Asperger Syndrome Support Group
Asperger syndrome - also referred to as Asperger's syndrome, Asperger's, Aspergers or just AS - is one of five neurobiological pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), and is characterized by deficiencies in social and communication skills, normal to above normal intelligence, and standard language development.
Yesterday, something really embarassing at work...
I was talking to someone that I have worked with for years, not just worked with but consider a "friend" at work in that we hang out and talk about non-work stuff also. And, I call her by the wrong name. It sounded off when I said it, but I couldn't think of the right name. Usually, I don't use names because this kind of dumb thing will happen. But, I had to get her attention and couldn't scream "hey, you!"
So, everyone immediately in the area stops and stares at me. Fortunately, I have some sense of humor and said "Feel free to give me a nickname also." Then we all just laughed about it. But, I felt pretty stupid.
So, I wonder what is my problem that I can't remember simple things like that, but can remember long passages of conversations from months ago. And I can recall the exact IQ score of a person that I tested 3 years ago. I get very frustrated some days that I come across as being a "scatter brain" (or absent-minded professor is what I am called some times). My secretary says that I am too smart and some things have to dribble out to make room for other things in my brain. But, I don't want to be the "nutty professor".
I was talking to someone that I have worked with for years, not just worked with but consider a "friend" at work in that we hang out and talk about non-work stuff also. And, I call her by the wrong name. It sounded off when I said it, but I couldn't think of the right name. Usually, I don't use names because this kind of dumb thing will happen. But, I had to get her attention and couldn't scream "hey, you!"
So, everyone immediately in the area stops and stares at me. Fortunately, I have some sense of humor and said "Feel free to give me a nickname also." Then we all just laughed about it. But, I felt pretty stupid.
So, I wonder what is my problem that I can't remember simple things like that, but can remember long passages of conversations from months ago. And I can recall the exact IQ score of a person that I tested 3 years ago. I get very frustrated some days that I come across as being a "scatter brain" (or absent-minded professor is what I am called some times). My secretary says that I am too smart and some things have to dribble out to make room for other things in my brain. But, I don't want to be the "nutty professor".
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I have been here before, a long long time ago and now I am back.Forgive me for not just saying what I want to say,even under a triple dose of antidepressants it is still raw and seeping and I am hesitant at revealing it as at least under the bandages around my heart I don,t have to look at how raw and wounded.My child was cleaved from my heart by his own actions. my child of ten,turning eleven...
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
THAT is a true accomplishment!
Maybe it's better to focus on what you do well, and praise yourself for that, rather than the poor things.
In my psych-type job I had the same situation: could see a child in the school hallway & recall her IQ (verbal, performance), achievement in 5 areas, learning disabilities, and recommendations for her education; but pass a teacher I've known in the school for 3 years & not recall her first name: I'd say, "Hi, Mrs. Wilson," although I'd known her first name since the first day I went to her school!
TERRIBLY FRUSTRATING!!!
The best way to stay sane is for you to realize how good YOU are at adapting & smoothing over the situation!
I use to work in a hospital and i'ld remember returning patients by how they had their coffee not their name - lucky this was always on the end of the bed :o) Mr or Mrs ... for anyone over 25ish and first name for kids / younger people. People would always say I was so polite as I'ld refer to people by their complete name - what they didn't realise was that I could never recall their first name even when they asked me to use it (unless it was on the name card). I'ld learnt to cope with this by joking that due to my age at the time (20) I was always told to respect my elders - most people would just laugh.
Don't have any answers but congrads on coping with it at the time. It sounds like you did well but its always easy to think I wish I had said / or hadn't done it. My only suggestion would be if this particular issue is worrying you prehaps next time you are quietly with the person just say something like sorry I got your name wrong felt like a .... Just keep it light but let them know that you realised and recogonised it. Either they will have forgotten totally about it or will acknowledge that sometimes they also do it, or maybe they'll do or say nothing. However, if your at all concerned of a negative response then don't do it.
Everyone has 'senior moments'which is how we refer to the odd name foopah (mistake) in our workplace.