Now I know this is a hard question to answer and possibly no one here may have found the answer or even asked it themselves.

Background:
Ok so I am sure I have BPD. Almost every trait outside of SI I have experienced and on a pretty regular basis when I'm in an intimate relationship. I don't really question that.

but I wonder and am kind of suspicious that I may also be an aspie (someone with aspergers syndrome disorder). It all came about when my ex, my boys' mother, started exploring this about one of my sons. We found that he has all the symptoms of AS and he is very classic aspie. Well as I went through all of this I also found out my grown daughter, from another marriage was diagnosed with it too. Looking a little deeper I was like "this sounds like me as a child!" (the way my son is now). I've since learned to cope enough to be somewhat successful in life and career but the traits are still there. So anyway I did take tests on AS many times on line and so far they all say I have the likelihood of having AS. you can look it up, it's a hard thing to describe sorry I don't have a link currently.

One thing I'm not clear of. I am extremely socially awkward in many situations IRL and don't really do well in meeting people, being in large groups, etc. This is a trait of AS first but my question is, that I'm unclear on is this something that BPD sufferers experience too? I know they (we) all have a hard time with relationships but is it common to have major social anxiety and have a hard time just interacting with strangers in social settings too? Is this something that is similar between the two very different disorders?

Just wondering if anyone has ever asked this or is also in the same boat as me too.

[Girl_Interrupted]

People with BPD also display symptoms of Aspergers, it's very common.

Don't forget, Aspergers isn't just about social problems; they also have problems with sensory and stuff, like sensitive to noise, heat, cold, humidity, spicy food, etc.

My son also has Asperger's. Was diagnosed when only 3 and is 15 now. I've also had the chance to talk in depth with a few Aspies here at PC.

We both have problems with group situations, interpersonal relationships, and being over sensitive.

Problems that appear to be different include: most Aspies are very concrete, visual, "logical" learners. They have problems with abstract concepts and subjects involving emotion. They can be sensitive, but they don't understand the social norms needed to "get" people. BPD's misinterpret people's reactions, facial expressions, etc. Aspies don't get them in the first place. They often need to be directly told what a person feels or they just don't get it. They also have a tendancy of basing life on statistics, science, logic, etc and have problems with something....relationships, love, etc, don't fit in that type of equation.

I know my stereotype won't fit all Aspies, but I think it's not too bad. I saw a good Aspie thread a while back. I'll see if I can find it, and if you'd like to talk about it, let me know.

http://forums.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=241492
I read this and found it quite good. I actually copied and pasted it and gave it to my husband who has major problems relating to my son.

Originally Posted by Girl_Interrupted

People with BPD also display symptoms of Aspergers, it's very common.

Don't forget, Aspergers isn't just about social problems; they also have problems with sensory and stuff, like sensitive to noise, heat, cold, humidity, spicy food, etc.

yep, I know. It's not just the social issues, that's just the only thing I can see as common between the two disorders.

[gabmux]

Would someone here be willing share with me what type of therapy is used to help people with BPD?
I can't afford Psychotherapy, but I was hoping perhaps I could read something for self-help.
Thank you for your time

Originally Posted by gabmux

Would someone here be willing share with me what type of therapy is used to help people with BPD?
I can't afford Psychotherapy, but I was hoping perhaps I could read something for self-help.
Thank you for your time

DBT is the leading therapy for BPD. There is a free Yahoo class at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/dbtclass/
and additional resourses at www.dbtselfhelp.com.
DBT basically attempts to teach us to look and stay in the here and now, not dwell in the past or worry about the future, and that our emotions and feelings are only emotions and feeling and shouldn't rule our lives. It basically attempts to change our way of thinking. DBT, along with meditation, does help, but it's not an easy fix. It requires a lot of work.

[gabmux]

Originally Posted by Maranara

DBT is the leading therapy for BPD. There is a free Yahoo class at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/dbtclass/
and additional resourses at www.dbtselfhelp.com.
DBT basically attempts to teach us to look and stay in the here and now, not dwell in the past or worry about the future, and that our emotions and feelings are only emotions and feeling and shouldn't rule our lives. It basically attempts to change our way of thinking. DBT, along with meditation, does help, but it's not an easy fix. It requires a lot of work.

Thank you so much Maranara!