[Siouxsie]

Originally posted by Nicola
I'd like to speak out and tell you I was diagnosed with Asperger's at the age of 6, I've kept quiet about it on the Internet until now but thought as there's people out there like me I may as well say something, and hope that people will understand as I do find it difficult to talk sometimes in case people think less of me.

I found school difficult because of all the bullying I endured over people not understanding or accepting me for who I am, they saw that I was "different" but didn't always see the good in me. I've also helped a friend through a bad time in finding a diagnosis, I feel that through my experiences I encouraged him in a way to get diagnosed - he only found out recently that he had it and also endured some bad times like me.

I hope that you will all understand how I feel sometimes and accept me for what I am, as you can imagine it has been difficult for me to write this post.

Actually nicola its a lot popular than most people think there are 4 children in the class i teach in with iy out of a class of 21. So it is not a rare thing.

[Nicola]

Originally posted by Siouxsie

Actually nicola its a lot popular than most people think there are 4 children in the class i teach in with iy out of a class of 21. So it is not a rare thing.

I've learned to realise it's not a rare thing, I felt I was in a minority for a long time as I didn't know or speak to anyone who had it. I first found out I wasn't the only one in the world who had Asperger's when I read an autobiography of someone who had it, it's only been the last year or so that I've really opened up to my friend and that's helped. Hopefully I'll be more open about it now I've spoken out on a forum, believe me that took some courage to do but I'm glad I did it now!

[Siouxsie]

well done nicola you will feel a lot better in youreself now

[rex3]

the key with aspergers, is to all ways be your self. You have a condition that cannot be changed so no matter how hard you try, just be your self; and you might find worth-while friends.

I personally cannot understand Neurologically Typical people becuase of things like:-

- the ability to be so serious, yet so pretentious.
- the ability to think above me in a social situation.
- the level of materialism, is just beyond logic.
- they are so wired, the determination of having a social atmosphere, when your trying to "relax" is just complex.
- the air-headed-ness

*no offy to NT people, but just might give a sense*

Theres no need to worry, people with AS always get better! You'll of had time to cherry-pick the right people of who you get on with and things just seem good later on.

if any AS person needs help: - www.wrongplanet.com

[Psylocke]

Join the club.........

[Sunny_01]

I have had experiences in my work of young people with AS. There are 3 key areas that people with AS "generally" struggle with. Communication is one key area, this includes inappropraite body language, facial expressions when talking etc.. then there is Imagination, people with AS are often very rigid in their thinking which limits their ability to debate! They also commonly reject normal body contact. The last key area is Socialisation, by this I mean people with AS dont like normal relationships with people that involve body contact etc....

Many people know AS as clumsy child syndrome! which is what initial symptoms are often thought of being. People with AS tend to have probelms with balance, and co-ordination which is where the "clumsy" comes from.

High functioning Autistic is another way people with AS are often described as.

For all the descriptions though they are just people and as long as you encourage people with AS to be involved then problems decrease! and their feelings of self worth increase.

My friends son has AS and Tourettes (not the sweary type lol) and he is a very sweet little boy who simply needs extra encouragement to consider other people.

[rex3]

I have mild aspergers syndrome, slighly nearer to normal people on the Autistic spectrum.

So I am on the border line with Aspergers, I can sense the way i think is, very computery which is why its sometimes hard to "socialise" but when im in a relaxed mood, and theres a relaxed atmosphere, i can be my self and so on...

I dont know about clumsy, that may be people more with Austism.

People with AS are generally are very clever (im not boasting) and meticulate, Im studying Architecture and have active creativity, the problem is people with AS think too Much!

When it comes to facial expressions, its becuase people with AS are generally very thoughtful and honest (im not boasting), for example, AS people's facial exprssions always shows how there feeling inside and what there thinking. e.g. I frequently get told, im a bad liarer. (im not boasting)

A disadvantage of this, im one to know, Is that sometimes, I (and most AS people) say truthful things that may hurt the feelings of others. e.g "You spent how much on that hair-doo?"


Uni is alright for me, because there are people who are more intelectual and I can get on with... which is a world away from where I live... North London. Which im really growing to hate.

[Sticks]

Clumsey Schild syndrome is a symptom of Dyspraxia not Asperger, although it is still classed as a neurodiverse condition.

[Sunny_01]

Originally posted by Sticks
Clumsey Schild syndrome is a symptom of Dyspraxia not Asperger, although it is still classed as a neurodiverse condition.

You are so right I had my syndromes mixed up lol. However people with AS do generally have mild problems with motor skills.

At least I didnt just copy and paste stuff lol

[Nicola]

Originally posted by Sunny_01

You are so right I had my syndromes mixed up lol. However people with AS do generally have mild problems with motor skills.

At least I didnt just copy and paste stuff lol

Yeah the "motor skills" comment sounds like me, I had problems with motor skills and co-ordination, I could never manage PE because of it and often needed extra help with "motor skills" activities in school. I did wonder at one time whether I did have dyspraxia after seeing a news article about it but that was unfounded. Another thing that confused me before the AS was explained was the fact that I accidentally swallowed some tablets when I was 3 and thought that's what had affected me, but apparently the signs came on sooner than that.

[Siouxsie]

yea the signs are usually found at an early age

[Nicola]

Yeah, my 2-year-old daughter has had developmental delays, I first picked up on it when she was 9 months old. I've always wondered whether she's inherited similar genes to me as I was also delayed at her age, and feel concerned that she might have the same as me or worse - I've heard there can be genetic links, although nobody else in my family has AS or autism as far as I'm aware.

[Sunny_01]

With reagrds to your daughter I would just give it time, try not to be to eager to give her a label! all to often people rush in when really given time and the right developmental support many children end up just fine!

As long as your daughter is eventually reaching developmental milestones I would give her plenty of time and additional stimulation to help her achieve things. She is still so young bless her give it time.

I bet she is gorgeoous though!