[ExistingInChanges]

I tend to freak out when plans change. I can't calm down and I get overwhelmed...is that one of the signs of my aspergers syndrome?
If not, is it just anxiety or what...
Do y'all have this problem too..getting overwhelmed about change?

[Pandoren]

It depends on what the change is and how much I was looking forward to it/inconvenienced by it changing... If it was something I didn't want to do anyway, I might just ignore it, but if I had to put some effort into it or wanted to do it or feel I'm being messed about, I get in a bad mood.

I have heard it as a symptom of Aspergers, yes.

[ExistingInChanges]

Originally Posted by Pandoren

It depends on what the change is and how much I was looking forward to it/inconvenienced by it changing... If it was something I didn't want to do anyway, I might just ignore it, but if I had to put some effort into it or wanted to do it or feel I'm being messed about, I get in a bad mood.

I have heard it as a symptom of Aspergers, yes.

Thanks for your help. I didn't know, because its any change of plans. I have things lined up a certain way and wheater I actually want to do those things or not, I need them done as soon as possible and if there are "roadblocks", it makes me overwhelmed and I freak out...

[rosska]

I feel the same way about any sort of change to my perceived plans. I don't like the unexpected, my life is very routine and I like it that way. If people decide to throw me a curve ball then I just overload and freak out. The one time I can accept it, is if it's something like a planned social meet up and it gets cancelled. I don't really mind that as much, it'll probably make me feel 'off' for the day and not too sure what to do with myself, but I'll be glad I don't have to face the anxiety of social interaction.

[ExistingInChanges]

Originally Posted by rosska

I feel the same way about any sort of change to my perceived plans. I don't like the unexpected, my life is very routine and I like it that way. If people decide to throw me a curve ball then I just overload and freak out. The one time I can accept it, is if it's something like a planned social meet up and it gets cancelled. I don't really mind that as much, it'll probably make me feel 'off' for the day and not too sure what to do with myself, but I'll be glad I don't have to face the anxiety of social interaction.

Thank you. I'm glad to know I'm not alone.
I'm sorry that you have to deal with a lot of social anxiety.

[rosska]

Originally Posted by ExistingInChanges

Thank you. I'm glad to know I'm not alone.
I'm sorry that you have to deal with a lot of social anxiety.

You're most definitely not alone.

Thank you, it does make things difficult but luckily I prefer my own company most of the time.

[JoyDivision7680]

It depends. If my plans change because of some unwanted external stimuli, it's bad, but if the plan(s) changes for the better, if something I've been waiting forward interferes (which is a rarity), it's not that bad and I can get over. I've found a way to remain in control in overwhelming situations, and that is to delay the 'explosion' of anger and anxiety using a timer. For example, if my daily routine is interrupted by my mother who wants to go and buy me a new pair of trousers, I mentally demand myself to remain in control for one more hour. If we're not back in one hour, then it's fine to lose it. And it works, though I'm agitated most of the time.

[ExistingInChanges]

Originally Posted by JoyDivision7680

It depends. If my plans change because of some unwanted external stimuli, it's bad, but if the plan(s) changes for the better, if something I've been waiting forward interferes (which is a rarity), it's not that bad and I can get over. I've found a way to remain in control in overwhelming situations, and that is to delay the 'explosion' of anger and anxiety using a timer. For example, if my daily routine is interrupted by my mother who wants to go and buy me a new pair of trousers, I mentally demand myself to remain in control for one more hour. If we're not back in one hour, then it's fine to lose it. And it works, though I'm agitated most of the time.

That makes sense, like you want to make sure that things get done in a timely fashion, especially if they are affecting your own routine or schedule or to do list.

[JoyDivision7680]

Can't tell you how amazed I was when I used this trick for the first time

[-jimi-]

Very common with Asperger's. I have a lot of interruptions and changes because I'm sort of of two minds with ADD also, so I can almost set myself off. Also my BFF is very random. And I grew up with people with very rigid ways so I had to cave a lot so I got a lot of unwanted practice....

I have learned to deal with this.... but if I DON'T get alone time late in the day sort of to process how things were different than expected... I go crazy. That happens at times when I visit people and they demand my attention and adherence to their plans all day and then it is night and they go straight to bed and wake me early so I'm never truly alone...

[JoyDivision7680]

When I'm sleeping somewhere else, I change my schedule into a 'more flexible than usual' one, which means I'm almost plan-free. It wasn't always the same though, but over the years I unconsciously managed to adapt. Perhaps what I do is creating a schedule comprised of trying to act 'normal' and be less rigid, I don't know.

[RTerroni]

I do ALL the time I like to be very structured and if something disrupts that I sometimes have a HUGE meltdown.