OctobersBlackRose,

I would mention AS. Your visual impairment can explain some of what you have experienced, but that does not mean AS should not be considered. It is possible, but I think the visual impairment may make it more difficult to diagnose. The other senses can compensate for visual problems, such as hearing. (My friend is visually impaired and has very acute hearing.) AS could explain the sensory sensitivities.

Other conditions to consider are OCD, social anxiety disorder, schizoid personality disorder, nonverbal learning disability, personality disorder, substance abuse, sensory integration disorder, hearing impairment, etc...

What kind of relationship problems are you referring to? This is different from BPD. Abandonment fears, impulsivity and erratic emotions cause them trouble. In AS, relating to others is due to difficulties in communicating, both verbally and non-verbally. This makes befriending others and maintaining those friendships hard.

When conversing, this is what goes through my mind: What do I say? Topic??? When can I approach? Am I in their space? When do I shut my mouth? Am I boring? (I still haven't figured this out.) Sometimes, I have no clue, so I will ask. Human interaction is quite challenging. Existing in the periphery is my life.

Empathy and AS is misunderstood. I feel a great amount of empathy. Sometimes, I miss a person's troubles, because I am busy or I miss the nonverbal messages. I also have a very hard time expressing myself with actions. Hugs, kisses etc...don't come naturally. It is effort, but I try, because I feel empathy and I care deeply about others, especially my good friend and my family.