In Search of a Better Life: an Asperger’s story
I am 24 and have known that I have Asperger’s for 2 years now. In my hometown it is virtually impossible to obtain a diagnosis; although the multiple psychia/psychologists that I have been through in my life seemed content to label me with obsessive compulsive, high-anxiety/social introvert and a number of personality disorders. In the mean time I had come to the finite conclusion that I would inevitably die miserable, not knowing what but only that something was incredibly wrong with my thought process.
When it was first recommended to me that I may have Asperger’s I was intrigued; this was a conclusion I had yet to hear and seemed more than the banter of a tired public worker doing his/her best not to raise the bar on my account.
Now that I am aware of the neurological differences and some of the research about what Asperger’s entails I have renewed hope that my life might still go somewhere worthwhile. This piece of information was the salvation of my sanity! I find it disturbing that there seems to be this trend of bias in the U.S. when it comes to females’ Asperger’s diagnosis.
I have left my hometown in search of a better life for myself; I don’t really have family because I was a problem child and my step-father asked me to leave my home at age 13 so I barely speak with them although I sometimes talk to my sisters. We aren’t particularly close. I have nothing to lose, however, I could really use some constructive criticism! I know behavioral therapy is a good idea but I have no money and am in debt, not out of irresponsibility but hospital bills. I’m trying to think like an adult but if it weren’t for the kindness of my best friend’s family I wouldn’t even have a home now.
So, I have laid that bare. If anyone has any ideas for me I would certainly appreciate it. I’m in the Phoenix, AZ metro area if that helps?
Thank You,
I’m so glad there are sites like this now!
I am sorry to hear about how much you have had to go through. I had to leave the town where i grew up, and i never looked back. Though i dont have Asperger’s i have a few other disabilities that mess with my life every day.
It is wonderful that you have your best friend and their family to help you. It is a Godly and good moral thing that they are doing.
I hope for all to be well for you, pray for you too,
I was diagnosed with Asperger’s a few months ago. Getting a diagnosis as an adult was difficult; I’d had years of being labeled a problem child and not being given help, and it’s harder to get a diagnosis if it wasn’t caught when you were a child.
But not impossible.
I got my diagnosis through a local branch of TEAACH. (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication Handicapped CHildren) Yep, although it has “children” in its official title, they help adults as well. They are a non-profit organization and offered an evaluation and counseling at no cost to me.
I did a quick search and TEAACH does not appear to have offices in Arizona, but I found this:
http://www.seekarizona.org/
They may have a similar mission and say they offer adult services. Try contacting them and see what you can do.
Good luck!
Stephanie