Aspies For Freedom

Hello all!

I found this wonderful site through an Aspie vid on YouTube. I have been a long time lurker around the AS community. Though I do not have an official diagnosis, I am fairly confident that "it takes one to know one".  Basic info: 25/m/INTP/Enneagram 4/IQ 138 (WISC)

I wish my first post were on a more positive topic... But here goes:

8 months ago, I hurt myself quite severely during several suicide attempts. Long story, which can be summed up as "when it rains, it pours". Almost a year later, I am still quite noticeably experiencing neurological sequelae as a result... Every day, I feel fatigued, apathetic, nauseous, "distanced", foggy, headachy, and so on.

Strangely, it has helped me confirm my AS self-diagnosis - I was on the edge before, perhaps owing to a high IQ, able to effectively mask nearly all of my AS traits. Life was very stressful "faking normal", and without proper recognition of the problems, or a support system, I did not cope well... Now, I believe mild brain damage has made my symptoms more noticeable. The difference between now and then has allowed me to extrapolate what 'normal' is, both in the NT sense and my own. It's comforting to feel I've finally identified a huge source of stress and social isolation... but I'm afraid it may be too late.

I am now seeking treatment and help to recovery. Does anyone have suggestions / tips on nutritional/diet/supplement/treatment programs for brain damage recovery? Is it possible for the brain to heal itself?

I realize I was not NT before, but I hope to be able to recover my full functioning. I want to respect myself as an Aspie, and get back the confidence I used to have before I'd even heard of AS, when I used to think I was just "different". It is heartening to see websites like this that provide a community and connection for others like me. Though I do not want to use AS as a crutch, I do hope having a label will help me better manage and navigate the social seas I have been sinking in for some time.

Thanks for your support... I'm looking forward to learning a lot on this site. I do wish it were under slightly better circumstances, but... maybe we really learn what we need to when it's time, and not a second before...

Nice to meet you all.

I believe in brain self recovery.
I don't think there's a trick to it, but I believe in time with a normal wealthy diet, your brain will recover.

About 5 years ago, I pushed my brain to the limit.
I was working to hard with some 3D models and some presentations, and I basically didn't change my mental subject at all for 2 years.
I had a memory-loss where I lost several years of "trivial memory", and It has more or less come back completely today.

Welcome Lonelywolf,

In addition to autism, Hrick suffered traumatic brain injury in consequence of a car crash some years back.  At time they told us he adapted faster than they could evaluate the deficits created.  So I guess that is my answer, I think the brain adapts more than heals, forges new pathways... they told us to expect the greatest and continued improvement for a period of at least up to a year or a year and a half... although I know improvements were had even after that. I'm also sure that treatment for brain injury has probably come a long way since then. (for us about 15 years ago). Our time was at AIE dupont, a nonprofit in DE.
To extent they are nonprofit, they may have a public accessible library on topic. My advice, You will never be who you were so concentrate on who you are.

Sometimes, as you are learning, the damage has other purpose and can actually serve as help in other ways.  For Hrick he was single modal and lost his sight for a time. With sight absent auditory stimulus began to take on meaning. I believe it may have been responsible for ultimately beginning the process of helping him to make sense of the world.   For you it seems to have helped you come in to your own in realizing and gaining comfort level with who you are.

We'll pray for you.

Mom of Hrick