Today was Valentines Day. For some, this meant a day of truly celebrating their love for a significant other. For others, birthdays and wedding anniversaries were celebrated. For me, it meant something else entirely. I had an appointment at 3 PM to see a psychiatrist by the name of Dr. Gross. I paid for the appointment after filling out three pages of paperwork..$225. It's a lot of money, but totally worth it for the information I received today.
I have suspected for many years that I could possibly have a disorder called Aspergers syndrome. Aspergers is characterized by the inability to interact and socialize with others, as well as extreme fixations on objects and topics most would not consider to be..how to put this..as important as others. Repetitive and compulsive behaviors are also part of this. My sister, who, honestly, I think knows me better than I do at times, mentioned last spring that she also believed I have this disorder. I finally got my referral a couple of months ago to see Dr. Gross and today was the big day. He confirmed what, really, had already been known. I have Aspergers syndrome, albeit a mild, high functioning form. What relief to know this!
Now that my diagnosis has been made, the ball has begun rolling. I have to apply for Medicaid. My sister will fax the paperwork when I have finished filling it out online.
Dr. Gross informed me of other details of what else needs to happen, and then he shared with me that he knows a young man who is EXACTLY like me, well, diagnosis wise. This young man is a student at ASU and is also high functioning. I'm still thinking about this. He wants to introduce us. This man, like me, also does not drive. I'm wondering if the disorder kept me from truly grasping what I should have during the time I still had my learner's permit. Teenage life was full of anxiety and that test is huge, no matter what age. I shared with him that I was fine with not driving if it didn't happen, and that I would like to purchase a bicycle one day and learn to ride that instead. Hey, it's cheaper, and with a bike, you don't have to deal with gas prices.
