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Autism & Asperger's Syndrome (Expert Forum)
Asperger's Syndrome
Answered by
Rachel Thompson, Ph.D., BCBA - autism
The New England Center for Children
MA
Questions in the Autism & Asperger's Syndrome forum are answered by researchers at the New England Center for Children. Topics covered include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Antisocial Personality Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Autism, blindness, bullying, clinical depression, deafness, dyslexia, mental retardation, and social alienation.
Asperger's Syndrome
by Please_Help950, May 10, 2009 04:09PM
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!
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!
Doctor's Answer
by Rachel Thompson, Ph.D., BCBA, May 12, 2009 02:45PM
, May 12, 2009 02:45PM
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.
Have a wonderful Afternoon! :)
Have a Wonderful Afternoon! :)