CaptainT

I would say that there is a plethora of evidence for God, though yes, we cannot prove (the existence of) God in an empirical manner. Consider Christianity, which proclaims the death and resurrection of the person of Jesus Christ. He is believed to be fully man and fully God, born into a Jewish family over 2,000 years ago. Even though we can't run an experiment to reproduce his resurrection, we can still investigate the person of Jesus because it is a historical event. Similarly, we don't discount the Roman Empire and say, Tiberius, on the account that we cannot reproduce any part of it. To learn about Christianity (I can't speak for other worldviews), one must go to the source: Jesus Christ. Learn about the character of God through him, rather than through the happenings of the broken world we live in. God, if one believes in Him, is not a genie in a lamp who grants wishes on a whim. You mentioned that none of your prayers have been acknowledged. Can you share some of them? Why do you say so?

No. The recent movie that came out was good, but I rolled my eyes so many times at the character. She is anything but a well-adjusted individual. But that's a different story.

Yeah, I'm hoping if there are people in those fields, they'd be willing to share briefly about their research. I haven't really narrowed down my own research interests beyond the broad umbrella, so I'm trying to get ideas/insight.

Thank you. You have provided incredible insight. While my former partner is a (suspected) Aspie, I have been labeled an empath by people who know me. Sometimes, I think of it as intuition - I notice small changes in facial expressions/body language, and I can almost perceive how someone else is feeling as soon as I see someone. My partner is in a season of trying to avoid me. No resentment, but our failure to communicate led to disagreements that are now causing my partner stress. Having just recently learned about AS and how my partner fits the bill (based on the books I've read so far), I am certainly regretful and sorrowful that we didn't realize this earlier. If we had learned to communicate better, and I had learned to be more understanding of my partner, we would have been in a better position. I am so thankful for the points you brought up; in particular, the point on clarity as well as this part: "With that caveat, take your partner at their word and don't bring up past fights at all. Your only reference to them should be that they were based on potentially wrong information so they are moot and won't ever be brought up again - assuming you can actually stick to that pledge. And this would only be your pledge to them." I want to give my partner time to heal, yet in my selfishness, I want to approach my partner. Sigh. It's been months. Some people say that isn't a long time at all, but now I'm wondering if more time is necessary given the AS.

I have tried talking to my partner before, who said that thinking about our past fights still stressed him/her out. And that he/she needs more time to overcome it. That was before I knew about the AS side of him/her. I'd like to ease my way back into his/her life, and regain his/her trust. I truly love this person, and am willing to try what I can to give it a second chance. How do you think my partner would handle me approaching him/her again to have a discussion, but with more clarify and less emotions?

I can't be sure if my former partner was fully aware of having AS, but I've read some articles/books that would put him/her on that spectrum. If I have to guess, he/she has some marginal awareness, but never disclosed it during our time together. Now that I've discovered AS is a possibility with my partner, I am doing my best to research it. Yes, I do see that the journey ahead will be challenging. And I may very well be stupid for wanting to give it another shot, but I love my partner for who he/she is, and now that I'm aware of the AS, it helps me understand my partner better. If only my partner would be open to trying.

Juno, thank you so much for sharing. Your story gives me hope. Nevertheless, I have already messed up. I was impatient and confrontational. I have since taking strides to make changes (counseling, growing up, etc). Having recently learned of my partner's AS, I find the awareness tremendously helpful, and I will continue to do my own research on it. From your experience, is there a possibility of convincing/demonstrating to my reclusive, conflict-averse AS partner that I have changed and with more maturity and understanding, we should try again? If so, what steps would you recommend?

Oh, yes. For sure. I'm considered neutrotypical, and have my own set of issues. And even if I end up with a non-Aspie, it's not going to be perfect.

It's the whole "you deserve someone better who can love you fully" type of advice. People mean well, and I appreciate that they have my best interests at heart. Maybe I am being foolish for wanting to stick with my partner, even with the understanding that I may not receive love the same way I give love. However, having very recently learned of it, I started crying because so much of the relationship now makes sense. And I hope it's not too late to reconcile, because darn it, I want to fight for my Aspie and for a future together, if only my Aspie will allow me. I'm not sure if my partner is aware of being an Aspie, though I suspect there is marginal awareness (of which my partner could be in denial). I've taken baby steps to reconnect, sticking only to topics that my partner can feel comfortable responding to. The current glitch is that before I discovered my partner is a potential Aspie, I tried to express my feelings, and even though it was done in a calm, non-emotional, non-turbulent manner, it probably scared my Aspie into his/her shell. I have not reached out since a few weeks ago, to give my Aspie some time and space. I appreciate any thoughts/advice you have for moving forward!

Thank you for recommending the book, I'll definitely look into it! Sorry you had to go through this journey on your own, but I appreciated that you shared your story. The reason I ask is that a former partner (who is slightly older than me, and with whom I am hoping to reconcile, or at least be on friendly terms) potentially has Asperger's. It didn't occur to me until months after the relationship had ended, when a friend who has AS pointed out, that it was a possibility for my partner as well. So, I read up on AS, and realized that many of the symptoms applied to my partner. In light of what I have learned, I would like to reconnect with my partner in a way that would not be overwhelming. I understand that this is who my partner is, and I cannot change my partner, but to accept his/her ways. Obviously, everyone says I should walk away (people say this even without knowing of the AS), yet I do want to try again. Would you have any opinion on how to communicate with my partner? Thank you.

Per title of topic, anyone pursuing or has a Ph.D. in the field? Asking to learn more about experiences, research topics, and to hopefully make connections for potential collaborations in the future. Pretty much a "tell-me-anything" sort of question.

Has anyone taken an Autism Quotient test and if so, could you point me to it? And for those who are (self-)diagnosed with Asperger's, how has it affected your relationships (with family, friends, partners, etc)?

I will leave you with a list of names ... Peter Kreeft Scott Hahn Francis Collins John Lennox Ian Hutchinson ... and many more! But start with that list, and the books that were written by them.

IMO, science and religion are NOT incompatible. They answer different questions. My encouragement is to seek to understand with an open mind and heart, regardless of whether you're a believer or an atheist. We can't completely avoid confirmation bias in our endeavors to understand science and/or faith, but having awareness of it could result in us being more honest to our discoveries. If, in learning about faith, one discovers that it is not incompatible with science and/or previously established beliefs and biases, then one must be humble to admit that. And this applies for those coming from the faith background learning about science.

Old thread, so not sure who's even paying attention. But I would recommend By What Authority? written by Mark Shea.