Academic Development
Hi,
I just joined the forum (invited by Malcolm).
I am a (tenured) college sociology professor (Ph.D.) with specializations in religious studies (the sociology of religion) and social theory (constructionism and poststructuralism). Currently, my career development largely consists of research, writing papers, and publishing.
I was just recently diagnosed with AS after consulting a psychiatrist about an insomnia problem. Due to a roach infestation, the little devils would sometimes join me in bed.
The psychiatrist was taking a history on my situation, and I mentioned that, as a child, I was diagnosed with childhood schizophrenia (which my old child psychiatrist later rejected - but without presenting an alternative). The new psychiatrist said that my problems appeared to a clear case of Asperger's syndrome. (I had previously heard of the condition and immediately thought of my father but not myself.)
Cheers,
Mark
Followup
To respond to your question, Malcolm:
I have the advantage of being in a field where I am not required to have constant interactions with my peers. Additionally, half of my course load is online (through distance learning).
I am also fine in more formal interactions (including with my students). My greater difficulties are with the informal ones. Nonetheless, I have been at this a long time. I am 51 years old and have worked hard to fit in with "NTs."
I was only diagnosed with AS back in April of this year, so this whole subject is quite new to me, too.
Cheers,
Mark
What methods do you use to fit in with NTs at work?
Mark, I was interested to read your posting for several reasons. I am 47 years old and I was only diagnosed with AS 18 months ago. My work increasingly involves research, writing papers and publishing, although related to technology-based training and learning. I also present at conferences. I would guess that you lecture and present quite a lot.
I am interested to compare your methods for fitting in with NTs at work with mine. Like you, I seem to have got better as I have got older. I suspect that now I am almost as adept as an NT, but the main difference is that I probably get mentally tired much more quickly after periods of informal social interaction than an NT person. A key technique for me today is to try to manage the amount of this kind of socialising at work. I will try to limit meetings and conference attendance (and similar situations that require informal interactions) to a maximum of 2 a week. This does help to keep stress levels down.
Steve
Hi Mark! I studied in
Hi Mark!
I studied in virtually the same field, Theological Anthropology. I have found that it is good to have a polite professionalism with the people at work, but not to divulge to them anything about your private life. I know that for some people with AS, it is fun to chatter the day away about nothing in aprticular. There is something to be said about discretion.
Dangerous Talk Costs Lives
Avoid all gossip and being drawn into discourse about personal issues - however strong the temptation.
Having Asperger means having strong views about things and having associated emotion.
Highly dangerous in a work environment.
Refrain!
Gossip can be problematic
I do agree that gossip and talking about certain things behind someone's back can be dangerous. You never really know who's listening or even the connection that the particular people you're talking to (or in conversation with) has. I try my best not to get into gossip or "behind the back discussions". It's easier said than done because as much as I can't stand gossip and related discussions there is a part of me that likes to listen in and/or chime in. So far I haven't gotten into any major trouble with this or vice versa.
Plus it's not nice to do it anyway.
This should apply to everybody
There's much to be said for discretion but it must apply to everybody in the workplace, not just us. It's fair to keep personal information under wraps unless it is something directly pertinent to job performance and even then, it's better to be kept private between the staffer and thie manager.
The thing that used to annoy me lots was when all the gossip was going on about "dirty weekends" and similar. That kind of thing is better discussed outside of work.