to happen, though), or (should it survive long enough, something thankfully not all that likely) evolves into something else, whether it be less or more stupid.

Aspies tend to be really logical. I think true Aspies would be willing to consider the possibility that they're affecting the syndrome is legitimise their lack of people skills.

Incidentally, I refuse to recognise facial expressions or tone of voice until someone reduces them to univeral maxims. Otherwise I'd just be guessing.

Aren't Aspies snakes?

Only a few geniuses rise significantly above the norm, and are the ones doing the thinking that once in a while leads to a significant burst of progress, though it is almost always fought against by the braindead mob at first. Humans, with a few exceptions, such as (to varying degrees) some of the people like us, and a few others whose intelligence enables them to sort out their stupidity (in computer terms, debug themselves), are herd animals. Mindless, useless, fucking morons who live only to gain the useless respect of their equally stupid peers, oppress anyone who doesn't fit tightly enough into the patterns that their society (as well as, on a smaller scale, social groups) follow for the moment, and do their best to force those better than themselves to operate at their level of stupidity.
This is what's wrong with democracy. People are dumb.

He is terrible with tickling-we dont do it. Just one time years ago, the standard horse play with him and his brother wrestling Dad- tickling was like a torture to him.
Me too.


I'm just mentioning things as part of a conversation-He is our first and he will be thirteen soon-Since he has AS so mild, we dont have him evaluated on a regular basis and I am not always aware of what could be AS or what is just adolescent behavior.
A lot of sensitivity issues tend to abate (to varying degrees) with maturity. Speculating (based on my understanding of body changes that occur with adolescence) it's possible that some aspects of adolescence might influence the symptomology of a teen with AS, in fact I'd be surprised if it didnt. After all it's an awkward time for everyone who goes through it, I doubt having AS let's any of us off that hook!;)

The problems he has from AS, though I wish we didnt have them, all seem manageable to both him and us.
His biggest problem with it seems to stem from the dealing with it. He hates to be interviewed by the school psyhcologist and guidance counselors.
Is this kind of intervention necessary (or helpful) in your son's current circumstances? What are these people doing for your son? Also does he not like 'the whole issue' or is his concern discussing it, or discussing it with psycholoists and counselors?

He is coping well with some extra guidance as far as instructions, he aces tests in all subjects when he is on track, homework is a non-issue-when he gets it, he completes it, plus any extra credit with ease.
That's good. Is he ok with the social aspects (meaning is he happy with his capacity to socialise and make friends)?

I'm using this forum as a sort of round table-I'm learning first hand from people that deal with it and hopefully, the experiences I describe may help those peopel be a little more comfortable at the same time. Though I have some experience with it, I dont pretend to be an expert and gladly listen to those with first hand experience.
Ok, I just wondered if there was something particular you were hoping to learn. I'm also no expert, so it's good that people who otherwise probably wouldnt even meet in real life can share what they know on-line. Makes the world seem a tad cosier.:D

This is what's wrong with democracy. People are dumb.

Yes, ironically, I think it would have a better chance of working if we all had AS.

ADHD is just a bullshit excuse for bad parenting.

Sure it is. I've been diagnosed with it and once took meds for it (went off them though, but going back on). Can my parents' mistakes possible explain how I get B's and C's in nearly every subject, and be extremely spacey and fidget a lot and have trouble following stuff, while my sister has none of those problems (and she's only 2 years younger than me too :eek:)

Wow, I think I may have Asperger's... :eek: High IQ (129, last time I checked) and poor social skills, withdrawal and sensitivity, also rather narrow and extreme interests in stuff liek writing and politics (neither of which are "normal" for 14 year olds)... :eek: I have been diagnosed with ADD, though. Perhaps that is why my social skills suck. It's hard to make new friends for me, and it's even harder to talk to people I don't know very well. And yes, I take that "hands off" approach to encouragement too, I hate it when my mom asks me about how band is going, or how school was. I don't liek to talk about that, even if nothing went wrong.