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heliumspark
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07 Oct 2012, 9:19 pm

Hi Everyone!

I'm not diagnosed (yet), but I know I have it. I've been reading about it on the internet and in Tony Attwood's 'The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrom', and I either have Asperger's, or somebody changed the English language and everybody knew about it except for me (hey, it seems like that kind of thing happens to me a lot!)

Now I'm in the process of reviewing all of the strange inexplicable things that have happened to me all my life and seeing how they fit in with having Asperger's, and trying to figure out how I'm supposed to move forward.

One of the first things I have been trying to do is find a local group that I could join and meet with. It seems that the only active group in San Diego might be the one on Meetups, which is limited to 18-30 year olds, and I'm 34, so I'm SOL on that one so far.

I guess I should probably pick up some kind of handy reference that I assume Aspies get, so I can start learning about the strange customs and cultural practices of the neurotypicals.

I am not sure how or if I should go about getting a diagnosis. I'm nervous about going through Navy Medical, because I have been doing fine in the military for 12 years, and I'd hate them to use that as a reason to down-size me. But what other local resources are there for diagnosis?

I guess if there's any other helpful hints anybody has for newbies, I would be very grateful for any suggestions.

I'm a little excited and a little scared about being part of this planet.

Nice to meet you all!
heliumspark



Alberto
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08 Oct 2012, 12:49 am

Hey welcome here, I'm navy also, ABF2(AW). Been in for 6 years and a few months. Good to know there are other military folks in here. I'm in san diego area also. I'm not diagnosed, but have tried self diagnoses. I recommend seeing professional help if you feel like you can't cope with life on a day to day basis, but this is how I feel about myself also, I don't feel like I need any help coping. The way I am is the way I am. There's a lot of nice people in here that can give good advice on here also. I've recently tried to get help from my parents by asking if they've noticed stuff while I was growing up. Felt like I was being a wierdo by telling them this stuff. Well welcome to the WP.



Alberto
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08 Oct 2012, 12:50 am

Sorry to assume, are you marine or navy? or other, didn't mean to assume.



Paracosm
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08 Oct 2012, 8:26 am

Welcome to WrongPlanet Helium! I am also new.

I can't really help you with that as I am "Neurotypical" but you have caught my attention with the "strange customs and cultural practices of the neurotypicals" line. I'd start by not pigeon holing people - I may not have aspergers or autism but I don't completely fit in anywhere. I don't think anyone does.

One thing we do have in common is I hope to join the Royal Navy, so we both love the sea. Smile



Toy_Soldier
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08 Oct 2012, 12:27 pm

Don't be worried! You joined on a Monday and everyone knows only those that join on Thursdays are ritually sacrified.

Welcome to WP

:lol:



LunarModulePilot
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08 Oct 2012, 2:26 pm

Glad to see some Military members here I was getting the uneasy feeling that Asperger's Syndrome was limited to book smart people, who have never been in the military like me. I'm not saying military people are not book smart I'm saying I have not been in the military.



TallyMan
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08 Oct 2012, 2:28 pm

^ It is Aspergers not Asperger's. We don't herd donkeys.


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CockneyRebel
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08 Oct 2012, 4:23 pm

Welkome to WP

MickImage


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Toy_Soldier
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08 Oct 2012, 5:44 pm

TallyMan wrote:
^ It is Aspergers not Asperger's. We don't herd donkeys.


According to South Park, we have Assburgers. :P



Toy_Soldier
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08 Oct 2012, 5:55 pm

heliumspark wrote:
I am not sure how or if I should go about getting a diagnosis. I'm nervous about going through Navy Medical, because I have been doing fine in the military for 12 years, and I'd hate them to use that as a reason to down-size me. But what other local resources are there for diagnosis?


I just saw this part. I was in 27 years. I would definately say do not go for an Aspergers diagnosis. There is no medicine etc, for it at the moment. They can only treat associated symtoms like anxiety and depression. I did have those diagnosis early on and it wasn't a show stopper as they are fairly common and treatable. They might only affect getting the highest level of clearences. But right now Aspergers is technically grounds for medical discharge unless you can get a waiver. Unfortunately the military doesn't realize how many good servicemembers (change that to how many of the best servicemembers) have it now. They don't understand it or know how to deal with it yet. If there is a problem that makes you feel the need for medical mental health assistance, do get it by all means. But call it anxiety, depression, stress, whatever. I would only go for an Aspergers diagnosis if I had wanted to get out.



AnonymousAnonymous
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08 Oct 2012, 6:01 pm

Welcome to Wrong Planet!


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