Top Asperger's syndrome problem issues

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StuartN
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26 Nov 2010, 4:14 am

I have been accepted into an adult support program, and would like to write a list of my top problem issues. I want to list the issues that cause me difficulty in life and work, so that I can try to get a better understanding of them. I used to have a good research job, which ended after some prolonged bullying, and haven't yet returned to employment - I would like to be self-employed in my specialism, but I am terrible at following up leads and networking. So far I have (in order of severity):

Executive function
Poor motivation
Goal setting, prioritizing
OCD, obsessions
Catastrophization
Changes in routine, unexpected events

I would appreciate comments, especially from late-diagnosed adults.



hale_bopp
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26 Nov 2010, 4:21 am

I was diagnosed as a teen

I think the big one is

social intereaction

Then

Anxiety
Paranoia
OCD
Routine
Sensory issues

Lack of Organisation comed after OCD but thats not caused by aspergers but ADD



SuperApsie
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26 Nov 2010, 5:06 am

It depends it your traits affect work a lot or not. I had a company for 3 years, I was on autopilot.
This is what may cause problems from the most problematic:

- Goal setting, prioritizing
If you have too much work, this is a very big problem. The best is to have a routine you can rely on that will arrange whatever you have to do automatically. The beginning is always hard, you need goals and the review of the goals at given deadlines to adjust whatever is not going as expected

- Poor motivation
This might be a big problem if you don't have enough work to do, you may wait for the last moment to start a job that someone ask you to do. You also need a good motivation to find new customers.

-Changes in routine, unexpected events
Having your own business is all about the unexpected, the best idea is to have a schedule when you know you will handle the unexpected and you know you won't (rest time)

Of course it depends a lot on the job you will do, what are you going to do? I suggest to take an accountant (a self employed one) to handle the paperwork and have extra insight on what you do.


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mysassyself
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26 Nov 2010, 5:09 am

StuartN wrote:
I have been accepted into an adult support program, and would like to write a list of my top problem issues. I want to list the issues that cause me difficulty in life and work, so that I can try to get a better understanding of them. I used to have a good research job, which ended after some prolonged bullying, and haven't yet returned to employment - I would like to be self-employed in my specialism, but I am terrible at following up leads and networking. So far I have (in order of severity):

Executive function
Poor motivation
Goal setting, prioritizing
OCD, obsessions
Catastrophization
Changes in routine, unexpected events

I would appreciate comments, especially from late-diagnosed adults.


Hey, StuartN. I am an adult aspie ~

I relate to:

Executive Function
(OCD), obsessions (obsessions more than actual OCD, although it is a little similar)
Catastrophization

also - communication problems
and being misunderstood

Poor motivation ~ for me, it really depends how you define poor motivation. As time has gone on, I have really come to realise that what may look or seem like poor motivation actually, when it occurs, may apply because I have resistance to a particular thing. For instance, if I had poor motivation on a particular project, it might mean that actually I did not want to do the project in the first place, and even though I thought I could force myself to, I actually couldn't.

My aspie brain makes me a lot less dysfunctional if I find out and stay aware of what my needs are, because some things I just do differently to others.

Executive function I've had terrible troubles with, as well as communication problems. Recently I worked with a therapist on time management. I had literally (as far as I can remember, honestly) never been early to anything in my life, until perhaps a year ago I began to experience it. It was really horrid, as I have sensory issues that make it so.
However, now that I have given it more attention and resolve, working through and talking through it with a therapist (the right therapist, I must add), even the one session
has made a real difference.

Also trying to fix things has been a problem too, like where I mess things up and then logically figure out that I have done so, after, then logically conclude that I should go back and try to fix and then even if I've planned what I'm supposed to say other people often say unexpected things and it totally messes up my plan, or I muck it up and it comes out
wrong and the whole thing just need avoiding.
So, let's not go there.
:)

Best regards
It truly has made a difference, just for me to be aware of my sensory difficulties and take care of myself in that way.

I don't know if it sounds weird, but it's almost like I've had to learn to hold my own hand, through some experiences. Also, I had to 'admit that I had a problem' ~ for me, it hasn't been that easy to have to start saying to other people 'I have sensory integration difficulties and I might have to leave the room for a break', or.. similar things.. or, to start admitting it to myself in a way I guess.


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Kaybee
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26 Nov 2010, 7:33 am

I think poor theory of mind, alexithymia, and sensory issues would top the list, respectively.


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Kon
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26 Nov 2010, 10:22 am

Here's the specific stuff that bothers me:

1. Sensory issues, particularly misophonia
2. Anxiety, particularly performance anxiety
3. Poor active working memory due to executive function problems, I'm guessing? I can't hold and use several things from my memory, at the same time. "It is similar to a computer having several files open at once and having the operator constantly using the information in the files and flipping from one file to another. Working memory also helps us to stay attentive and resist distractions. In addition, it is also used while making decisions throughout the day. Working memory is a vital executive function that is required for writing, reading comprehension, complex math problems, problem solving, following directions, monitoring progress and evaluating strengths and needs."
4. Obsessions-usually positive but can be negative because I don't pay attention to other stuff.
5. Change in routine
6. Not understanding or feeling uncomfortable with many social conventions-greetings, holidays, handshaking, parties, appropriate chit-chat, when to disclose private information, etc.



Keeno
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26 Nov 2010, 11:53 am

Vulnerability to bullying
Love-shyness/involuntary celibacy



StuartN
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27 Nov 2010, 5:12 pm

mysassyself wrote:
It truly has made a difference, just for me to be aware of my sensory difficulties and take care of myself in that way.


The sensory issues are the biggest thing that the diagnosis did for me - I was always ill after social events, always had trouble with busy, noisy, bright places and never recognized it. I actually thought being ill after parties and so on was food intolerance, and the rest was just unpredictable - now I can recognize difficult places and predict my response with 100% certainty.

In terms of work, I think the sensory issues, bullying and day-to-day social interaction are not a problem because I want to work on my own equipment in my own space (doing data analysis). The biggest problem is finding and retaining paying clients - I used to have some good contracts, but I hate the networking part of contract work. I also want nothing to do with the people or the work that I was involved in during the bullying, which cuts off a big pool of potential customers.

I really don't know what to expect from the adult autism service, but I thought I should prepare some ideas in case they ask me what I want from them.



CockneyRebel
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27 Nov 2010, 5:32 pm

Enotional immaturity, and saying the wrong things at the wrong times.


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puddingmouse
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27 Nov 2010, 5:40 pm

1. Social awkwardness
2. Inability to express emotions appropriately and general flat affect
3. Dealing with change
4. Clumsiness and other dyspraxia related issues
5. Gender roles
6. Sensory issues



pensieve
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27 Nov 2010, 6:03 pm

1. Poor emotional regulation (meltdowns)
2. Sensory issues (also meltdowns)
3. Procrastination/ lack of motivation
4. Tendency to fall into a low mood
5. Aversion to change
6. Needing step by step instructions to do something new.
7. Social blindness.

All those things except no. 6 are very serious issues in my life. It depends with no. 7. I can be ok in some situations, worse in others.


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pineapple
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27 Nov 2010, 6:44 pm

Diagnosed at 17, which I guess is late. I'm not sure what my "worst" issue is, so these are in no particular order:
1. Sensory issues, although I agree with those who say that a diagnosis has made them easier to understand
2. Executive function
3. Depression and anxiety
4. Rigidity (like if come up with a solution to a problem, and it doesn't work, it can be hard for me to come up with another one)
5. Obsessions
6. Discomfort with social situations
7. Inability to tolerate BS :roll:



mysassyself
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27 Nov 2010, 7:15 pm

StuartN wrote:
mysassyself wrote:
It truly has made a difference, just for me to be aware of my sensory difficulties and take care of myself in that way.


The sensory issues are the biggest thing that the diagnosis did for me - I was always ill after social events, always had trouble with busy, noisy, bright places and never recognized it. I actually thought being ill after parties and so on was food intolerance, and the rest was just unpredictable - now I can recognize difficult places and predict my response with 100% certainty.

In terms of work, I think the sensory issues, bullying and day-to-day social interaction are not a problem because I want to work on my own equipment in my own space (doing data analysis). The biggest problem is finding and retaining paying clients - I used to have some good contracts, but I hate the networking part of contract work. I also want nothing to do with the people or the work that I was involved in during the bullying, which cuts off a big pool of potential customers.

I really don't know what to expect from the adult autism service, but I thought I should prepare some ideas in case they ask me what I want from them.


It's good to hear about how you can now predict your reactions. I definitely relate to the experiencing things, not having known what it was from.

I think it sounds like a really fine idea, to prepare some ideas and know what you want :) Usually the times when I do that with my therapist I find the most rewarding (although
she is actually also a lovely woman and fun to speak with)


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Robdemanc
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28 Nov 2010, 6:02 am

I am not entirely confident with my list. I think these are where I have the most problems.

Executive Function: I have only recently discovered this. Up to now I didn't think there was such a thing. I don't think I have any of this at all.

People: They have always been a source of stress for me.

Theory of mind: Although I know everyone has a mind of their own, I do not think this in real time when talking to people.

Noise and light: Two things that can make my brain sizzle with stress

I am 40 and have been diagnosed recently.



Craig28
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28 Nov 2010, 6:04 am

The biggest problem Aspies have to face are NT's.



anbuend
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28 Nov 2010, 1:01 pm

I was diagnosed in my teens (w/ autism). Here's the top things I have problems with, roughly in order of the worst first although 1 through 4 are tightly connected to each other and are in no particular order:

1. Trouble understanding my surroundings
2. Trouble maintaining a level of comprehension that lets me understand language (by which I mean even understand the possibility, not just mishearing words)
3. Trouble maintaining idea-based thinking
4. Purely echolalic speech of near-entirely noncommunicative type (result of growing up when #2 was way more severe)
5. Visual and auditory processing issues (all sensory processing can be a problem but these are the worst two)
6. Trouble deliberately (starting/stopping/switching/combining/planning) (movement/writing/thought/memory/etc.) but good ability to do these things if they're triggered by something outside me in exactly the right way
7. Disconnection from my body
8. Trouble processing and localizing sensations on my body, resulting in trouble understanding when I'm in pain, and all the health issues and brushes with death that entails
9. Trouble functioning in new places and situations
10. Abilities constantly shutting down or shifting around makes it unpredictable what I can do at any given time
11. I reach overload very quickly most of the time

That's the biggest ones I can think of right now off the top of my head.


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