Echo

Same here

What have you done differently over the time that you feel yukky? Is there anything new in your house that may make you feel uncomfortable etc...? I'm trying my best to ignore and get used to the new bulb that I have in the living room (it is really annoying me as it is leaving a half crescent shadow over the telly - my other half doesn't seem effected in anyway, but I can't stop looking at it as the room has been fully lit for the past ten years!). What techniques have you used in the past to chill-out/ relax?

Hi Bob, It was about two/three weeks before I told anyone about how I was screened and initially assessed for AS. At first this information scared me, but more I began to read about it, the more I understood the person that I am. From this, I made the choice of telling those closest to me (deducing that if it helped me to understand myself, then it would also help others to understand me - when to offer help, what to do when...etc). What I did make clear to all of those who I've told is; don't treat me any differently than you would treat anyone else (or have treated me before), I am still the same person I was last week; just to approach certain situations that I find myself in with more understanding from now on (I have asked them to read more about it - educate themselves -understand the behaviour - how to spot a possible meltdown (what sort - temper or depression) and preempt it...etc). Essentially, how to help me when I can't seem to ask for it. I too hate the thought of anyone talking to me like a toddler -It's patronising, especially when you know that most of the time your brain is working faster than theirs!!! (well, on certain things anyway ). Like I have said; I have told parents, my partner and my closest two friends (no-one else). I have used their reactions and behaviour to gague how I feel about telling other people. For now I've decided to add other Aspies/ASD's and college Tutors to this list. Once I receive my clinical diagnosis, I may become more open about it (see what happens). So, what I'm doing is basically; taking baby steps. Mostly it's a very positive reaction. The only niggling issue that I have is; people keep asking me if I'm o.k (tutors mainly - this happens every 15 mins or so)! - I'm going to have to address this with them asap. I don't see it being too big of a problem after talking to them. Ultimately it is your decision to make, I don't want to push you either way. Good luck, K

Same here too! I think it's more of a Dyslexic trait than an Aspie trait (as trekster mentioned above) - difficulties with the STM...etc However, although I do loose track of what I'm saying 70% of the time when I'm interrupted, the other 30% of the time (when I haven't forgotten what I was talking about completely), I have to start from the beginning of what I'm saying (effectively saying the same thing again in the exact same order to regain/maintain my flow - or else I feel that what I'm saying doesn't make any sense). This I believe is more of an Aspie trait - correct me if I'm wrong (I'm new to this).

Hi Bob, welcome to the forum. I'm fairly new here too. I know the feeling - relieved, yet; scared (to some degree). Although I have not received my diagnosis yet, the literature I've read rings so true to me that I can't quite believe it. It has answered so many questions (as well as highlighting some new ones) that I'm starting to feel 100% more confident in coming to terms that I have a form of Autism (and more confident/comfortable in myself). I really do hope that the relief for you will start to outweigh the scary Best of luck

Received these through the post yesterday; 'Aspergirls' and '22 Things a Woman with Asperger's wants her Partner to Know' Rudy Simone. It took roughly 2 hrs to read 22 things...and it was brilliant. Like a how to manual on me (although I thought that about 10-15% of it described other people - just goes to prove that we aren't all the same). Now I'm about half way through 'Aspergirls' - I almost cried. So many, if not all the stories/descriptions ring true. I just thought that I was a little different and that other people's opinions of me didn't count as I did not follow their social code/mindset nor did they know or try to understand me (of course, I couldn't explain to them either - now I think I can - "Here you go...read this book"). I thought that what all that I did/said (do/say) etc... was/is wrong - but I couldn't change that (a failed individual). Now I know that these are all traits that I share with a very exclusive group of people who are extraordinary in their own ways. Next step is utilizing the tips and information that I have in a constructive way - helping me to help myself, helping my family to understand what's going on etc... Awesome.

@trekster...Ah, the joys of having to utilize the NHS Well, done them. On another note; Liverpool F.C for life!!!

It's been over 5 yrs now since I kicked my best friend (of over 12 yrs - since school) to the curb/stopped communicating with him completely - In a similar situation (because of his pot smoking). This included; barking commands at me, "borrowing" money and disappearing when it needed to be paid back, stealing from my house... this list continues. Although it still hurts a great deal (for many years he was my only friend) thinking of it, I had no other option (after giving him the benefit of the doubt/chance after chance to change etc...); but to look after my own interests/safety. This is ultimately what you will have to do if you want it to stop - £40 (+ a couple of DVD box sets) may be a lot of money when you are skint, but it is nothing compared to what the total sum would be if you let this continue (not just from an economic point of view but an emotional one too). It is a relatively low price to pay for piece of mind that you will not allow this to happen again. Having said this, it's your decision to make. It's only my opinion that you do not need this person in your life. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do

Hi again guys and girls, I decided to follow-up my referral by the doctors surgery today(as I had not heard a peep from them since last September). The Doctor there told me that; - They had sent the referral - It was very unusual that I had not received any confirmation or invitation - To call the unit where I had been referred to and ask about my place on the waiting list (how long etc... as they as my Doctor's weren't allowed to) Thus, I went home and called the unit. It was here that I learnt that they had not heard at all from my Doctor since 2007!!! (And that it was a discrace that I have had to wait so long to get an appointment Sept 2012 - March 2013). There was however, a referral made to their team back in May 2012 (on my behalf) which they say they have to wait before they can follow-up on. I was then told to phone my surgery again to fax the referral through for Monday. My Doctor was none too impressed as this had happened several times to her this week alone. So, my next step would be phoning both again on Monday to make sure that the message has been sent and received. Lucky that I decided to check However, I still have no idea what's happening (time-scale etc...). - Oh well, I've waited this long I suppose

Hi Lyndalou, Surrounded myself with different textured pillows on the couch and have two heavy duvets on top of me too. Got the fairy lights on and am listening to a bit of Planet Rock on the DAB (should head over to the kitchen to fix something to eat - fixated on this forum at the moment though - hubby will probably give me a shout to help him out in a bit ). Building a cocoon sounds like a good idea too (being a tomboy, it was something I did all the time as a child/teen and I'm not opposed to the idea of seeing if I have the suitable materials at home to start building one tonight - that's if I don't get preoccupied with something else - I have ADHD and Dyslexia for certain - still seeking a diagnosis on the AS front). Anyway, must dash...let me know how the den is coming along. K

Oops, sorry, hi SmileyK. Thanks for commenting

No, we haven't spoken before (so; no need to worry)

Thanks Willow, that's exactly what I have done and slowly it is starting to work. Also, thank you for posting up your videos on YouTube. They have been very, very helpful to me (in explaining to others why I feel/act etc in certain ways etc...). It was also cool to see that one of your favourite places is Harlech Beach (as I have spent many years going back on forth for courses and work etc... which has alas, just come to an end).

I have really wound myself up the past couple of days constantly researching and reading (about my passions...text books, web sites, videos...). When I stop, it's like my mind is still processing all the information in the wrong order at the same time, in sounds, words and pictures. I can't stop. It's like a manic, swirling kaleidoscope of ideas, mathematical equations and theories... I feel completely on edge and I am sure I am just about on the verge of a meltdown/burnout (this is how I woke up this morning - I recognise sometimes when something is about to occur - but not in supermarkets etc apparently according to family members ). I've been out for a walk, had a bath... etc to try to calm down, but at the moment nothing seems to work. Last night I started a new degree course - this might have something to do with how I'm feeling. I'm not sure. Anyway, I guess my question is; What do you do when you feel like this? or What do you think I should try? Thanks

Hi guys and gals, I finally received an e-mail reply from NAS this morning They suggested three private practices where I could possibly have a diagnostic carried out. These were; AXIA - Dr Linda Buchan - Chester Dr Johnathon Jones - Shropshire Schakel Hildeguard - Manchester I've tried to call them to no avail. All I keep getting is answer phone messages asking me for my name and contact details (I'm not happy with sharing this information unless I have a human on the other end). Anyone on here had any experience with the aforementioned people/practices? Thank you

Well, today is the 14th day and I should (as the NAS website promised), get some sort of an e-mail reply today. As far as the phone call promised goes; I still haven't heard a peep so far. It's funny really how I want a phone call. If you knew me, then you would realize that it's against my nature to want to hear the phone ring. I don't know if this is the same for other Aspies/Asperger's (which ever is the most comfortable/accepted term), but usually when the phone rings two things will happen; 1) I have to be the one that answers it. So there's a mad rush to jump over the sofa to grab at the receiver. and 2) The sound really unsettles me for the rest of the day (my back between my shoulder blades tense up and tingle, and there's a huge empty churning bubble in my stomach). I've changed the ring to a tone etc but, nothing seems to work. Is this a common thing? Thanks

Hi Lynda, I started off by phoning the helpline. More than a dozen attempts later, I decided to change tact and phone NAS Cymru. I got through straight away to a lovely sounding south-Walian lady who took my contact details and said that she'd pass my message on to the North Wales regional office (as she was an admin assistant and didn't feel that she would be able to answer me with confidence/certainty - which is fair enough). It wasn't confirmed whether I was going to receive a phone call back this afternoon (although she stated that I could be phoned today), an e-mail etc... so, I'm just sat at home, not being able to go out just in case I miss the call. I'd rather they call me than send an e-mail (because one suspects that this is going to take days if not weeks to get to me), however, any information regarding my predicament is still information I suppose (although, the charming lady on the phone could have spent more time listening to me because; I didn't get to ask her what I wanted to - but there we go. I'll get another opportunity I'm sure). Going to make some tea now, talk soon and thank you for you interest.

Hi Jeanne, Thank you for the warm welcome. I've attempted to call NAS several times since dinner time yesterday, however, the only information that I am able to receive is that; no one is available to take my call at the moment (takes deep breath and says; "I'll try again later" ). I am also waiting for them to respond to my e-mail - which was sent almost 10 days (ish) or so ago (the second that I've sent since September - as I did not receive a reply back then). I'm not holding that against them - The first may not have reached them (the joys of technology ). I'm sure that they're very busy people and it does say that it may take 14 days to reply - so I can wait a little longer - It's not the end of the world . I'll let you know if I get a response (whether it's helpful etc...).

Hi positive_about (or Tim?) Thank you for replying to my message. I am 100% with you when it comes to staying positive!!! Just at times; feel incredibly lonely/isolated and frustrated - being stuck in limbo. Although, I feel as if it's a daily struggle to cope (even since early childhood), I fully recognise that I have a lovely supportive family who are very adept at preempting any serious meltdowns/providing understanding etc..., so, I'm o.k. and can/will do everything in my power to get an answer either way in relation to diagnosis (I just can't wait another 2-5 years for it). Thanks again, I'll call NAS later x

Hi Lynda, thank you for the warm welcome

Hi I am a 28 year old woman from the North West Wales area, currently (as far as I know), on a long waiting list seeking a diagnostic assessment for A.S. The reason why I said; as far as I know is; the doctor told me that he had put me on a waiting list, but it's been almost six months now and I still haven't received any written confirmation of this. I've been with this surgery for two years now and I haven't received so much as an antibiotic, or in fact; any support from them at all! I'm guessing that I'll have to go down to the surgery again at some point to give him a little nudge to get things going Anybody from around my area have any experience of the diagnosis procedures or resources available to me? I've been stalking the internet and I can't find anything (services etc...), that would be of any benefit to me so far. On another note, is it worth it for me to; go private and seek an assessment from a specialist who has experience of diagnosing women on the spectrum (rather than; waiting 2-5 years only to be faced with a psychologist/psychiatrist who believes it impossible for women to possess such characteristics)? Anybody on here ever used; Hendrickx Associates for training, consultancy or support? Were they useful? I guess my main question really is: is going through Hendrickx Associates to get an assessment and then taking the findings to my doctor to get the right person to do my diagnostic really worth it? Will it push things along? Be of any benefit? Thanks