Until about four years ago, I did not have a clue about Aspergers. Since, it has been eye opening and firsthand experience, I have found.
Years upon years of struggling within my marriage, not understanding why we were not on the same wavelength, plus our conversations were and are always black and white, saying the same thing but different ways.
While other issues came into play, too, just dealing with many times the confusion I felt, shaking my head and just seeing a cycle in routines, brought craziness to my mind, I finally decided to see a counselor.
Walking through her door, convinced I was going crazy in this marriage, she was able to put two and two together quickly, mentioning Aspergers of my husband. I did not know about Aspergers and what I thought it was, I figured it was a child issue, not a full-grown adult.
Still week after week in our sessions while I poured out years of frustration to her, the same response. Fine. I will go research and see just what this Aspergers deal is that she mentions to me.
Oh my gosh! Besides all the research, I found a book that clearly identifies what I have dealt with for years. My counselor had him pegged from the beginning. This was like a lightbulb moment in my life. Plus, I am not crazy. Now some may question that comment. lol I am a neurotypical (NT) wife with an Asperger (AS or ASD) husband.
Being in such a relationship, the neurotypical spouse may start to feel as also having Aspergers because you are in their world so much in order to relate. That’s crazy enough, but true. Still, it is the shaking your head moments to figure out which one you are, at times. Today was one of them.
I thought it was interesting that soon after we solved the mystery, my counselor had attended a workshop on Aspergers. Two couples. One couple newly married and knowing of Aspergers, which the husband had, they could accept and deal with differences. Going into the marriage fully aware. The other couple, married for years and learning of Aspergers, the wife was so done with this marriage and the Aspergers, which her husband had. This skit she watched and told me about, made her think of me and guess which couple? It is hard and it is a lonely life together. Just a side note, women can have Aspergers, too.
While my husband has been a good provider for our family, some are not. He is a nice man but has his quirks. Don’t we all? Aspergers or not. There is good and bad.
While I have a clue now what is happening, I think my understanding has helped but it is still hard and still lonely. Just knowing for me now, I feel that ‘I get it’ when something odd is done or said and am more understanding of him.
Perhaps you know someone that might seem somewhat odd, is very intelligent and notice a lack of social skills, etc. Perhaps, this could be what is going on. My husband knew he was different than others and would often say, he is one french fry short of a Happy Meal but never knew why. While that phrase is funny, it is really sad because it has affected our relationship. Now knowing himself of having Aspergers, that is not of interest to him, which is typical, too. I just shake my head and shrug my shoulders, as I would want to know more.
I have recently worked with a guy for years and my co-workers would state that he is odd. Yes, he is but I understood him and the reason why. Aspergers.
This book is very interesting and mine is underlined, highlighted and all marked up, just like my Bible.
While my former counselor and I were able to move on to other areas in my life, after determining Aspergers was what I was dealing with, it was a Godsend to have her. I was blessed to have her in my life, and I know without a doubt that the Lord knew I needed her.
Please know that there are many private Facebook groups available if you or somebody may need support in this area. There are many books available along with Google and YouTube to gain further information. Research! I fully support and encourage counseling. Aspergers is on the spectrum of Autism.
Hope this may help someone. 😊
Just Pondering... 