What is Asperger’s Syndrome?

The definition from Wikipedia is as follows:

Asperger syndrome (AS), also known as Asperger disorder (AD) or simply Asperger's, is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests.

With respect to social interaction, I find it exhausting to talk to people in general. I have to memorize information about each person, so that I can bring up appropriate conversational topics.

In terms of restricted interests, I’ve been a fan of the Calgary Flames, Calgary Stampeders and the Toronto Blue Jays since I was 10 years old. I collected hockey cards for years. As a kid, I would ask my dad to drive me to different stores that sold hockey cards.
Over time, my hobby eventually switched, and I wound up reading over a thousand Batman comics. I also asked my dad to drive me to different stores that sold comics.

I have watched every episode in the following television series: 24, Breaking Bad, Community, Dexter, Game of Thrones, Gilmore Girls, House, The O.C. and Prison Break. I remember watching 24 until 2:00am, and I’d have to decide whether or not to sleep (because of work the next morning), or if I should watch one more episode.

My psychologist asked me why I wanted her to diagnose whether I have Asperger’s Syndrome. I had a good job working as an Information Technology Business Analyst for an Oil and Gas company. I had a couple dozen friends. Over the past twenty years, however, I’ve always struggled when it comes to dating. It is very difficult for me to find a girl that I’m compatible with. I thought that Asperger’s Syndrome might explain why I struggle with dating. I thought that if Yeatland was right, the psychologist might be able to suggest coping techniques for dealing with Asperger’s Syndrome.

After I mentioned that I speak in a monotone, my psychologist recommended that I take singing lessons. A voice coach could help me learn how to vary the pitch of my voice. This is an example of a coping mechanism that I would not have thought of without talking to my psychologist.

My sister is the opposite of me: I am logical while she is emotional. When I told her that I have Asperger’s Syndrome, she (along with a few of my friends) thought that I listen to whatever Yeatland says. I evaluated Yeatland’s advice based on my own research. I read four books and talked to a psychologist. My psychologist confirmed that I have a mild case of Asperger’s Syndrome


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