Mental Health Autism, or what is this?

[Sun Drugs]

I don't really know where to begin or if this is even the right forum.

For a very long time I have struggled to...exist, or live, rather. Social contact with others has never come naturally and lately it has come to a point where I cannot deal with it any more. In every aspect of life...I just cannot seem to find the right words. I read topics here in the Dark Side and want to respond but the words just don't seem to come.

So I have been reading up on the autism spectrum and it just seems to describe me entirely. I have never seen or talked to anyone about this. Everyone just knows me as that "weird" kid. My family is so supportive but I hide how hard I am struggling through college. I have so much fear about looking for a job once I graduate in the spring.

There is so much more to this, I don't even know where to begin. It has taken me almost an hour just to write all of this down.

I guess my question is this: are all/most psychologists able to diagnose or see someone who has autism? I would like to make an appointment with the psychologists at my university, but I fear that they may not have the knowledge to help me.

 

[Mysterie]

you dont know until you try

i recommend you talk to the psychologist at your university

 

[tamarinds]

Dont let them bring you down. I suggest a hardcore open talk with your family first. They know you and its what family is there for. Support. I know someone who went and got diagnosed with aspergers, when it was real, and they have let that label own them.

Weird isnt bad, unless its stupid. Youre obviously intelligent, embrace it.

If you arnt exercising regularly, do it. Youll just feel so much better about life in general. Start with the basics. That confidence in yourself is very powerful. Good luck

 

[Black Rabbit of Inle]

Making an appointment with your uni psych is a good step. I would try to go in without any preconception of what you might have. The Autism Spectrum pretty much covers any and everyone with social problems these days.

What you describe is exactly how I am (I am working on addressing these atm), and in my case, I don't need a psych to tell me how to work it out.

I wish you luck with your appointment.

Also:

 

[tamarinds]

That picture just made my day, maybe week.

 

[jpgrdnr]

Just remember that most people with autism don't ever make it to college. :D

-->What I mean to say is that what you are experiencing is what tons of people experience at college. Feelings of displacement, failure to adapt to the learning structure at college. Emotional confusion. Under no circumstances should you self-diagnose. Do not confuse being awkward, social anxiety, general geekiness or nerdiness with ASD. ASD would be something that the school system, or more than likely your doctor would be made aware of in your developmental years. A key symptom would be complete lack of verbal functioning by the age of 2 through to age 5.

"Preoccupation with internal experience."

The simply fact you are at college indicates that you more than likely do not have anything relating to ASD. You would be very much "developmentally delayed," possibly being delayed in school by several years.

 

[Sun Drugs]

Thank you all very much. I will definitely make an appointment to see what a psychologist has to say

 

[plmar]

I don't really know where to begin or if this is even the right forum.

For a very long time I have struggled to...exist, or live, rather. Social contact with others has never come naturally and lately it has come to a point where I cannot deal with it any more. In every aspect of life...I just cannot seem to find the right words. I read topics here in the Dark Side and want to respond but the words just don't seem to come.

So I have been reading up on the autism spectrum and it just seems to describe me entirely. I have never seen or talked to anyone about this. Everyone just knows me as that "weird" kid. My family is so supportive but I hide how hard I am struggling through college. I have so much fear about looking for a job once I graduate in the spring.

There is so much more to this, I don't even know where to begin. It has taken me almost an hour just to write all of this down.

I guess my question is this: are all/most psychologists able to diagnose or see someone who has autism? I would like to make an appointment with the psychologists at my university, but I fear that they may not have the knowledge to help me.

I have the exact same problems you stated, can't even think about going to college or I feel mentally and physically sick. I've had no social contact with anyone at all apart from my family and 1 or 2 classmates for years. Fucking hate talking to anyone or trying to start/keep a conversation going, I don't even know how to.
It's not autism it's social ineptitude and probably early stages of some fucked up mental illness caused by lack of doing anything and depression

 

[RobotRipping]

i suffer the same issues, i'm just not a people person and avoid situations where extroverts shine. However over the years, i have improved my social skills to the point where i can make shallow friendships and make general conversation with anyone. For some people, it comes natural for others, we learn it, either by watching others or analyzing other's interactions. I think part of the problem is that some people are definitely not well socialized, they just don't react the way the majority of people do. That can happen from feeling alienated during elementary/high school. However you can learn how to react and pick up on social cues. Those with autism or aspergers have great difficulty in picking up on such things.

In terms of your job search, as a complete introvert i've worked many jobs where i had to deal with the public and massive anxiety, try to gear your career or studies towards something that introverts gravitate to, like math/finances/engineering/computers/technology. Some people just aren't cut out to be club promoters or sales reps for pharm. companies or whatever.

 

[Vaya]

Thank you all very much. I will definitely make an appointment to see what a psychologist has to say

Hey Sun Drugs - welcome to Bluelight and thanks for bringing this up. This is a very interesting topic!

Having spent the last year working at a Residential Treatment Facility for children and adolescents who all fall somewhere on the Autism Spectrum, you definitely do not sound as though you have full-blown autism, if we are to use the strict definition of the word. But social interaction is definitely a tremendous factor for those with some form of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and I wouldn't hesitate to rule it out if the struggle's been with you so long as to last you through the end of college.

It sounds as though you have a very supportive family, which is *awesome* and bodes really, really well for your future if, indeed, you do have some form of ASD.

Rarely (if ever, in fact) have I met a client with Autism with an IQ exceeding 70-80, and I believe very strongly based on how you write that you do in fact exceed that mark by leaps and bounds. If I were to hazard a guess (and I am no psychologist, mind you! ), your symptoms are much more reminiscent of Aspergers syndrome than Autism. They both fall along the Autism Spectrum, but Aspergers is much less severe and is usually seen in those who are generally normal members of society but with pervasive, autism-like characteristics, which is what I'm more reading about in your case.

The last thing I might suggest is this: Consulting a regular psychologist will likely yield little positive result for you, and thus I would not recommend a university psychologist. Very, very few psychologists are properly trained or versed in the diagnosis of ASDs. I would HIGHLY suggest, however, seeing a neuropsychologist; a neuropsychologist can administer a battery of remarkably sound tests and can utilize more involvement-based judgment to provide you with a sound diagnosis, if indeed one exists. I am working on a research project to be submitted to the Pennsylvania Psychological Association's Annual Symposium about Discharge Trends in Residential Care Facilities Amongst and Between Populations with Intellectual/Developmental Disorders and Disruptive Behavioral Disorders alongside the most competent neuropsychologist I have ever met in my life, and what he has taught me about ASD's and their diagnosis has been tremendous.

Feel free to ask me anything else you might wish to know, and if in any doubt, I can most likely provide you with really good external sources of information for specifics you might want to address.
I also encourage you to continue facilitating open communication with your family; our data thus far points so strongly towards family involvement/support as a precursor to successfully addressing ASDs that I feel like it ought to be a priority of yours to keep that going. Which is why I was so glad to hear it's already been going in the past!!

Keep us updated; I wish you the very best of luck with all of this. Thank you again for reaching out to our community.

~ Vaya

 

[jpgrdnr]

The trend recently is that Asperger's isn't a disorder persay, but more of a "different cognitive style." I tend to agree. I've had friends in childhood that exhibited symptoms of Asberger's/HFA.
I think the key component is that people with Asperger's are very high functioning. There is no need for assisted living.

I think its more of a subtype of what is widely considered culturally as a "Nerd." Big Bang Theory is probably the more polished, glossy, Hollywood version.

 

[Vaya]

The trend recently is that Asperger's isn't a disorder persay, but more of a "different cognitive style." I tend to agree. I've had friends in childhood that exhibited symptoms of Asberger's/HFA.
I think the key component is that people with Asperger's are very high functioning. There is no need for assisted living.

I think its more of a subtype of what is widely considered culturally as a "Nerd." Big Bang Theory is probably the more polished, glossy, Hollywood version.

I do think it isn't a 'disorder,' per se, myself - That's most likely why it's referred to as a 'syndrome,' whereas Autism is referred to as a 'disorder.'

Speaking towards the latter half of your post, I think that that may be somewhat of a short-sighted analysis. Certainly, people with shy and introverted dispositions are about as frequently littered throughout the population as are super-talkative, very extroverted people. The distribution is most likely a bell curve, though I'd have to do some research that I haven't got the time to at the moment! But my opinion (borne of my experiences) has left me still convinced that Aspergers Syndrome is not equal to a colloquial, or traditionally outcast, "nerd."

The PBS Documentary "This Emotional Life" has a really interesting expose on Aspergers; you can watch it here: This Emotional Life: Aspergers Syndrome

~ Vaya

 

[Black Rabbit of Inle]

But my opinion (borne of my experiences) has left me still convinced that Aspergers Syndrome is not equal to a colloquial, or traditionally outcast, "nerd."

Thats just IMHO, however.

~ Vaya

I have to agree. One of my old friends (we recently had a falling out over his (now) ex) and one of my closest friends both have Aspergers, whereas I grew up as the atypical 'nerd'. While we all share some behavioural and personal similarities they have more of an obsessive 'focus' on one particular thing. They also have emotional processing difficulties that most introverted people don't.

 

[jpgrdnr]

I do think it isn't a 'disorder,' per se, myself - That's most likely why it's referred to as a 'syndrome,' whereas Autism is referred to as a 'disorder.'

Well, its an interesting talking point at least. On the wiki its listed as both as AD (Asberger's Disorder) and AS (Asp. Syndrome). I'm not really qualified to really thoroughly talk on whether its based on a personal assessment level or something else. Its largely academic really. They've removed it from the DSM I thought, or will remove it from the DSM V:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diagnosis_of_Asperger_syndrome#Proposed_changes_to_DSM-5

Speaking towards the latter half of your post, I think that that may be somewhat of a short-sighted analysis. Certainly, people with shy and introverted dispositions are about as frequently littered throughout the population as are super-talkative, very extroverted people. The distribution is most likely a bell curve, though I'd have to do some research that I haven't got the time to at the moment! But my opinion (borne of my experiences) has left me still convinced that Aspergers Syndrome is not equal to a colloquial, or traditionally outcast, "nerd."

Again, its a cultural talking point. All I mean to do is point to the fact there is a friction based on the terminology. I by no means believe nerd/AS are interchangeable! Its a bit strange because "nerd" is a bit of strong slang, or in some cases as a verbal labeling of poor behavior. A "put down" if you will. I personally think in the subculture of nerdism there is a key component, or group really of people with AS or HFA. Its more sociological as opposed to psyche. I mean, sure, certain personalities are attracted to Maths, or sciences. Or even the tendency to "nerd" out on a particular subject, an obsessive focusing on a specific thing or idea.

I've also wondered whether AS is a nature vs. nurture debate. That a key aspect of introversion is parental guidance and not inherently neurological.

I mean it all goes back to that conflict of "I feel different," vs. being objectively "different." I think with HFA specifically, there is never a self-examining, to say "how I am behaving is wrong." Or creating confusion of self by not being empathetic or social enough. There's a lot of talk around what society perceives as acceptable behavior. Socials norms, etc. I mean its almost self-fulfilling in a sense that extroverts largely would consider engaging in social behavior as normal, vs. sitting in a room with a Chemistry textbook on a Friday night, per example. I think someone who is neurotypical (? what a strange word!), I guess I'll just flat out and say it...someone who is normal may get the cue that their behavior may be outside of college behavior, while someone who is HFA would not.

 

[Sun Drugs]

Wow. What an incredibly enlightening thread. I had felt so awkward just typing out the original topic, but now it is like all these thoughts and ideas I had in my head are able to come to fruition with much more ease. Everything seems to be coming together. You guys are right -- I am definitely high functioning. Everyone (family, teachers, friends) has always told me that I have so much potential but I have just struggled to reach that. My mind is constantly flowing, connecting the dots in everything I see, making associations where perhaps there aren't any. But translating that into something material has been difficult. I am finally coming into my own, though.

I'll keep this thread updated in some way, hopefully there are others who can get something from all of this. I know I can't be the only dealing with this.

 

[FnX]

I'd vouch for talking with a psychologist too, but remember that whatever diagnosis you may get from him/her, it's not necessary 'final'. What I mean is, I've had atleast 6-7 different diagnoses over my lifetime that sometimes weren't even close to each other. This was due to seeing so many different doctors in a relatively short time period, but it created great confusion in my life and made me realize that they are just labels that stem from how that particular person who labeled you sees you. Talk is very important, I've noticed a trend around here that most psychiatrists tend to observe, interview, test and diagnose disorders so they may prescribe you drugs when you meet certain criteria, while psychologists actually talk to you and really listen trying to think of something that might help your particular symptoms/problems without necessarily needing any sort of labeling.

After you've been to a psychologists (or if you get acute serious issues such as bad insomnia), if you feel like you might benefit from some type of medication, then in my opinion it could be a good idea to see a psychiatrist. Definitely better not jump on any pill too soon, here in Finland it has totally gotten out of hand already. Many people feel like they need help and just someone to talk to, but there's only a handful of trained psychologists to talk to them, so what happens is they see a GP, have a 15 minute interview and then get put on SSRI's or low-dose anti-psychotics for sleep/anxiety and that's it.

Personally, you sound a lot like me in many ways and I've been diagnosed both Aspergers and Schizophrenia at some point in my life (not co-morbidly), I'm not sure what to believe in at all anymore and ironically this itself is driving me crazy. I try hard not to think in terms of these labels. The way you describe yourself as connecting the dots and making associations where perhaps there aren't any, being socially rather isolated, struggling to live and having problems with verbally expressing yourself, could from my experience lead to either a schizophrenia spectrum or autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Psychiatrists are humans too and if somebody specializes for example in Asperger's, I'd bet they are more inclined to give such diagnosis over another even if one could fit the criteria of another disorder too, the criteria seem to be pretty vague often and from my experience, some psychiatrists/doctors seem to sort of 'cherry pick' certain parts of your story that support what they think is wrong with you when making a diagnosis while regarding other things that might be really important to you as irrelevant. In the end, we still know only very little about mental illness or the inner works of the human brain in general so it's important to remember that even though many psychiatrists and doctors want to give the impression that they know it all, they're just scratching the surface.

Good luck to your psychologists appointment and let's hope you gain something helpful from it

 

[Vaya]

Hey jpgrdnr, thanks for typing all of that out - those were really interesting perspectives for me to read, and you are absolutely correct - "cultural talking points." I love that phrase, and that's exactly what they are. I love it

I've also wondered whether AS is a nature vs. nurture debate. That a key aspect of introversion is parental guidance and not inherently neurological

This is so interesting that you brought this up. I don't have any conclusive answers, but a very, very large part of me believes that it encompasses aspects of both realms. Studies that show that those diagnosed with Aspergers/Autism tend to focus more on spatial and schematic aspects of an emotional scene in a movie - instead of cuing in to actors' faces, movements and expressions - strongly indicate that the impairment is neurophysiological (this was a featured experiment in This Emotional Life).

However, the research I have done that indicates that family involvement is one of the biggest predictors of successful treatment and re-integration points to the overwhelmingly strong influence that nurture has on the course and prognosis of ASD's. Your topic is one of fascinating implications....

~ Vaya

 

[Vaya]

So, Sun Drugs, were you able to locate a neuropsychologist in your region per our discussion?

 

[Sun Drugs]

So, Sun Drugs, were you able to locate a neuropsychologist in your region per our discussion?

Yes I have, I looked over the list and have decided which ones I will contact. I am graduating in a couple of months and am unemployed so it is not yet feasible for me to see someone just yet, but once I do I will report back here with information that others could possibly use. Again, thank you so much Vaya!

(By the way, I had attempted to respond to your PM but I got some sort of error message, I think your inbox was full)

 

[Vaya]

You are so very welcome. I'm really glad to hear you found some leads!!

(By the way, I had attempted to respond to your PM but I got some sort of error message, I think your inbox was full)

It's far from full, but we were conversing just before Bluelight shut down temporarily for routine maintenance (happens routinely around 3am EST) which may have been the problem. Don't sweat it!