Re: CHAT: OT CHAT: Asperger's syndrome

CONLANG@LISTSERV.BROWN.EDU writes:
>> And I find
>> it much easier to make friends on the Internet than in real
>> life - social interactions are just far too _dynamic_.
>
>That's me, too.  But it's not so much the "dynamic" quality, as I have
>no problem with real-time chatting, as a reluctance to *speak*.  I often
>find myself replying to a person in my head, but not being able to put
>it in my mouth, so to speak.
My problem is that I used to be extremely shy as a  child. My mom
remembers me hiding when ever someone came to the door.  It has taken me
21 years ;). To get to the point where i'm at now, and I still get nervous
when going to parties for friends, when there's people I dont know that
are going to be there. I also like going to chatrooms to talk to people.
The shyness doesnt come through and the person i would be if I were not
shy shines through (people who have met me from chatrooms say i'm quieter
in real life, which is true). I think now, i've come out of my shell and I
do try to not be so self conscious about things (something that was a big
change for me was getting my haircut in a new way, it actually made me
feel better about myself and less self conscious).
>
>
>> And put me in a room with lots of people talking to
>> each other all over the place and I just gotta escape.
>> Sensory overload has all sorts of nasty effects on my brain,
>> and all I can do is withdraw into a corner.
>
>I'm that way with strangers, but usually pretty comfortable with
>friends, at least for a while.  After a couple of hours or so, tho, I
>need space.
When i'm in a situation with strangers, I have to observe for a while to
test the waters, so to speak. I can stay for a long time at parties and
social functions, but I tend to stick with friends, because i have to get
to know people more before i feel i can get in there and talk with them.
It's a lot easier if they start up a conversation with me, because then i
feel a connection. I think this has more to do with being afraid i'll say
the wrong thing, or they wont want to talk to me. But, i can start up a
conversation with a stranger if they seem pleasant, and we've at least
exchanged hellos.

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