Anxiety, Empathy, Asperger's and IDK
By TheRealDawn
@dawnald (85137)
Shingle Springs, California
April 14, 2010 11:43am CST
Last year I read some things and took some tests and determined that I might possibly have Asperger syndrome.
Last year or possibly the year before I posted a discussion about empathy.
Late last year and continuing on until the present, my daughter has been suffering from anxiety. It affects her stomach and she is constantly on medication for a developing ulcer. When her stomach gets bad, I feel it in my stomach.
Meanwhile, I've been deciding whether to get a divorce and I keep avoiding dropping bad news on you know who because I fear dealing with his reactions. I came to the conclusion that I might actually feel his emotions before he expresses them.
Irish says I'm not an Aspie, I'm a "freakin' closet empath". lol
Monday, I was talking to the naturopath that I visit periodically and he told me that people on the autism spectrum are thought to be very sensitive to emotions, that they get overloaded and shut down. The nice counselor lady nodded when I told her that.
Heck, maybe this even has something to do with my daughter's anxiety. Too much feeling other people's emotions and not being able to deal with them. Or maybe it's just teenage nerves and hormones.
What's your take on the whole thing? Or did I just confuse the heck out of you? 
5 people like this
6 responses
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
14 Apr 10
Hi Dawn, first of all i am no doctor so i wouldn't think about making a prediction on this. I did look up asperger's. I had never heard of it . U taught me something new today & that's a good thing.I hope whatever it is that u & dearra get better soon.
2 people like this
@dawnald (85137)
• Shingle Springs, California
14 Apr 10
She's got anxiety and she's extremely sensitive. That's all I know so far...
@GardenGerty (169406)
• United States
14 Apr 10
According to psychology, there are many types of giftedness. Everyone has a gift. The gift of interpersonal relationships could well be tied to some forms of autism spectrum disorder. You know that you have this trait, and your daughter very well could also both by virtue of nature and nurture. I took some meds for stomach pain for quite some time as a young adult, but was not diagnosed with a pending ulcer, although my brother was, while still at home. I guess I am saying that I get what you are saying, and I believe it is plausible. I also would say that the longer you delay whatever decision you make, the longer you extend the torture, so to speak. Helpful measures, besides medicine, are b complex vitamins, and things that build confidence. Physical activity, spiritual growth. I hope that you find the answer for yourself and for Dearra. I believe the twins possibly have a built in pressure valve because they have each other.
2 people like this
@MrNiceGuy (4139)
• United States
14 Apr 10
I couldn't picture people, anywhere on the autism spectrum, Aspergers or not that would be good at sensing emotions. Its part of the condition. The really really badly affected autistics have absolutely no interest in the outside world, they live in a self contained bubble and interact only when demanded to or they need something (and many times not even them). Auspergers is a lighter version but the main effect it has on a person is the ability to communicate. It makes social interaction, most likely including empathy, virtually impossible. I am not familiar with your situation but I have extensive volunteer experience with children with autism and these are all things I definitely noticed.
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85137)
• Shingle Springs, California
14 Apr 10
I wouldn't have thought that either, but both the naturopath and the counselor seemed to thing it was possible...
@BarBaraPrz (51811)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
14 Apr 10
I think your daughter's anxiety stems from the "family situation". When you get that sorted out, I think her health will improve.
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85137)
• Shingle Springs, California
14 Apr 10
That did occur to me, but honestly she seems perfectly happy and comfortable at home. It's only on school mornings, and especially when certain types of things are happening, such as presentations, that it gets really bad. That's why I believe it's mostly school related.
2 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (51811)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
14 Apr 10
Is there a chance she is being bullied?
1 person likes this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
14 Apr 10
Dawn, i think barb has a very good point on the home situation affecting dearra. I was raised in an unhappy home, my parents fought alot & believe me it does affect u.
3 people like this
@vandana7 (102698)
• India
14 Apr 10
Hi Dawn, to an extent we all feel for other human beings, as well as other animals! That is not unnatural. I think you Americans (I am kind of enjoying discriminating ) are exposed to too much knowledge. Therefore, every ailment that there is out there - you all feel you all have it. I think there was a nice introduction to the health section of Pears Encyclopedia. The gentleman said something to the effect that symptoms mentioned there should not be taken as a way to diagnose. A professional needs to consulted, as even he thought he had all ailments except those that were specific to women. :) Got my point? I dont think you have either Asperger, or Autism, nor are you empathizing excessively. You are talking about your daughter, and your husband. I feel like that about some strangers as well! Have you ever seen anybody meeting an accident? Do you feel an instant reaction to protect or save that person? Why others dont feel? Oh they feel. Their reactions are slow in surfacing, that is all. Not everybody reacts in real time! At least this is what I think. :) You are the most sane person out here Dawn. :) Keep it that way. 
) are exposed to too much knowledge. Therefore, every ailment that there is out there - you all feel you all have it. I think there was a nice introduction to the health section of Pears Encyclopedia. The gentleman said something to the effect that symptoms mentioned there should not be taken as a way to diagnose. A professional needs to consulted, as even he thought he had all ailments except those that were specific to women. :) Got my point? I dont think you have either Asperger, or Autism, nor are you empathizing excessively. You are talking about your daughter, and your husband. I feel like that about some strangers as well! Have you ever seen anybody meeting an accident? Do you feel an instant reaction to protect or save that person? Why others dont feel? Oh they feel. Their reactions are slow in surfacing, that is all. Not everybody reacts in real time! At least this is what I think. :) You are the most sane person out here Dawn. :) Keep it that way. @dawnald (85137)
• Shingle Springs, California
14 Apr 10
Well as for whether I do or don't have Asperger syndrome, all I can say is that I test out as a possible Aspie. I don't have a diagnosis. As for empathy, I think I have more than I thought I did. Whether it's excessive or not, I haven't a clue.
@hexeduser22 (7418)
• Philippines
9 May 10
Is this in English? I'm not a scientist and I'm also not a doctor. If I were the one to check you for medical purposes I would say your completely normal. Unless it's not normal to be funny then I will prescribed some serious medications to be taken 
1 person likes this
