I'm so glad I found this forum! First, some background about myself. I'm 48 years old, a technical writer for an engineering firm, and the author of three books and several articles in my particular area of expertise. I won't say what they are right now because this introduction is about me as an Aspie, not a writer 
Like many people in this forum, I've had social difficulties all my life. Any time I've had workplace issues, it's been due to co-workers taking issue with my personality, habits, interests, you name it! As one supervisor said to me once, "It's not your work that's the issue. Honestly, it's you."
For years, I was treated by a psychiatrist for dysthymic disorder, without much success. I'd heard of Asperger's Syndrome but didn't know that symptoms could vary so widely from one person to the next. I saw myself in some manifestations but not others so didn't entertain the possibility.
Then, last summer, I met a young man on my morning commute who was a diagnosed Aspie and advocate for the autism community in general. His name was Michael. Over the course of several conversations, I recognized so many of my own feelings and experiences in his that I finally went for a formal diagnosis. On March 30, I received it.
I was so glad to finally understand and make sense of things. It's also made me more self-aware. Although being an Aspie is nothing to be ashamed of, knowledge has helped me make more informed decisions about what to do, how to interact with others, etc.
On a sadder note, Michael lost his job recently because his coworkers kept complaining about how 'unfriendly' he was and how uncomfortable he made them. I think this was really unfair, and am seeing what I can do about getting him employed where I am now.
Looking forward to meeting people here!
Rose
Like many people in this forum, I've had social difficulties all my life. Any time I've had workplace issues, it's been due to co-workers taking issue with my personality, habits, interests, you name it! As one supervisor said to me once, "It's not your work that's the issue. Honestly, it's you."
For years, I was treated by a psychiatrist for dysthymic disorder, without much success. I'd heard of Asperger's Syndrome but didn't know that symptoms could vary so widely from one person to the next. I saw myself in some manifestations but not others so didn't entertain the possibility.
Then, last summer, I met a young man on my morning commute who was a diagnosed Aspie and advocate for the autism community in general. His name was Michael. Over the course of several conversations, I recognized so many of my own feelings and experiences in his that I finally went for a formal diagnosis. On March 30, I received it.
I was so glad to finally understand and make sense of things. It's also made me more self-aware. Although being an Aspie is nothing to be ashamed of, knowledge has helped me make more informed decisions about what to do, how to interact with others, etc.
On a sadder note, Michael lost his job recently because his coworkers kept complaining about how 'unfriendly' he was and how uncomfortable he made them. I think this was really unfair, and am seeing what I can do about getting him employed where I am now.
Looking forward to meeting people here!
Rose
