Anyone in AA and diagnosed with autism/Asperger's?
Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Wakefield
Posts: 2
Hello all. My name is "spock1969" and I'm an alcoholic. My sobriety date is October 24, 2007. I have a sponsor who has a sponsor, have a home group, attend meetings regularly, have commitments, read the book, work the steps. Even with all of that, I still feel different and uneasy in meetings. Still feel awkward and unable to share as easily as most others. Often don't get the jokes others are laughing about. I was concerned about all that for quite some time. I didn't know why I still felt different, even among those supposedly of my kind. It was frustrating and disheartening.
Then, several months ago, I took a job where I was in a position to learn about autism and Asperger's Disorder, and how it statistically runs in families (I have a severely autistic nephew). I began to wonder if I myself was autistic. I got myself tested and learned that, unknown to me, I've been a member of another AA all my life -- those with autism/Asperger's. Those of us with autism/Asperger's are less responsive socially than most people. We are socially awkward and unaware of norms and expectations that most of you learn without problem and take for granted. We often have unusually focused interests, and may have odd, repetitive behaviors and mannerisms. We are often very bright (think Einstein, Mozart, Jefferson, Marie Curie, Bill Gates). Like alcoholics, we are everywhere. Now I'm thinking, with all the people who share about having always felt "different," that there may be a few Aspies in AA meetings too.
I've found that, as those in AA joke about "normies," those with autism/Asperger's refer to "neurotypicals" or "NTs." Just as "normies" don't understand alcoholism or see what the big deal is with quitting, "NTs" are just as uninformed about autism. I'm finding the need to educate my sponsor and other NT friends in AA about my condition. It's interesting being in meetings now, recognizing the similarities but now also understanding the differences.
At this time, I'm looking for any others on this site who may be like myself, in AA and also diagnosed with autism/Asperger's, or who think they may possibly have this condition. Thanks for reading, and I hope to learn from and hopefully be able to help others on this site.
Then, several months ago, I took a job where I was in a position to learn about autism and Asperger's Disorder, and how it statistically runs in families (I have a severely autistic nephew). I began to wonder if I myself was autistic. I got myself tested and learned that, unknown to me, I've been a member of another AA all my life -- those with autism/Asperger's. Those of us with autism/Asperger's are less responsive socially than most people. We are socially awkward and unaware of norms and expectations that most of you learn without problem and take for granted. We often have unusually focused interests, and may have odd, repetitive behaviors and mannerisms. We are often very bright (think Einstein, Mozart, Jefferson, Marie Curie, Bill Gates). Like alcoholics, we are everywhere. Now I'm thinking, with all the people who share about having always felt "different," that there may be a few Aspies in AA meetings too.
I've found that, as those in AA joke about "normies," those with autism/Asperger's refer to "neurotypicals" or "NTs." Just as "normies" don't understand alcoholism or see what the big deal is with quitting, "NTs" are just as uninformed about autism. I'm finding the need to educate my sponsor and other NT friends in AA about my condition. It's interesting being in meetings now, recognizing the similarities but now also understanding the differences.
At this time, I'm looking for any others on this site who may be like myself, in AA and also diagnosed with autism/Asperger's, or who think they may possibly have this condition. Thanks for reading, and I hope to learn from and hopefully be able to help others on this site.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 4
support
Hi it is great to know that there is some others like me.Iwasnt diagnosed until 20 years after my first meeting. I was very frustrated and blamed my self as if I didnt try hard enough. I couldn't understand that despite suffering greatly I still couldn't get the programme I thought I might need to do some more drinking. Consequently I suffered a lot. I still feel different but am learning to accept it now that I know I have aspergers. Be good to have some support . [email protected]
Hello all. My name is "spock1969" and I'm an alcoholic. My sobriety date is October 24, 2007. I have a sponsor who has a sponsor, have a home group, attend meetings regularly, have commitments, read the book, work the steps. Even with all of that, I still feel different and uneasy in meetings. Still feel awkward and unable to share as easily as most others. Often don't get the jokes others are laughing about. I was concerned about all that for quite some time. I didn't know why I still felt different, even among those supposedly of my kind. It was frustrating and disheartening.
Then, several months ago, I took a job where I was in a position to learn about autism and Asperger's Disorder, and how it statistically runs in families (I have a severely autistic nephew). I began to wonder if I myself was autistic. I got myself tested and learned that, unknown to me, I've been a member of another AA all my life -- those with autism/Asperger's. Those of us with autism/Asperger's are less responsive socially than most people. We are socially awkward and unaware of norms and expectations that most of you learn without problem and take for granted. We often have unusually focused interests, and may have odd, repetitive behaviors and mannerisms. We are often very bright (think Einstein, Mozart, Jefferson, Marie Curie, Bill Gates). Like alcoholics, we are everywhere. Now I'm thinking, with all the people who share about having always felt "different," that there may be a few Aspies in AA meetings too.
I've found that, as those in AA joke about "normies," those with autism/Asperger's refer to "neurotypicals" or "NTs." Just as "normies" don't understand alcoholism or see what the big deal is with quitting, "NTs" are just as uninformed about autism. I'm finding the need to educate my sponsor and other NT friends in AA about my condition. It's interesting being in meetings now, recognizing the similarities but now also understanding the differences.
At this time, I'm looking for any others on this site who may be like myself, in AA and also diagnosed with autism/Asperger's, or who think they may possibly have this condition. Thanks for reading, and I hope to learn from and hopefully be able to help others on this site.
Then, several months ago, I took a job where I was in a position to learn about autism and Asperger's Disorder, and how it statistically runs in families (I have a severely autistic nephew). I began to wonder if I myself was autistic. I got myself tested and learned that, unknown to me, I've been a member of another AA all my life -- those with autism/Asperger's. Those of us with autism/Asperger's are less responsive socially than most people. We are socially awkward and unaware of norms and expectations that most of you learn without problem and take for granted. We often have unusually focused interests, and may have odd, repetitive behaviors and mannerisms. We are often very bright (think Einstein, Mozart, Jefferson, Marie Curie, Bill Gates). Like alcoholics, we are everywhere. Now I'm thinking, with all the people who share about having always felt "different," that there may be a few Aspies in AA meetings too.
I've found that, as those in AA joke about "normies," those with autism/Asperger's refer to "neurotypicals" or "NTs." Just as "normies" don't understand alcoholism or see what the big deal is with quitting, "NTs" are just as uninformed about autism. I'm finding the need to educate my sponsor and other NT friends in AA about my condition. It's interesting being in meetings now, recognizing the similarities but now also understanding the differences.
At this time, I'm looking for any others on this site who may be like myself, in AA and also diagnosed with autism/Asperger's, or who think they may possibly have this condition. Thanks for reading, and I hope to learn from and hopefully be able to help others on this site.
Member
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 3
Have Asperger's syndrome ADHD and ptsd and also a alcaholic and used marijuana
Hi my names sarah and I am an alcaholic and was addicted to marijuana. I was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and ADHD as a child and then got diagnosed with ptsd two years ago.
Now through out my life I have always struggled with social situations and understanding the world. But for years through using alcaholic and drugs I managed or so it seemed I managed but was using drugs and alcahol.
I am a year clean but have been really struggling around coping with it and the behaviours. Coping when situations have happened and with how I've reacted my emotions have been so up and down. Now I always have a level of anxiety that is there all the time but recently it has been really bad.
Been experiencing many different things through out the year but was unaware what was going on as didn't understand much and I have been sent some information but working through it slowly. But feeling overwhelmed by it all cause on the one hand it is explaining a lot but also so much to learn as have tried to hide it and used many masks to hide all this or used drugs and alcahol in the past.
But now I'm struggling a lot around situations my reactions my thinking and my emotions
Now through out my life I have always struggled with social situations and understanding the world. But for years through using alcaholic and drugs I managed or so it seemed I managed but was using drugs and alcahol.
I am a year clean but have been really struggling around coping with it and the behaviours. Coping when situations have happened and with how I've reacted my emotions have been so up and down. Now I always have a level of anxiety that is there all the time but recently it has been really bad.
Been experiencing many different things through out the year but was unaware what was going on as didn't understand much and I have been sent some information but working through it slowly. But feeling overwhelmed by it all cause on the one hand it is explaining a lot but also so much to learn as have tried to hide it and used many masks to hide all this or used drugs and alcahol in the past.
But now I'm struggling a lot around situations my reactions my thinking and my emotions
Member
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 3
Thank you
Thank you it just hard time at the moment cause struggling a lot around social side of things working out people understanding conversations fully which is making me struggle a lot around it.
Anxiety has been a real issue recently and I have been really struggling with it this feels worse than when I came in to recovery and worse than last relapse a year and one month ago. Been very emotional and feel as though I am on a roller coaster where every bump is like a load of yo yos going up and down.
I am also feeling overwhelmed by it all cause as well as going through recovery and learning to live life of life's terms but know the saying of when not using or drinking you get your emotions back but can feel really overwhelmed every day.
How do you cope with all this and how do people manage in social situations and understanding
Anxiety has been a real issue recently and I have been really struggling with it this feels worse than when I came in to recovery and worse than last relapse a year and one month ago. Been very emotional and feel as though I am on a roller coaster where every bump is like a load of yo yos going up and down.
I am also feeling overwhelmed by it all cause as well as going through recovery and learning to live life of life's terms but know the saying of when not using or drinking you get your emotions back but can feel really overwhelmed every day.
How do you cope with all this and how do people manage in social situations and understanding
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Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Scottsdale, AZ, one big happy dysfunctional family!
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AA meetings, fellowship, a sponsor, mentors, church, service work, prayer & meditation. I keep my life filled with the support of others because I've never been able to do this on my own.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 2
Autism
Autism is a condition which includes impairments in the development which appear in the early childhood. This disability affects the person to communicate as well as interact with other people. Several clinical trials are being carried out worldwide in renowned institutes like Duke University using cord blood. It gives hope to many families to provide relief from symptoms of the autistic patients and also allow them to remain independent up to the extent it is possible. So, it can be said that if you opt for stem cell therapy then it will help you with the treatment of autism/Asperger’s.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 111
1. I love your username.
2. Thank you for this awesome post. I have 2 autistic counsins and I too have wondered what happens when autistic children grow up and have to mingle in society. It's hard enough being autistic, adding in being alcoholic really throws a twist into your life.
It is wonderful that you are sober and I really enjoyed reading your story.
2. Thank you for this awesome post. I have 2 autistic counsins and I too have wondered what happens when autistic children grow up and have to mingle in society. It's hard enough being autistic, adding in being alcoholic really throws a twist into your life.
It is wonderful that you are sober and I really enjoyed reading your story.
for me is she has all the wants and desires that any woman would but cannot make them
come to fruition because of how very much she struggles with social skills and relationships . Breaks my heart . Not blaming my drinking problems on her , it was my choice , but raising her has been equal parts rewarding and heartbreaking.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 111
Hello all. My name is "spock1969" and I'm an alcoholic. My sobriety date is October 24, 2007. I have a sponsor who has a sponsor, have a home group, attend meetings regularly, have commitments, read the book, work the steps. Even with all of that, I still feel different and uneasy in meetings. Still feel awkward and unable to share as easily as most others. Often don't get the jokes others are laughing about. I was concerned about all that for quite some time. I didn't know why I still felt different, even among those supposedly of my kind. It was frustrating and disheartening.
Then, several months ago, I took a job where I was in a position to learn about autism and Asperger's Disorder, and how it statistically runs in families (I have a severely autistic nephew). I began to wonder if I myself was autistic. I got myself tested and learned that, unknown to me, I've been a member of another AA all my life -- those with autism/Asperger's. Those of us with autism/Asperger's are less responsive socially than most people. We are socially awkward and unaware of norms and expectations that most of you learn without problem and take for granted. We often have unusually focused interests, and may have odd, repetitive behaviors and mannerisms. We are often very bright (think Einstein, Mozart, Jefferson, Marie Curie, Bill Gates). Like alcoholics, we are everywhere. Now I'm thinking, with all the people who share about having always felt "different," that there may be a few Aspies in AA meetings too.
I've found that, as those in AA joke about "normies," those with autism/Asperger's refer to "neurotypicals" or "NTs." Just as "normies" don't understand alcoholism or see what the big deal is with quitting, "NTs" are just as uninformed about autism. I'm finding the need to educate my sponsor and other NT friends in AA about my condition. It's interesting being in meetings now, recognizing the similarities but now also understanding the differences.
At this time, I'm looking for any others on this site who may be like myself, in AA and also diagnosed with autism/Asperger's, or who think they may possibly have this condition. Thanks for reading, and I hope to learn from and hopefully be able to help others on this site.
Then, several months ago, I took a job where I was in a position to learn about autism and Asperger's Disorder, and how it statistically runs in families (I have a severely autistic nephew). I began to wonder if I myself was autistic. I got myself tested and learned that, unknown to me, I've been a member of another AA all my life -- those with autism/Asperger's. Those of us with autism/Asperger's are less responsive socially than most people. We are socially awkward and unaware of norms and expectations that most of you learn without problem and take for granted. We often have unusually focused interests, and may have odd, repetitive behaviors and mannerisms. We are often very bright (think Einstein, Mozart, Jefferson, Marie Curie, Bill Gates). Like alcoholics, we are everywhere. Now I'm thinking, with all the people who share about having always felt "different," that there may be a few Aspies in AA meetings too.
I've found that, as those in AA joke about "normies," those with autism/Asperger's refer to "neurotypicals" or "NTs." Just as "normies" don't understand alcoholism or see what the big deal is with quitting, "NTs" are just as uninformed about autism. I'm finding the need to educate my sponsor and other NT friends in AA about my condition. It's interesting being in meetings now, recognizing the similarities but now also understanding the differences.
At this time, I'm looking for any others on this site who may be like myself, in AA and also diagnosed with autism/Asperger's, or who think they may possibly have this condition. Thanks for reading, and I hope to learn from and hopefully be able to help others on this site.
I'm an Aspie too
You have totally described my experience. I was diagnosed with ASD 7 years ago at 41. It explained a lot to me about myself, but it hasn't helped much in the trouble I'm having in AA. My sponsor is a kind woman but we have misunderstandings and miscommunications ALL the time. Anyway thank you for sharing.
Hello all. My name is "spock1969" and I'm an alcoholic. My sobriety date is October 24, 2007. I have a sponsor who has a sponsor, have a home group, attend meetings regularly, have commitments, read the book, work the steps. Even with all of that, I still feel different and uneasy in meetings. Still feel awkward and unable to share as easily as most others. Often don't get the jokes others are laughing about. I was concerned about all that for quite some time. I didn't know why I still felt different, even among those supposedly of my kind. It was frustrating and disheartening.
Then, several months ago, I took a job where I was in a position to learn about autism and Asperger's Disorder, and how it statistically runs in families (I have a severely autistic nephew). I began to wonder if I myself was autistic. I got myself tested and learned that, unknown to me, I've been a member of another AA all my life -- those with autism/Asperger's. Those of us with autism/Asperger's are less responsive socially than most people. We are socially awkward and unaware of norms and expectations that most of you learn without problem and take for granted. We often have unusually focused interests, and may have odd, repetitive behaviors and mannerisms. We are often very bright (think Einstein, Mozart, Jefferson, Marie Curie, Bill Gates). Like alcoholics, we are everywhere. Now I'm thinking, with all the people who share about having always felt "different," that there may be a few Aspies in AA meetings too.
I've found that, as those in AA joke about "normies," those with autism/Asperger's refer to "neurotypicals" or "NTs." Just as "normies" don't understand alcoholism or see what the big deal is with quitting, "NTs" are just as uninformed about autism. I'm finding the need to educate my sponsor and other NT friends in AA about my condition. It's interesting being in meetings now, recognizing the similarities but now also understanding the differences.
At this time, I'm looking for any others on this site who may be like myself, in AA and also diagnosed with autism/Asperger's, or who think they may possibly have this condition. Thanks for reading, and I hope to learn from and hopefully be able to help others on this site.
Then, several months ago, I took a job where I was in a position to learn about autism and Asperger's Disorder, and how it statistically runs in families (I have a severely autistic nephew). I began to wonder if I myself was autistic. I got myself tested and learned that, unknown to me, I've been a member of another AA all my life -- those with autism/Asperger's. Those of us with autism/Asperger's are less responsive socially than most people. We are socially awkward and unaware of norms and expectations that most of you learn without problem and take for granted. We often have unusually focused interests, and may have odd, repetitive behaviors and mannerisms. We are often very bright (think Einstein, Mozart, Jefferson, Marie Curie, Bill Gates). Like alcoholics, we are everywhere. Now I'm thinking, with all the people who share about having always felt "different," that there may be a few Aspies in AA meetings too.
I've found that, as those in AA joke about "normies," those with autism/Asperger's refer to "neurotypicals" or "NTs." Just as "normies" don't understand alcoholism or see what the big deal is with quitting, "NTs" are just as uninformed about autism. I'm finding the need to educate my sponsor and other NT friends in AA about my condition. It's interesting being in meetings now, recognizing the similarities but now also understanding the differences.
At this time, I'm looking for any others on this site who may be like myself, in AA and also diagnosed with autism/Asperger's, or who think they may possibly have this condition. Thanks for reading, and I hope to learn from and hopefully be able to help others on this site.
Since I was never raised any differently than anyone else I have learned and adapted in a lot of ways to fit in the best way that I can. Which I will admit I never did very well. Some things I have learned over the years is to just make sure people know what I meant when I said something, but it was obviously taken the wrong way. I might look at a photograph of someone that has grown old and looks great with his wife, and I'll think to myself, "WOW, this guy is looking great, all my memories of him he was so young and now look at him, he's full grown and him and his wife are a handsome couple." So what do I do? I leave a comment that says, "Good grief, you look old."
Some of the females that I have dated in the past would comment that I am like, "robotic." I am not robotic, I feel a lot of emotions I just don't show them unless I really try. I have to make an effort to show how I feel. If I am interested in what someone is saying, I have to kind of act it, because I won't show it naturally.
My suspicion is that at least some of my drinking problem might have begun due to being younger and trying to make friends and date, and for some reason alcohol make me express myself a little better, and people at that time reacted better towards it. That's the perception I had. It was wrong, and now that I am older it doesn't even give me anything.
The other thing about being an Asperger's is we are obsessive people. I get focused on something and I can't do anything else. Yeah I get really good at it, learn a lot, but the rest of my life suffers. So you can imagine what happened when I had a drink of alcohol and it felt like heaven. All bets were off.
Now that I am older, fortunately I am starting realize some of this stuff. I still struggle a great deal, and I have not stopped drinking yet. But learning about me has helped me to make some changes. I hope I can stop the insanity that is drinking also. I am spending most of my life sober now. I used to drink every day. But I still have about a week at a time every month, and I haven't learned to give it up completely.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 1
Autism
Autism is a condition which includes impairments in the development which appear in the early childhood. This disability affects the person to communicate as well as interact with other people. Several clinical trials are being carried out worldwide in renowned institutes like Duke University using cord blood. It gives hope to many families to provide relief from symptoms of the autistic patients and also allow them to remain independent up to the extent it is possible. So, it can be said that if you opt for stem cell therapy then it will help you with the treatment of autism/Asperger’s.
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