Uh, so...Hi?

Orbyss · Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 1:11 am Post subject:

I figured it was about time I posted up an introduction of some sorts, though mostly I'm a lurker.

I initially joined the forums here to help deal with the two men I'm close to. No, not in the polyamorous sense--one's just a really good friend. Both of them show 'autistic' traits, such as narrow focus, social withdrawal, systemization and situational inflexibility (especially socially). Neither of them has been diagnosed, but the traits show up in other members of their families.

And then there's me: a quirky girl who grew up enduring tests to see just what was wrong with me. I was socially awkward and had motor deficits so severe that in the third grade I was at the level of a three year old. As a baby, I was quiet and made little or no eye contact. I was very socially interested and engaging, though, and by the time I was in sixth grade had procured lifelong friends.

I was never officially diagnosed with anything aside from 'anxiety disorder,' a diagnosis I asked for in order to get medication to temporarily easy my symptoms of anxiety and resultant depression. Later, I was diagnosed with 'MVPS,' or 'Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome,' which, bizarrely enough, seems to have a correlation with having autistic traits. My entire family is aware of their quirks. I would personally have to label us 'highly sensitive,' as per the definition.

I'm highly and bizarrely empathic, sometimes to a crippling degree. I also regularly experience what I can only call 'telepathy' with people. This isn't a rare phenomenon with me, but a common one, especially with specific people. It's hard to speak openly about it because of the taboo and stigma surrounding the subject, especially within the scientific community I so dearly love otherwise.

I'm a visual artist, occasionally taking commissions for extra money. I also like photography, specifically of strange living things I come across.
I can't live without music. I generally love anything of the complex, electronic variety, but I'll let just about any noise assault my ears.

Personally, I feel lucky to be 'weird'. I just wish most people had the capacity to understand differences and stop adhering to what is only culturally acceptable. Sometimes I have to silently ask who has the narrower, more inflexible way of living, most neurotypicals or the non-neurotypical variety?

That's pretty much the basic rundown of why I'm here. Everything else should be in my profile for those who are curious or suspicious.

So, uh...I awkwardly invite anyone who replies to tell me a little about themselves. I like to get to know the regulars and everyone active in any community I join.

P.S. Love the bird titles -- right up my alley!
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"Animals, most likely, can't help 'doing what comes naturally.' But humans can. [We] are never so human as when we behave contrary to our natural inclinations, those most in tune with our biological impulses." -David P. Barash