Living with a disability

[James Joseph Emerald]

It seems like, statistically, there shouldn't be this many people with Asperger syndrome around here.

In fact, I've known people with Aspergers (a mild case, even) and it's definitely not something you just casually describe as "nothing really." It is chiefly characterised by a huge lack of empathy and emotional reciprocity. This results in, by typical standards, some extremely inconsiderate behaviour (because the sufferer has difficulty comprehending the emotional consequences of their actions) that is usually quite distressing to other people. It's a rather tragic disorder, which isn't to be taken likely.

If you're capable of socialising without being branded thoughtless or needlessly offensive, you probably don't have Aspergers. You're just a bit quirky or awkward.

 

[The_Echo]

The closest thing I have to a disability is being alexithymic [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexithymia].

Alexithymia often coincides or has been linked with a variety of other issues, including but not limited to autism spectrum disorders, depression and migraine headaches. While suspicions have been raised about the formers, the only confirmed issue applying to me is migraines. Which aren't very fun, I'll have you know.

Generally, this doesn't impact my life a whole lot. I just come off as a dick sometimes without meaning to.

 

[In Search of Username]

Is social awkwardness a disability?

 

[Thaluikhain]

It seems like, statistically, there shouldn't be this many people with Asperger syndrome around here.

Well, this is a thread about people living with disabilities, you are more likely to see people with Aspergers post here than in a "The last thing your avatar ate is running Fox News" thread. Might be selection bias in being on a gamer site as well.

In fact, I've known people with Aspergers (a mild case, even) and it's definitely not something you just casually describe as "nothing really." It is chiefly characterised by a huge lack of empathy and emotional reciprocity. This results in, by typical standards, some extremely inconsiderate behaviour (because the sufferer has difficulty comprehending the emotional consequences of their actions) that is usually quite distressing to other people. It's a rather tragic disorder, which isn't to be taken likely.

If you're capable of socialising without being branded thoughtless or needlessly offensive, you probably don't have Aspergers. You're just a bit quirky or awkward.

Respectfully, if you're not a medical practitioner, you might not want to be telling people what syndromes they don't really have.

Anyway, Aspergers affects people to varying degrees, in some cases it can be very slight. Additionally, it causes difficulties in relating to others, it doesn't make it impossible. With effort, such things can be learned...a person will never be as good at them as if they didn't have Aspergers, but that's not to say they are always going to have problems.

 

[BloatedGuppy]

I have chronic pain (arms, shoulders) since I was in my early 20's, which I've more or less become accustomed to. Most days it is manageable. I only have a few really bad days a year.

Far more troubling is I'm showing the early symptoms of Sjogrens Syndrome or a similar, undiagnosed connective tissue disease. Dry eyes, dry mouth, chronic fatigue, etc. They may sound like mild symptoms, but anyone who has experienced them knows how utterly debilitating they are. Been a fairly depressing year for me, health wise.

Oh, and my gums are receding because I grind my teeth like a maniac while I'm sleeping. I need gum graft surgery. Which is notoriously painful, and extremely expensive.

That about sums it up.

I have Type 1 Diabetes (NO, NOT THE FUCKING FAT/SMOKING ONE) and as you can see from my caps I do get sick of people mixing the two types up. Sheesh.

Auto immune. I'm really sorry. I hope it hasn't brought any friends. =(

It might cheer you to know there's been some incredible breakthrough studies done recently where they've actually reversed it completely in mice. They're on human trials now, I believe. You could actually see a cure by the end of the decade.

 

[chiggerwood]

In terms of disabilities mine is a bit of a list, I have Hypoglycemia (Low blood sugar) OCD (Obsessive compulsive disorder), GAD (Generalized anxiety disorder), Epilepsy, MS (Multiple sclerosis), Bipolar disorder, and last but not least, Brain damage. Although I'm 95% recovered from the brain damage it still causes a lot of issues such as the Obsessive compulsive, Anxiety, and Bipolar Disorder which is why meds probably won't work (for the bipolar). I have a 125 I.Q. and I can't use it. Ain't that a pisser.

 

[hawkeye52]

I have Dyslexia and Dyspraxia and keratoconus in my left eye.

The Dyslexia never really effected me as much as far as I can tell since my reading/writing/general learning ability has always been fine and I only really found out about it recently while at uni.

The Dyspraxia is a pain since I can't write for shit. My organisational abilities are terrible in the sense that its fine for me but for anyone else they can't decypher how I do it. Essays especially are a pain and also learning anything which as more then 3-4 steps particularly for physical related things just become impossible to memorise due to a reduced working memory.

My Keratoconus only really developed in the last few years but I can't do any catching and throwing sports period now due to not being able to see out of my left eye at all and so therefore effectively working off of one eye and so have no depth perception. Also the Dyspraxia rears its ugly head again here for sports since I can't do bat and ball sports for shit although I used to be good at catching and I eventually learned a decent technique for throwing.

 

[King of Wei]

I've got optic nerve hypoplasia. No vision at all out of my right eye and only a little vision in my left with no peripheral vision and I love it!

On the down side: I'm constantly bumping into people on my blind side. Can't drive, read normal print and while I can make out objects pretty far away, the detail is shit. Also since everyone's vision deteriorates over time I'll probably go completely blind in 20-30 years.

On the up side: I've got better hearing than most people. No car means no car payments which means I have a lot more money to throw at stuff. And while bumping into random people is kinda annoying, it does allow me to cop a feel from time to time and blame it on my vision. lol Also, as irony would have it, I've got really good spacial memory. Even if I can't see my surroundings, I know exactly where I am and where I'm going 95% of the time.

 

[Mr.Plot.D.Vice]

I guess this counts, I was born with a heart condition (basicallly without the left pulmonary artery). I've had three surgeries so far, all of them succesful, because of this I can't do sports, and I get tired very easily, other than that I have a very normal life...I guess.

 

[James Joseph Emerald]

Anyway, Aspergers affects people to varying degrees, in some cases it can be very slight. Additionally, it causes difficulties in relating to others, it doesn't make it impossible. With effort, such things can be learned...a person will never be as good at them as if they didn't have Aspergers, but that's not to say they are always going to have problems.

Well according to the DSM, in order to class something as a disorder, it must severely disrupt at least one of four major aspects of a person's life: interpersonal, occupational, social or physical well-being. If you're able to cope on all counts, you can hardly call it a disability.

I mean, I'll admit I'm not a medical professional. But I've got about as much authority on the subject as the people who self-diagnose with this disorder just to be fashionable or rationalise their unsharpened social skills.

 

[White-Death]

Chronic shyness and social anxiety,I don't tend to get any social interaction and I'm fine with that.It's mainly because most people my age,judging from the way they act and talk,are complete idiots, I'm fine with my 4 or 5 friends whom I usually rarely speak with.I also have OCD which acts in a very positive way,I keep all my things nice,neat,clean and orderly,hopefully I won't snap and start ironing out my curtains or something.

Outside of social interaction,I live a generally normal life.

 

[Saregon]

Not to mention psychologist get paid more for diagnosing, they'll diagnose people with things that aren't serious problems.

Incorrect. Psychiatrists, like doctors, sometimes take kickbacks from pharmaseutical companies for prescribing their specific brand of drug which is illegal. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication, as they are not do not have medical degrees, and as such, a diagnosis from a psychologist, while it can be used for different things, isn't 'valuable' per se, so I don't see them getting paid extra for it. Maybe in the form of getting more billable hours with the patient. The only other thing I can see would be parents bribing them for an ADD diagnosis for their child for easier grades or something, which I don't think is common (or maybe doesn't happen at all).

OT: I have a chronic knee injury after tearing my calf muscle's attachment to my knee and it grew back somewhat improperly. It doesn't bother me in the day to day, but long hikes with a heavy backpack does make it hurt like hell. Was kind of a big problem in the army, but I made it through, and my knee actually benefited in the long run, as I have had significantly less issues with it since.

 

[Tallim]

I have Trigeminal Neuralgia and it is all sorts of fun. Just try and ignore it if I can but bleh. I also have constant leg pains which may or may not be related, doctors have no idea what is causing those.

 

[MuttyGrims1321]

I have OCD which at times can be very hard to manage I also have scoliosis, which if you do not know my back is curved so I always find it hard to sit somewhere comfortably.

 

[StBishop]

Can I ask what may come across as a very callous and horrific question?

Spoiler: Potentially offensive question

Spoiler: It is about procreation and genetic disabilities. You have been warned.

So, if you have a disability which is genetic, or just have a laundry list of bad luck as far as disabilities is concerned, would/will you reproduce?

For example, I plan on being screened when it comes time for me to procreate because there's some things which won't present in either parent but can potentially make a childs life harder.

While I really, really, really like the idea of having children that are biologically my own, I don't think I'd want to bring someone into this life if I know they're likely to have a shitty time of it.

I'm not suggesting that having a disability ruins your life, but it can add certain barriers for you; and I think it would upset me to think of placing my child in that position. That said, if you've managed ok, who's to say your child can't too, right?

I just think that when there's so many children who need a home, it seems somewhat cruel to bring a child who will be disadvantaged from the get go, when you can give a loving family to an existing child.

I'm also well aware of the whole "Well why not just adopt anyway?" point. As I said, I really like the idea of a "little me", and I don't think I'd want to make any decisions about the number of children I care for until I see how I do with one.

 

[TehCookie]

Not to mention psychologist get paid more for diagnosing, they'll diagnose people with things that aren't serious problems.

Incorrect. Psychiatrists, like doctors, sometimes take kickbacks from pharmaseutical companies for prescribing their specific brand of drug which is illegal. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication, as they are not do not have medical degrees, and as such, a diagnosis from a psychologist, while it can be used for different things, isn't 'valuable' per se, so I don't see them getting paid extra for it. Maybe in the form of getting more billable hours with the patient. The only other thing I can see would be parents bribing them for an ADD diagnosis for their child for easier grades or something, which I don't think is common (or maybe doesn't happen at all).

That's what my psychology teacher told me, who works in the field. Also it's not because of meds it's how insurance works, but he didn't go into details. I should also specify that I'm talking about America, it works different in other countries so that may not be true.

 

[BloatedGuppy]

Can I ask what may come across as a very callous and horrific question?

Spoiler: Potentially offensive question

Spoiler: It's about procreation and genetic disabilities. You've been warned.

So, if you have a disability which is genetic, or just have a laundry list of bad luck as far as disabilities is concerned, would/will you reproduce?

For example, I plan on being screened when it comes time for me to procreate because there's some things which won't present in either parent but can potentially make a childs life harder.

While I really, really, really like the idea of having children that are biologically my own, I don't think I'd want to bring someone into this life if I know they're likely to have a shitty time of it.

I'm not suggesting that having a disability ruins your life, but it can add certain barriers for you; and I think it would upset me to think of placing my child in that position. That said, if you've managed ok, who's to say your child can't too, right?

I just think that when there's so many children who need a home, it seems somewhat cruel to bring a child who will be disadvantaged from the get go, when you can give a loving family to an existing child.

I'm also well aware of the whole "Well why not just adopt anyway?" point. As I said, I really like the idea of a "little me", and I don't think I'd want to make any decisions about the number of children I care for until I see how I do with one.

It's a concern. This stuff isn't always passed down with reliable regularity, but it certainly does give one pause.

Sadly, two completely healthy parents is absolutely no guarantee your child won't be born with a disability, or acquire one as an adult. Neither one of my parents, or any of my grandparents, have the problem I do. Feels rather random, really.

I got screwed by the RNG!

 

[StBishop]

Can I ask what may come across as a very callous and horrific question?

Spoiler: Potentially offensive question

Spoiler: It's about procreation and genetic disabilities. You've been warned.

So, if you have a disability which is genetic, or just have a laundry list of bad luck as far as disabilities is concerned, would/will you reproduce?

For example, I plan on being screened when it comes time for me to procreate because there's some things which won't present in either parent but can potentially make a childs life harder.

While I really, really, really like the idea of having children that are biologically my own, I don't think I'd want to bring someone into this life if I know they're likely to have a shitty time of it.

I'm not suggesting that having a disability ruins your life, but it can add certain barriers for you; and I think it would upset me to think of placing my child in that position. That said, if you've managed ok, who's to say your child can't too, right?

I just think that when there's so many children who need a home, it seems somewhat cruel to bring a child who will be disadvantaged from the get go, when you can give a loving family to an existing child.

I'm also well aware of the whole "Well why not just adopt anyway?" point. As I said, I really like the idea of a "little me", and I don't think I'd want to make any decisions about the number of children I care for until I see how I do with one.

It's a concern. This stuff isn't always passed down with reliable regularity, but it certainly does give one pause.

Sadly, two completely healthy parents is absolutely no guarantee your child won't be born with a disability, or acquire one as an adult. Neither one of my parents, or any of my grandparents, have the problem I do. Feels rather random, really.

I got screwed by the RNG!

For sure, there's always a risk. I tend to be a little blunt and pragmatic in the way I view issues which are often quite more complex than I give them credit for. People's genetics being an area I often cause offence.

People don't like the implication they are inferior on a cellular level. Thing is, I don't think it impacts a person's worth as a human, good genes don't make you a nice person.

Anyway, the way I tend to look at it is my mum's side of the family has a huge incidence of mental health problems and/or substance abuse and a worrying level of heart disease. It can't all be learned behaviour due to the introduction of other influences (people marrying in to the family). I tend to believe her side of the family gave me shitty genetics.

I'd like to minimize risk of adding to that by avoiding having children with someone who's family have similar problems. (Cardiovascular disease is the sort of thing you just have to live with really, it's so common that I don't think I know anyone who hasn't had a family member affected by it).

 

[kyuzo3567]

Not to mention psychologist get paid more for diagnosing, they'll diagnose people with things that aren't serious problems.

Incorrect. Psychiatrists, like doctors, sometimes take kickbacks from pharmaseutical companies for prescribing their specific brand of drug which is illegal. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication, as they are not do not have medical degrees, and as such, a diagnosis from a psychologist, while it can be used for different things, isn't 'valuable' per se, so I don't see them getting paid extra for it. Maybe in the form of getting more billable hours with the patient. The only other thing I can see would be parents bribing them for an ADD diagnosis for their child for easier grades or something, which I don't think is common (or maybe doesn't happen at all).

That's what my psychology teacher told me, who works in the field. Also it's not because of meds it's how insurance works, but he didn't go into details. I should also specify that I'm talking about America, it works different in other countries so that may not be true.

You're correct, the faster Psychologists make a diagnosis (as in, by the end of the first session instead of following procedure which would usually take multiple sessions) the faster they get paid by the insurance companies... there's also the fact that the majority of Psychologists are overworked and don't have the time to be thorough and carefully diagnose everyone like they should.

OT: I have Severe Crohn's disease, this limits my diet and physical activity and has also caused me to be Anemic and have Chronic Arthritis in my joints... especially my knees, when they flare up I need to use a cane or I can't walk at all. Also because of Crohn's I tend to stay inside and as close to a bathroom as possible.... I haven't gone farther than a 3 hour drive from my house in almost 4 years

 

[BloatedGuppy]

People don't like the implication they are inferior on a cellular level. Thing is, I don't think it impacts a person's worth as a human, good genes don't make you a nice person.

No offense taken. I rail against my rubbish genetics on an almost daily basis. But, as you say, there are more important factors when it comes to a person's character than whether or not they came from good breeding stock.