Support & Education for Adults on the Autism Spectrum: February 2019

Simple, yet Effective Coping Strategies for People with Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism

==> Living With Aspergers: Help for Couples

Self-Help Strategies for Adults with Asperger's and ASD-Level 1

Here are our Top 10 self-help books for people with Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism:

==> Living With Aspergers: Help for Couples

==> Skype Counseling for Struggling Couples Affected by Asperger's and HFA

"Aspie-Pride" - Walter's Story

Unconventional people have always existed, but I have taken unconventionality to a whole new level, and maybe you have to. It's called "Asperger's," and this is my story. I am proud of many of my traits associated with the condition (others, not so much). I call this "Aspie-Pride."

Asperger's isn't always recognized as a possible cause of strange behavior. It can be mild (causing only somewhat unusual behavior) or severe, causing almost complete inability to function in society without assistance. Personally, I have always had trouble deciphering the normal rules of social behavior. These rules have no rhythm or reason in my opinion. I prefer a structured life with well-defined rules and routines.

I do seem to process information more slowly than normal, making it difficult to participate in discussions or activities that require quick thinking. I also have trouble with organization and seeing the "big picture," often focusing on one aspect of a task.

In any event, I have been able to live a relatively normal life. I'm often regarded as shy, reserved or even snobbish by others. But, that's not my intent at any level. Because I am misunderstood on many occasions, I sometimes feel disconnected and distant from the rest of the world, a feeling called "wrong planet" syndrome. So, I have learned to enjoy my own company.

I do struggle to understand emotions in others, and I miss subtle cues such as facial expression, eye contact and body language. As a result, I may appear aloof, selfish or uncaring to others. Again, this is not me. I believe I am a very caring person, especially when it comes to animals. Also, I am usually surprised when informed of the "supposed" hurtful or inappropriate effect of my actions toward someone, because hurting that person was the furthest thing from my mind.

I find making small talk difficult and even annoying. If you want to talk about Hollywood, politics, or the weather, I'm not interested. And if I don't look at you while you're talking, that doesn't mean I'm not listening or uninterested.

Those of us with Asperger's are often preoccupied with something to the extreme level. At times, we may only talk about our special interest. But that's what makes us special. We have a lot of traits that work to our benefit. For example, we are...

able to adhere unvaryingly to routines and stay on task for extended periods of time
perfectly capable of entertaining ourselves
not likely to discriminate against anyone based on race, gender, age, etc.
not likely to launch unprovoked attacks, verbal or otherwise
able to avoid playing head games
not interested in taking advantage of other’s weaknesses
equipped with exceptional memories
able to notice fine details that others miss
more likely to talk about significant things that will enhance our knowledge-base rather than “shooting the bullshit”

Too often, we are told, “Something is wrong with you.” And sooner than later, we may unconsciously absorbs this negative statement and begin to believe it. We are vulnerable people who will face certain difficulties, and these are often highlighted by people who see only the negatives rather than the positives such differences can represent. This lack of positive awareness, combined with an inconsistency of knowledge, leads to inaccurate stereotyping.

Maybe we need to take another look and see what kind of positive traits are found. I believe there are a lot of traits in the Asperger's personality that the non-Asperger's person can afford to implement into his or her own life. Like everyone on the face of the earth, we are people with a mix of strengths and weaknesses. We are different, but not defective. The world needs all different kinds of minds, including the Asperger's minds.

Thanks for reading,

Walter C.

==> Living With Aspergers: Help for Couples

How to Cope with an Arrogant ASD Partner: Tips for Neurotypicals

An arrogant partner can make you feel insignificant, discouraged, and depressed. If your partner acts "superior" to you - either in private or in front of others - this behavior should be dealt with and changed in order for you to keep your sanity and self-esteem intact.

A relationship can't survive if one partner is always critical of the other, so address the behavior quickly and find ways to make a change.

Here are 15 tips to get you started:

1. Avoid saying that your partner "makes" you feel inferior, because this term may put him or her on the defensive. Also, nobody can "make" you feel a particular way unless you give them permission to do so. He/she does not have that much power over you.

2. Tactfully confront the problem soon after the arrogant behavior occurs, but do so after your partner has had time to relax and unwind from work [and the kids are in bed].

3. Determine the best time and place to tactfully confront your partner (e.g., while watching TV in the evening, while in the car driving somewhere, on the weekend, while dining out at a restaurant, etc.). During the "heat of the moment" is the worst time to confront. Tempers are flaring and either of you may say something you regret.

4. Don’t take the blame for your partner's behavior, but try to communicate how you feel in a calm way (i.e., use "I" statements).

5. Find a safe setting where you two can be alone. Presenting your case in front of others will make you look "hurt" and your partner look like an asshole.

6. If you allow too much time to pass after an incident, it may be forgotten and the details will become fuzzy.

7. Always present your case in a diplomatic tone (i.e., think in terms of problem-solving as opposed to blaming).

8. Provide specific examples when you talk to your partner about his or her behavior. Choose a recent event and be specific about what was done or said.

9. Set some boundaries. Make it clear that arrogant behavior is not acceptable and that you will not tolerate it. Stand your ground and do not change your mind if your partner further criticizes you or tries to minimize the situation. Your self-image is at stake, because if you are on the receiving end of condescension long enough, you may come to believe the so-called "flaws" that your partner accuses you of having.

10. Appeal to his logic (e.g., "How would you do it better?" or "Where's the evidence for doing it the way you think it should be done?").

11. Try asking your partner to tell you what is really going on by saying something such as "Is it possible that you are mad about something other than me. What's really going on?"

12. Try to learn the motivation for your partner's haughty behavior. This will make it easier for you to empathize with your partner and get him/her to start behaving in a more considerate manner.

Resources for Neurodiverse Couples:

==> Online Group Therapy for Men with ASD

==> Online Group Therapy for NT Wives

==> Living With Aspergers: Help for Couples

==> One-on-One Counseling for Struggling Individuals & Couples Affected by Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism

==> Online Group Therapy for Couples and Individuals Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder

==> Cassandra Syndrome Recovery for NT Wives