Expert: Paul Johnson - 2/11/2009

Question
I have not had a formal diagnosis and I am looking for information regarding issues such as hypersensitivity to sensory input and inability to perform two tasks simultaneously (inability to focus on mental tasks with sound or people around/physical discomfort at someones presence when  focusing intensively, all of which impairs my work life). I do not have specific problems with social interaction as such and my communication levels are good. I don't have problems with understanding metaphors etc.
I am looking for a way of determining what type of disorder/problem I might have as it has recently become difficult for me to move on in life and work in environments that seem to be normal for other people. The information available on the internet pointed me towards some form of AS or ADD.
I have received counseling for depression about a year ago and have mentioned my sensory overload problems to my GP who suggested that I am either just very sensitive or suffer from stress. I was scoring persistently high on autism spectrum disorder tests on the web. I am unable to divide my attention between two things at once: such as a conversation and a tv program, both become an incomprehensible babble. In my last workplace my boss was playing her radio constantly I and whilst many people didn't like it, the quality of my output was much worse because of that, it was really driving me mad; a few times I nearly cried because the light in the office had such a horrible tint of gray that I could not concentrate on anything.I would snap at my mum as a child because she was snacking on mints and the sound was driving me crazy and I could not practice the piano with that noise.
It could be said that I feel impaired in my ability to perform mental task by the presence of other people and feel uncomfortable claiming my own space. I cannot think clearly when someone is around me: if I was trying to read an article and there was a possibility that someone would see what I am reading from behind my back I would feel extremely uncomfortable.
I also found it difficult to control my boredom at work: I simply continued browsing the web even I was nearly sacked for it, because my mind needed stimulation, and kept working slower and slower, getting into something similar to a trance. I mentally understood the necessity of keeping on working but found myself physically incapable of doing it. I need another job soon, but I don't want to find myself again in a situation where the quality of my work starts to decline because I cannot focus on it. I was pretty talented as a child (piano) and had an an IQ of 138 at the age of 10 (I am 26 now).I will be grateful for any suggestions.


Answer
Hey Anna,

Thank you for your important and quality question.
We are curently living in the information age and as such a person will be able to seek out essential information regarding self if you so choose. You have done so and quite likely have more accurate information regarding your self. We have to remember that Asperger's Syndrome is only 15 years old and there is so much information about it on-line yet clincians are only just begining to understand and recognize the symptoms of the Autism Spectrum Disorders. I also want to raise your awareness to the high amounts of prevalence we currently have of people being diagnosed on the ASD.
So clinicians are beginning to recognize us but we have the opportunity to recognize our self way more that others simply because it is a complicated diagnosis to make.

Now regarding your employment woes, it is true that we struggle mightily in the employment realm. It is said that we are 70% underemployed or unemployed. You difficulties in concentrating is only one of the struggles we have.

I would recommend that you set small and reachable goals that you set on a daily and weekly basis so that you will be able to motivate your self. This is key because when you are on the spectrum other people will not be able to motivate you in ways that you will be able to motivate your self. See the important reasons why you are at the job. Answer the question why those tasks have meaning. See significance in what you do. Why are you the best at what you do. Use that superior intellect to your benefit.

Last if you were able to get a diagnosis of AS you will be able to go to the human resources department and have them provide accomodations for the sensory sensitivites. We on the spectrum have a great deal of sensory sensitivities but it is not in the formal diagnositic critieria.

We have a great deal of struggles in general in the employment sector and I wish to establish a focus group and eventually a think tank for us to identify our strength and weaknesses at the job site. eventually we will be valued and sought for our talents at work, but we are not there yet.