Asperger's Syndrome

Hello, I am 18 yrs old. I have been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome a good while back. I'm terrified of both talking to people on the phone & in Person, and I'm really struggling with socializing. I am able to communicate through written communication such as this message okay, but if it was an online chat, I wouldn't be able to talk. The telephone terrifies me. I feel the tremendous levels of stress and fear rising inside of me every time I have to speak on it. My phobia is so bad that I am uneasy being around many of my family members, even though I love them more than anything. I'm not uneasy being around my Mom though, she is my one and only friend. If I end up getting in a conversation with someone, I end up getting so nervous that most of the time I end up getting really sad or sick to my stomach feeling. I have never really had a problem with eye contact, but if some people continue to "Stare" at me for long periods of time I get really uneasy.

I'm even scared to order my own food at a restaurant. I guess I'm scared to give my own opinion out-loud to others. When we have to work on group projects in college, I get really uneasy and feel as if my ideas won't provide any help, just make me look dumb. I believe the main reason why this is because I have been bullied throughout my entire education. I have always been shy and being bullied didn't help anything.  Also if someone touches my property such as my Video Games, I get really nervous and worried that they might break them. I know that they won't break them, but I get a horrible anxiety attack or something like that whenever that happens.

What might be causing these "anxiety attacks"? Is it something else or does it go hand-in-hand with my Asperger's Syndrome? Also would Hypnotherapy provide me with total or any long-term relief from these horrible Phobia attacks? If anyone would like any other information, please feel free to ask. Any information received will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!  

[Rachel Thompson, Ph.D., BCBA]

Rather than seeking hypnotherapy, I would recommend seeking some professional support that is more directed at practicing these social skills and gradually exposing you to more challenging social situations. Perhaps you can idenify a clinical psychologist in your area who has experience with social anxiety or autism spectrum disorders.

[Please_Help950]

Thank You sooo much for your response, it is greatly appreciated!!! :) I just have one more question though if I may, Do you know of any websites where I can find a good clinical psychologist in my area that deals with what I have? I was just wondering because I would like to go see one to see if they can help me. Thanks, I greatly appreciate it!!!! :)

Have a wonderful Afternoon! :)

[Rachel Thompson, Ph.D., BCBA]

The website of the American Psychology Association has a psychologist locator service (http://locator.apa.org/). It does not appear that this website provides information about areas of specialization, but perhaps you could do some additional electronic searches to gain additional details regarding the local practices.

[Please_Help950]

Thank You Sooo Much, I greatly appreciate your response!!!! :) I'll check out that link and see what I can find out. Thanks sooo much again, it is highly appreciated!!! :)

Have a Wonderful Afternoon! :)