Just Landed...

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I'm sure I'm not the first to experience this feeling, but it's a pleasant surprise to read so many posts which sound like I could have written them. Greetings. By way of introduction, I'm a 43 year-old man living outside New York City who was recently diagnosed with AS. I have a PhD (computer science) and have actually had a pretty illustrious career working for the US Defense Department until I left recently due to both personal burnout and political differences with the current administration. (Now I'm working on a project applying artificial intelligence to playing online poker, but that's another story.)

When young, I was recognized as "different", but this was primarily attributed to my IQ which was measured in the 180+ range and therefore my social maladjustment issues were discounted or merely ignored. My parents simply told me that I was "too good" to relate to most others - especially children my own age - and I grew up fairly arrogant but believing that I was the only "normal" one... Over the years I learned fairly effective coping skills (from what I've read lately somewhat typical) - compensating for the lack of recognition of nonverbal cues and emotional empathy with cognitive processes which consciously mimic these deficits. As a result, I appear perfectly normal to almost everyone, although inside of course I FEEL quite different. For instance, I can go to parties and mingle, but find it mentally exhausting. I don't really "feel other's pain", but at times I go to extraordinary lengths to help others who are in pain. I wear the mask of diplomacy quite well. Sound familiar?

I'm somewhat prone to clinical depression, which is what led to the current diagnosis. Acually I had read a number of online resources dealing with AS and brought the possibility forward myself. It's a huge relief to understand that so many of the issues which have plagued me for so many years have a coherent explanation, and that there is a forum such as this of intelligent, friendly people with whom to share thoughts. It's good to be here.

Welcome; glad to have you here!

Boy, I think my husband would love to meet you. He's working on a Master's degree in comp sci- specifically, in AI- and he *loves* poker.

im happy for you. i felt the same half a year ago. now knowing about me being aspie has improved my self esteem alot. sadly i still dont know what to do about the depression problem...

Hello!

Feels good doesnt it.....welcome home.

I mentioned you to my husband and he asked if your initials are J.S.

...Then I mentioned that you live near New York and he said nevermind.



Edit: I guess that means you have some competition........

Its always good to have a fellow Mad Scientist lingering about.

Welcome to WP! Me I'm 37, I could have written your post! ( Apart from the IT/IQ bit)

Welcome to WP!

Tim

Hi!

Your avatar fascinates me for some reason. I notice that his ears are a "y" and an "n", and that his mouth looks like an arrow pointing to the "n". Is there anything else about this picture that I missed? where did you get it?

Welcome madscientist,

Yes, you belong here. I to have done the meaningless conformity thing, and run off to be myself.

From serious to silly we have it all under one roof. A great place to play and learn.

I know the world claims to have us figured out, but look what they have to work with.

AI is popular here. You have spent enough time in the world, come play with your tribe.

Welcome to WP