ReindeerRoger
Raven
Joined: Feb 19, 2012
Posts: 119
Location: Toronto, Canada
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 Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2012 10:22 pm Post subject: |
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I'm going through the hassle of getting assessed over the next while, and I sort-of worry whether this will happen.
I sort-of wonder whether diagnoses should really be done externally. I mean, I compare it to identifying as homosexual. No-one can rationally say 'no you're not.' to you after you identify as homosexual, I mean how could they know better than you? It's surprising to me how quickly your agency disappears when 'mental illness' is worked in and there's a power structure/ institution involved. Given how high functioning people with Asperger's are, most adults with it should be able to determine if they do themselves with some careful consideration as-well or better than an analyst with a psychology degree could in a few sessions (with the advantage of existing within the mind being scrutinized) . . . so it's sort-of strange that you can't just make the psychologist your b***h and be like, "now this is what i want you to write."
I think that psychologists can get stuck in the 'disease of the mind' pardigm, where Asperger's always came across to me as more of a personality type. The word on the diagnosis is 'disorder', and it's sort of ambiguous/ difficult to tell whether that means like, a mind that operates differently, or a mind that malfunctions/operates badly. And I should hope they mean differently, since the other one is fairly problematic.
Given that this diagnosis is an affront to what you know, and your identity by this point, you should definitely advocate for your own agency through this guy or by whatever other means. I don't really know much about Psychologist/ patient dynamics though, just alot about LGBT rights, so I'm surprised you and your identity don't have more weight here.
(BTW this is exactly why transgender people want themselves out of the DSM) |
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CockneyRebel
Mick Avory, Sensitive brown-eyed Sweet Pea
Joined: Jul 18, 2004
Age: 38
Posts: 87222
Location: In a quiet and peaceful garden, where gentle Mick Avory-like Sweet Peas grow.
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NTAndrew
Toucan
Joined: Jan 19, 2012
Posts: 280
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| Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2012 11:17 pm Post subject: |
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It's kind of tough because when I have brought up the possibility of AS, he just says I'm being a hyperchondriac and to stop reading about it. So I kind of feel foolish, and then I read something else and think "hey, that's me," and then I'm back to doubting again. I don't seem to fit the AS profile in some ways, but is that because I am an NT or just an Aspie that has learned to fake it.
I'd like to talk to someone about it, but my therapist thinks I'm a nut for thinking these thoughts.
My initial interest was entirely academic. I wonder if getting an accurate diagnosis is desirable or even possible. |
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EXPECIALLY
Phoenix
Joined: Oct 21, 2011
Age: 29
Posts: 700
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| Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 12:04 am Post subject: |
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No, because I've never mentioned AS to a doctor.
I do know that I would be told this.
Honestly, I am able to charm people easily and as much as I share with people who have a diagnosis, many of them can't do that and I'm surprised to see so many replies here from Aspies who can.
It does take some work for me, only because I have to come out of my "bubble" to pull it off, but after that I don't really trouble.
That said, it can be VERY difficult for me to come out of my bubble sometimes, but I still feel like I have an advantage over most on the spectrum and I totally relate to acting and having personas.
I don't mean to sound like an ass, I'm just saying, there's something to be said for even having the ability to charm others and function on "NT mode" even if it's artificial.
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Nim
Depersonalized Aspie
Joined: Sep 08, 2008
Age: 28
Posts: 3510
Location: Away
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| Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 1:08 am Post subject: |
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I remember my brothers ex was going to college to become a psy.. When she learned I was an aspie she said its impossible because I lack the traits. Which is odd, but I could hold myself quite confidently around her/pull off NT somewhat well.
But everyone has an opinion... perhaps the next person you meet will have a different one. |
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leozelig
Snowy Owl
Joined: Oct 31, 2010
Posts: 163
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| Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 1:30 am Post subject: |
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| It is very aggravating and very invalidating of your experience. Just today, someone brushed off my attempts to explain to her about Asperger's syndrome too. I guess it's not worth discussing and learning about, for some people. I also have no idea how to handle this, and not totally take it personally. |
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NTAndrew
Toucan
Joined: Jan 19, 2012
Posts: 280
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| Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 2:22 am Post subject: |
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Someone who would treat you that way isn't worth the effort. Some people lack curiosity and compassion. I know it doesn't help to say "don't take it personally." But the fault lies entirely with them, not with you.
My opinion, for what it's worth. |
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Suspie
Velociraptor
Joined: Feb 07, 2012
Posts: 429
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| Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 11:51 pm Post subject: |
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| Definitely, if I want to, I can charm the pants out of anyone. Not literally, lol but I can have a whole room of people saying "omg, u r so cool!!!" etc It actually happens a lot coz I put "my mask on" when I go out, BUT I think they still think I am "different" and maybe that's part of the "charm" and also, if I do that, it is exhausting for me. It's like a great theatrical performance. Afterwards I am drained. The way that it is done, to me, is what I call "having to bring all my energy above my head". I bring my whole energy supply above my head, I smile, and I radiate something extremely strong that draws people and they are starstruck. Please don't think I am showing off, because that is not my intention. Plus, as people get to know me better, as soon as I relax and start being myself and forget about the mask, they seem to feel "cheated". They paid for their ticket, but the performance is lackluster. I call that the "poodle effect". In the beginning they go nuts about me, I am like a cute poodle to them, and then if I become my real self, they lose interest. |
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Phonic
WHERE IS YOUR GOD NOW!!!??
Joined: Apr 04, 2011
Age: 20
Posts: 1331
Location: The graveyard of discarded toy soldiers.
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| Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 12:41 am Post subject: |
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| Suspie wrote: | | Definitely, if I want to, I can charm the pants out of anyone. Not literally, lol but I can have a whole room of people saying "omg, u r so cool!!!" etc It actually happens a lot coz I put "my mask on" when I go out, BUT I think they still think I am "different" and maybe that's part of the "charm" and also, if I do that, it is exhausting for me. It's like a great theatrical performance. Afterwards I am drained. The way that it is done, to me, is what I call "having to bring all my energy above my head". I bring my whole energy supply above my head, I smile, and I radiate something extremely strong that draws people and they are starstruck. Please don't think I am showing off, because that is not my intention. Plus, as people get to know me better, as soon as I relax and start being myself and forget about the mask, they seem to feel "cheated". They paid for their ticket, but the performance is lackluster. I call that the "poodle effect". In the beginning they go nuts about me, I am like a cute poodle to them, and then if I become my real self, they lose interest. |
Interesting, because this is the exact opposite of what I'm like.
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'not only has he hacked his intellect away from his feelings, but he has smashed his feelings and his capacity for judgment into smithereens'. |
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Suspie
Velociraptor
Joined: Feb 07, 2012
Posts: 429
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| Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2012 1:15 pm Post subject: |
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| Phonic wrote: |
Interesting, because this is the exact opposite of what I'm like. |
do u mean that in social situations u withdraw? I don't always do the charmy charmy thing when I am out, only if I need to do it for some reason or other. Most of the time I sit alone and use my cellphone a lot, sending and reading tweets and I don't talk to anyone. |
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Matt62
Phoenix
Joined: Jan 05, 2012
Age: 51
Posts: 1165
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| Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2012 3:52 pm Post subject: |
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I've always been both a good actor & a very accomplished mimic (I drove the people in the room next to mine in my college dormitory crazy doing ALL sorts of noises, esp. things from Dr. Who! ROFLOL).
The trick here is to drop your defensive traits & the act. I'm also in the process of getting an evaluation/diagnosis. I must remember not to try & appear to be "normal" . This is something every aduldt person with AS/HFA learns if they want to try for any kind of independence. Its actually one of the traits for us on the spectrum IMHO.
Sincerely,
Matthew |
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