I Am On The Autism Spectrum: AMA

"G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3" (gbodyman) 07/07/2016 at 14:50 • Filed to: Autism, Aspergers, AMA

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Today marks the tenth anniversary of me being diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome. It’s changed a lot, some for the better, some not so much. All I know is that I’ve never really tried to accept it until now. I figure the more I talk about it, the more comfortable I get with my diagnosis. Mods, if this isn’t the place for this, please delete it. My only request is that the discussion be friendly and polite. As long as it’s respectful, no question is off limits. Hopefully we’ll all walk away from this more informed than we were before.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 14:56

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What age were you when you were diagnosed?

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 14:56

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What exactly is that. (as in contrast to autism as a whole, or “ordinary” autism)

I could find the definition no doubt, but seeing as you’re here what better place to find out...

Telumektar > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 14:58

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What does having AS mean to you?

just-a-scratch > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 14:59

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Well, first I’ll say that it’s pretty good to comfortable enough with this sort of thing to just come out and say it.

Second, when & how did you come to a diagnosis? Was there something in particular that causing you to seek explanations or help?

Thanks for sharing and feel free to ignore questions like mine If you don't want to address them. (Capt. Obvious says obvious things.)

TheHondaBro > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 15:02

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It’s awesome that you’re coming to terms with this. Acceptance is the only true way to inner peace. Fun fact: RJ Mitte (Walter Jr. from Breaking Bad) overcame the limitations from his cerebral palsy by playing sports.

Panther Brown Tdi Volvo Shooting Brake Manual Miata RWD Wagon Stole HondaBro's Accord. > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 15:03

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Do you not like autism speaks because I know people on the spectrum that hates the organization's guts because of the rhetoric they spout.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 15:04

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Does your pee always smell really weird?

Oh, that’s Asparagus.

Nevermind...

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > just-a-scratch 07/07/2016 at 15:06

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Well, when I was in grade 1, I was having severe behavioral issues. My parents decided to have me tested, and after a few months of waiting and a few more of testing, my initial diagnosis of Asperger’s was made. Now, we know it’s hard to give an accurate diagnosis at such a young age, but my most recent re-evaluation was late last year, and the highly experienced psychologist who did my latest analysis still found that the diagnosis of Asperger’s fit with my current patterns in behavior, albeit not as severely as before (thank new advancements in medication and maturity for that).

Sam > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 15:06

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So what topic of interest are you like crazy smart in/good at? Or are you actually in that position, since I know there are varying levels of the condition. I don’t consider it at all a disability, to be honest, as long as it’s properly managed it can be an asset.

My friend’s (who also has it) main focus ended up being video games, and so he’s like 200% better than the rest of our group.

Sam > TheHondaBro 07/07/2016 at 15:09

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As awful as it sounds, I always thought RJ Mitte was just a fully-functioning, but really, really good actor.

MUSASHI66 > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 15:10

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This is all I have

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Panther Brown Tdi Volvo Shooting Brake Manual Miata RWD Wagon Stole HondaBro's Accord. 07/07/2016 at 15:10

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What?

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 07/07/2016 at 15:10

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Breaking news: ADapOfOppo is James May

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Telumektar 07/07/2016 at 15:10

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It means an existential psychological difference between me and everyone else. It means trying twice as hard to fit in, yet still having self-doubt. It means sometimes you regret everything, and sometimes you regret nothing. You experience the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Yet, I can’t really compare it to anything, as I have no real “average” or neurotypical baseline to start from. It means taking one for the team at every opportunity because you have to put in more effort. It means I am. I live, I breathe, and eventually I will die. It means the circle of life is now more of a road course, and you’re the first one to try it out, without so much as a walk or a sighting lap.

TheHondaBro > Sam 07/07/2016 at 15:11

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Nope, he actually has CP. In real life, he doesn’t need the crutches because he built up his muscles really well playing sports.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 07/07/2016 at 15:13

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That’s tricky, as there is no such thing as “normal” autism. Autism exists on a spectrum that ranges from something like mild social impairment, to requiring significant help to achieve basic tasks. Asperger’s is a subset of people on the Autism Spectrum who are typically very smart, but have difficulty in certain day-to-day fields, like social environments. They can also be sensitive to loud noises and bright lights, and have various verbal or physical tics.

Sam > Panther Brown Tdi Volvo Shooting Brake Manual Miata RWD Wagon Stole HondaBro's Accord. 07/07/2016 at 15:13

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Did you know that there is a large group of blind and deaf people that hate organizations that offer them help, even deaf schools and stuff? It’s not because they want to be treated like ‘normal people’ either, but because they have an almost tribal connection to the other people with the disability. My mother worked with the Deaf School of Indiana and the headmaster said they get constant death threats and verbally abusive letters from these people who want to split themselves off from society almost. It's really strange.

Sam > TheHondaBro 07/07/2016 at 15:14

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Damn, that's impressive.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > MUSASHI66 07/07/2016 at 15:14

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Honestly, I’m impressed it took this long for this to show up.

TheHondaBro > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 15:15

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Aspergers does have those limitations, but remember this: “When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.” -Peter Marshall

You will live a life far stronger than those not afflicted with Aspergers.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Panther Brown Tdi Volvo Shooting Brake Manual Miata RWD Wagon Stole HondaBro's Accord. 07/07/2016 at 15:17

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Very much so. They’re trying to categorize individuals, and we all know how well that works out.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 07/07/2016 at 15:17

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7, but I was re-tested with positive confirmation as recent as November.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 07/07/2016 at 15:17

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One of their big things is finding a “cure” for what is for many people on the spectrum, a difference that makes them them. They also used to buy into the whole anti-vax bullshit.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Sam 07/07/2016 at 15:18

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Cars. All of my buddies who are fairly knowledgeable about cars find my knowledge to be scary and incredibly accurate. In terms of seeing my condition as a disability or an asset, this meme sums my views up on the merits or drawbacks of it.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 07/07/2016 at 15:18

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G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 07/07/2016 at 15:18

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It might be both, I just haven’t been able to tell recently given the pollen in my area.

TheHondaBro > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 07/07/2016 at 15:19

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Gocycle.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > TheHondaBro 07/07/2016 at 15:20

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We’ll see what happens.

BvdV - The Dutch Engineer > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 15:20

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I was diagnosed with it around 8 years ago. However, after a while it became clear they just diagnosed me in order to have a way to help me, since I am a bit of an extremely light/border case, only showing some symptoms. Since it was never really confirmed to be a valid diagnosis, and was later kind of withdrawn, I don’t really know if I have accepted it, though I kinda get what they were getting at by diagnosing me. I hope this helps in your acceptance.

TheRealBicycleBuck > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 15:21

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Have you heard David Finch ’s story and if so, what do you think of it?

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 15:21

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Also, I hope that comes across as a joke. I meant it to be funny, and not mocking of you or your personality.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 07/07/2016 at 15:23

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Honestly, it’s very difficult to offend me as a person. My mom actually knocked on my door and asked me what I was laughing at when I saw your comment.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > TheRealBicycleBuck 07/07/2016 at 15:23

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No, I haven’t, and I’m not going to. Every person with Asperger’s is different, so you have to cater to the individual instead of to the group.

just-a-scratch > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 15:24

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I asked because I wonder if an autism/asperger's diagnosis is really a surprise to many people. It sounds like it's not so much for you.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > BvdV - The Dutch Engineer 07/07/2016 at 15:24

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It’s always interesting, considering a lot of the diagnosis is subjective and observational, at least in Canada.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > just-a-scratch 07/07/2016 at 15:26

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Until now, I’ve swept it under the rug. I figured that since I’m now ready, I might as well discuss it.

Telumektar > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 15:26

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Thanks for the answer. I hope you find the perfect race line.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Telumektar 07/07/2016 at 15:27

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We’ll see. For now, I’ve perfected the art of the tank-slapper.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 15:28

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Heck, that description used to fit me like a glove. I grew out of it I guess... must not have been the real deal. Thankfully (no offense meant).

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 07/07/2016 at 15:29

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None taken.

Chuckles > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 15:30

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If you could only listen to one Brand New album for the rest of your life, which one do you choose?

Sam > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 15:30

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Has the social aspect been bad at all? It seems like you’re towards the milder end of the condition, so I’m assuming it isn’t too bad nowadays at least.

The only social issue it seems my friend has is that he can get kinda obnoxious occasionally, but it’s pretty rare. He usually just sits back and takes a few breaths if we mention that he’s spiraling into really grating territory.

He also isn’t able to take jokes at his expense (he assumes everything poking fun at him is completely serious), so I don’t use my usual sarcastic assholishness towards him.

Oh and he has a very strong “one main friend with a bunch of auxiliary friends” thing going on. But really, that's just most people.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Chuckles 07/07/2016 at 15:31

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Your Favorite Weapon, just for sentimental value.

TheRealBicycleBuck > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 15:33

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His was an interesting approach to some of the social difficulties he experienced. I wondered about the greater impact his story and his book may have had on individuals.

Our next-door neighbor’s daughter has been diagnosed with Asperger’s, so I have some experience with it, at least from a parent’s perspective. We’ve had a few scares where she managed to wander away and all the neighbors were called up to start searching for her.

Chuckles > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 15:36

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That’s probably why I’d go with Deja Entendu, but it would be tough having to give up any of them. As for my actual question: do you think that having AS has had an effect on how you relate to music?

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Sam 07/07/2016 at 15:37

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I am rather socially awkward, but I’m able to do what I can with what I have.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Chuckles 07/07/2016 at 15:39

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I’d say so. I want music that speaks, not music that simply plays.

BvdV - The Dutch Engineer > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 15:45

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Indeed, when subjectively evaluating the tests I had done, the person diagnosing me must have thought about how it was better for me to get the diagnosis opposed to not getting it. That was mostly because a monetary budget would be made available to my highschool by the Dutch government, meaning a personal coach could be appointed for example, in case of a diagnosis.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 07/07/2016 at 15:46

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Oh, it’s an organization... it looked like just a collection of random words. This is why punctuation was invented.

As far as finding a cure, that’s bullshit, but I do think there are many people diagnosed with autism that shouldn’t have been. I’m not pointing at anyone, not trying to say anyone does or doesn’t have X problem, just making a general statement. I think doctors are getting far too eager to diagnose a disorder and drug the victim patient, whether it be autism, ADD/ADHD and so on.

I actually have several nephews who were diagnosed with ADHD. The first I’d say was correct, but far milder than they think. His main problem is with CERTAIN people who really rubbed him the wrong way. That and a high-strung condition known as “being an active, healthy, incredibly intelligent kid”. He’s on medication, and frankly now that he’s older, I’ve spent more time with him and quite a few times at the end of the day he’s told me “I forgot my meds this morning”. I never noticed. Part 2: his two brothers, one older, one younger. Also suffer from the “energetic kid” syndrome. Basically they got the drugs too because they were energetic and someone in the family was already diagnosed.

Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 15:49

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Thanks for sharing, I find all of this really fascinating. It’s good that you’ve come to grips with who you are, and are making light of it. That’s 90% of the battle.

I can relate to this a bit as a person whose life got infinitely better after being placed in the gifted program. I have some slightly antisocial tendencies, mostly stemming from not being able to relate to people’s struggles to grasp subjects. My friends know that I’m not intentionally insulting their intelligence, I’m just 58 IQ points above average and don’t always remember that I need to explain what I’m doing instead of skipping steps.

Dusty Ventures > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 16:14

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As it happens, I am also an asparagus. I was diagnosed 18 years ago

MUSASHI66 > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 16:41

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I did it as soon as I saw the article. 20 min, not too bad :)

Dave the car guy , still here > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 16:58

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As I see it we are all dealt a deck when we are born and we have to play that deck of cards the best you can. I believe everyone has the right to live a fruitful existence and despite the stumbling blocks you’ve been presented it looks like you have the right attitude to succeed.

Under_Score > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 17:27

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Time to get personal. I was diagnosed pretty moderate to severe autism back in the early 2000's, when I was a very little guy. This was before Autism Speaks, that Marcus Center for Autism at CHoA, etc. Vaccines had nothing to do with my diagnosis; I’ve had many vaccinations and I’m fine. I mention this because the autism/vaccines thing was big back then, but my parents never believed that BS thankfully.

In 2002, the local elementary school opened, and there was a special needs preschool class; just in time for me. I went through that for two years, and a semester of special needs kindergarten. My first full year of normal class was my first grade year. I got into Target in third grade and no longer needed an IEP by sixth grade.

Now, I’m about to start senior year of high school, I have well over a 4.0, and I’m scheduled to take five APs. I’ll always have autism, but I’ve learned to deal with it and most people don’t know that I have it. It seems like you’ve dealt with it pretty well, too, and it’s awesome.

Sorry that got personal; I just wanted to throw that out there. And I’m completely fine with autism jokes; now, I jokingly justify to my parents and friends dumb things I’ve said or done with “but I have autism” haha.

wiffleballtony > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 18:43

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I’ve diagnosed a lot of co workers as being ass burgers.

El Rivinado > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/07/2016 at 19:17

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Well. This is certainly a surprise.

I guess it’s time to come out about this, but I have Asperger’s as well. My mom had me diagnosed at an early age for it, and I pretty much grew up with it. To be honest, I’m not the proudest of it either. I don’t like what it does to me sometimes, I wish I could more easily connect with people on a platonic and (especially) romantic level more easily. Sometimes, I hate it when subtlety flies over my head, and I really hate it when it makes me act or say stupid things.

But the thing is, very few of my friends know that I have it. Because I keep it a secret, and I don’t like sharing it with total strangers either, and it’s for one simple reason. In my experience, whenever I told people that I have it, I got treated differently. Now, this isn’t like people would poke fun at me, or call me a retard, or any of that stuff, I can let that stuff slide off easily. They went the opposite end of the spectrum, and it pissed me off. People could only see what I had and not who I was, they always gave me that “Oh you poor thing” condescending attitude, they would champion causes and programs in my name that I would never in a million years support. They were such newly minted and massive White Knights, you could still see the paint drip. That’s why I never like to talk about it, because, I wanted people to just see my as a person, not as a potential cause to champion for. Or I wanted them to be friends because they liked me, not because of what I had in my brain I couldn’t change (Kind of like when people make friends with minorities simply because they’re minorities)

The fact you’re willing to admit it, means your much braver than I would ever be. I would never admit to having Asperger’s in a million years. Because I never wanted to felt like I was being talked down or treated differently than others, I wanted to just be treated like normal people. I can certainly BS my way and just say my symptoms are “quirks”, but that can only last a long time. I’ve accepted that I have it, but it’s not something I’m comfortable telling my close friends, or anyone really. It’s just something I have, I’ve never used it as a crutch for when I suck at anything, or used it as an excuse for being an asshole, hell, sometimes I forget that I even have it somedays because I’ve just learned to act more natural. But, I still am not proud of it, and if you told me if I would rather tell my friends or set my pubes on fire, give me the lighter fluid now.

Don’t worry dude, you aren’t alone on Oppo. I’m proud you had the courage to do what I could never do in a million years and say it on a public forum. For what it’s worth, I’m not going to treat you any differently. You’re still the same guy I met on Oppo a year ago, Asperger’s or no. Thanks for sharing this with us.

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > TheHondaBro 07/09/2016 at 13:52

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My friend from high school is Mitte’s agent.