Mental Hypochondria?

MorbidMiss · Deinonychus Joined: Jul 23, 2009 Posts: 316

Some things that I have noticed lately:

* Some parts of my son's AS aggravate me far more than others and of those things it seems a fair portion of them are things that I have also done or currently do.

Constantly talking in particular; I always feel that I talk to much around people I do not know very well and sometimes bring up topics that are not strictly appropriate. Or else I hardly speak at all for fear of doing that. (Good heavens what if I bore someone literally to death? Or worse yet I say something stupid!)

I have never liked very bright lights, I do not freak out or anything, but I prefer it dark. Most of my memories about being really hyper (As opposed to slightly hyper) when I was younger took place when I was allowed out after dark.

I am not super picky, but I do have some strong preferences, especially in how cooked vegetables can be before I will refuse to eat them. For some reason this does not apply to soup or stew.

I get jokes, but do not find them funny because I try to interject too much logic. This isn't with every joke mind you, but I have annoyed my fair share of people by trying to explain why the joke would not actually work in real life. This seems at odds with the fact that I tend to live my life more by emotion than logic, even though I can understand logic perfectly well. (And will use it if it suites me.)

I was always odd as a child and had very few friends. I have a difficult time staying in touch with someone if I move away, it feels like too much effort.

Anyway, part of me is wondering if I am even considering this because I've been reading this site too much for the last couple of weeks. Kind of like taking a psych class.

* Not pick up on social cues and may lack inborn social skills, such as being able to read others' body language, start or maintain a conversation, and take turns talking. (I have never really had a hard time with body language or facial features, but often missed intent entirely. It made me very easy to use by "friends", even as recently as when I was 29.)

* Dislike any changes in routines. (I do OK, but my husband recently said he'd like to move to Alaska in a few months and the more I think about it the more I think I might have a panic attack.)

* Appear to lack empathy. (Never been an issue)

* Be unable to recognize subtle differences in speech tone, pitch, and accent that alter the meaning of others’ speech. Thus, your child may not understand a joke or may take a sarcastic comment literally. Likewise, his or her speech may be flat and difficult to understand because it lacks tone, pitch, and accent. (Sometimes...)

* Have a formal style of speaking that is advanced for his or her age. For example, the child may use the word "beckon" instead of "call" or the word "return" instead of "come back." (For my entire childhood, and hell pretty often now also.)

* Avoid eye contact or stare at others. (Not so much now, but I remember alternating between staring and avoiding eye contact a lot when I was young)

* Have unusual facial expressions or postures. (I don't think I do that.)

* Be preoccupied with only one or few interests, which he or she may be very knowledgeable about. Many children with Asperger's syndrome are overly interested in parts of a whole or in unusual activities, such as designing houses, drawing highly detailed scenes, or studying astronomy. They may show an unusual interest in certain topics such as snakes, names of stars, or dinosaurs. (For me it was snakes or anything bloody...and magic)

* Talk a lot, usually about a favorite subject. One-sided conversations are common. Internal thoughts are often verbalized. (Depends on what is going on, interests no, giving my siblings or child a "talking to" yes.)

* Have delayed motor development. Your child may be late in learning to use a fork or spoon, ride a bike, or catch a ball. He or she may have an awkward walk. Handwriting is often poor. (Nope)

* Have heightened sensitivity and become overstimulated by loud noises, lights, or strong tastes or textures. (Not entirely sure on this one.)

I'm seeing my son's Psychologist tomorrow, so maybe I will ask her. Does this seem like spectrum behavior to anyone? Like more than a parent having some common traits with their AS kid?