vlog 32.2: autism, Aspergers, and navel-gazing

[moscowmasha]

You are absolutely adorable (I'm not being patronizing, I mean it in the best possible way), and I really appreciate these videos as a fellow woman with Asperger's. I was officially diagnosed, but it's taken a lot of research for me to comprehend that the diagnosis was actually correct. I think that the various life events/habits that you describe make it quite plausible that you DO have AS. You should look up the book "Aspergirls," as it specifically discusses women on the spectrum.

[anamomda]

@moscowmasha Thank you. I will look for that book.



[alikidry]

i realize there are some people who have some hypochondriacal tendency to apply diseases and 'disorders' to themselves, but i don't comprehend why anyone would *want* to claim AS if they don't have it, simply because of the negative stigma surrounding it and the rest of the autistic spectrum. if one believes they are AS after examining the criteria, it's probably true.

[anamomda]

@alikidry Thanks for commenting. I agree with you.

[alikidry]

@anamomda you're welcome, but just stating the reality of it. it's one thing to look for some sympathy card or ocd measure with hypochondria, but someone saying "oh, i'm an aspie" will not bring that response. it seems always to bring a "so? you're smart so you should get your shit together" attitude. it's a conundrum. i spent a lot of time trying to deny it because of that. unfortunately, it is what it is, but the good news is we aren't defective - just different.

[erynbagby]

Our personalities and reality are mostly based on our nuerology. If you are convinced you are aspergers, then it is not highly unlikely. The most important thing is that you gain an understanding of how you think.  The latest and gratest theory, from what I understand, is that aspergers represents around 1% - 2% of the population; and not 1 in 150 or so as you see on the internet a lot. Those on the milder end can be difficult to recognize, especially if they are intelligent (compensation).

[anamomda]

Insightful comment.

Thanks.

[kingofmonkeyfolk]

I used to do just about anything to avoid the school lunchroom. It was just way too chaotic for me. I think I was in my HS lunchroom for 5 minutes, ONCE, for the entire four years. I would chew my own leg off first.

[anamomda]

Thank you for commenting.

[mugawit68]

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. It is a delicate subject. You are putting yourself in a vulnerable position. I feel as you seem to, that I somehow made it through to the other side of Asperger's. That is not to say that I out grew it, but that I learned how to adapt. My Aspie skill seems to be observation of social frameworks and I used that info over the years to build a few tenuous friendships, gain employment, a bride, and father my own lil aspie. It is a hard life.

[zeichner42]

I don't think you have to establish your Aspie "street cred" - you've experienced what you've experienced & feel what you feel. We all learn to cope (to one degree or another) - but just because you can cope, doesn't mean that it isn't still hard for you. I'm right about where you are in this video - examining my life & realizing how everything suddenly makes sense within the framework of AS. Rock on!!!

[anamomda]

No need to establish Aspie "street cred" -- I like that.

[jtred31]

you are a great person and your eyes are luvly :)

[anamomda]

Thanks.

[thelucidreamer]

hmm...although i now realise that you make videos on various things, your comments on lucid dreaming are interesting. Don't you wonder about the next level?

[anamomda]

I wish I could tell you the answer is yes, but truthfully, I'm busy in so many new directions right now that lucid dreaming just isn't a big priority - especially since I need deep, restful sleep more and more these days!

[thelucidreamer]

That's ok. That's how life should be. It will return to you when you need it.

[H0D0NKAIN]

You're very attractive by the way.

I had to add that ;)

[H0D0NKAIN]

I have Aspergers and I sounded a lot like you.

You may have Aspergers. I have good eye contact and seem very normal around people. When I found out that I have Aspergers it was a great relief for me to finally understand "how I was different". It brought a tear to my eyes as well when I found out. Tears of relief. There was a name for it and there were people out there like me.

[anamomda]

Tears of relief...yes.

[CreddyEddy]

You do make good video's.

I remember having the same fear of people even at a university level. It wouldn't manifest itself as a physical fear, but as an abject inability to connect with an audience. I would only be able to stick to the script and make contact with one audience member who would obviously get kinda peaved.

[anamomda]

Becoming active in theatre and performing on stage helped me tremendously. Pretending to be someone else can be enormously freeing.

[yackityyacityyack]

You make great videos. I've been accused of the same thing. "Well he's looking right at the camera therefore he must not have AS." I not only learned many of the things I do in society that look "normal", but its taken me most of my life to learn it!

[anamomda]

"I not only learned many of the things I do in society that look "normal", but its taken me most of my life to learn it!"

Exactly. Blending-in enough to not seem like a freak while still maintaining your own unique edge is hard work!

[AspieHospitesMundi]

I can identify with you and truly I think you are very informed and I can identify with you. I enjoy watching your videos.

[anamomda]

Thanks.

[friendlyfinch]

There is something so incredibly nauseating about you. Who the hell knocked you up?

[anamomda]

Might wanna change that username, "Friendly".

[spazquesters]

But enough about me....let's talk about me.