RE: Struggles with Asperger's Syndrome/HFA

[Guest guest]

, kudos to you for your transparency and honesty with your feelings. I

think you're a great example, and I admire your tenacity and drive to use

your life experiences to help others. Keep up the great work.

Gayla

Reply-To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy

To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy

Subject: Struggles with Asperger's Syndrome/HFA

Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2006 02:20:10 -0000

Hi Everyone,

My name is . Many of you know me, unfortunatly from some

harsh language I used in a letter to defend my diagnosis. Many have

said that my language regarding defamation was unneeded and I

completely agree. Unfortunately, with Asperger's Syndrome, I don't

always know the right thing to say. I am still learning from my

parents, others, and my team of professionals on the best way to

handle complicated situations. While I so feel that the parent was

questioning my diagnosis, usually I would have handled that more

calmly, more privately, and more professionally. I have been going to

college for the last year and despite doing well academically, I still

struggle to understand others, this crazy and sometimes critical

world, and myself. I certainly hope this board forgives me and uses

this situation to learn more about the mind of an ASPIE.

I am not perfect, I am sensitive, and I do have Asperger's, but I am

still a normal person. Sometimes I feel like those with understanding

of traditional Autism misunderstand my mannerisms and me. Asperger's

manifest itself very differently sometimes.

I will continue to work on my issues with my ASPIE self, if this board

can keep an open mind.

I don't want anything, but to help parents and my fellow diagnoses.

My goal after college is to be a transition planner for students with

ASD's. I suffered miserably through transition because I didn't

understand what I was supposed to do. I allowed thoughts of taking my

own life because of the anxiety and depression that manifested itself

during my middle-high school transition.

NO person with Autism should have to do it alone, I will help and I

know you will to.

I hope this gives you an idea about the inside of my head. This is

from the mind and heart uninterrupted. I feel that maybe if others

understand me better, these situations won't upset me so much. I don't

know if this helps, but I am sharing what I can make sense of.

Thank You Very Much To You All For Fighting for Autism, if my mom

didn't fight for me, I couldn't even share my feelings enough to write

this letter.

Good Night and God Bless,

[Guest guest]

,

I'm glad you're here. I have to admit, though, that I just joined this group

and that conflict thing was one of the first posts I read. I'm glad everything

is calmer now and we can focus on advocating for eache other and our children!

Michele

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I missed all the posts regarding any conflict with you on the list and I am

a regular reader and participant in the list. I think they went right into

my " trash " folder for some reason. However, your post was very moving and

touching and it shows that you are very responsible and sensitive young man.

Thanks for sharing your feelings and for your integrity.

Struggles with Asperger's Syndrome/HFA

> Hi Everyone,

> My name is . Many of you know me, unfortunatly from some

> harsh language I used in a letter to defend my diagnosis. Many have

> said that my language regarding defamation was unneeded and I

> completely agree. Unfortunately, with Asperger's Syndrome, I don't

> always know the right thing to say. I am still learning from my

> parents, others, and my team of professionals on the best way to

> handle complicated situations. While I so feel that the parent was

> questioning my diagnosis, usually I would have handled that more

> calmly, more privately, and more professionally. I have been going to

> college for the last year and despite doing well academically, I still

> struggle to understand others, this crazy and sometimes critical

> world, and myself. I certainly hope this board forgives me and uses

> this situation to learn more about the mind of an ASPIE.

> I am not perfect, I am sensitive, and I do have Asperger's, but I am

> still a normal person. Sometimes I feel like those with understanding

> of traditional Autism misunderstand my mannerisms and me. Asperger's

> manifest itself very differently sometimes.

> I will continue to work on my issues with my ASPIE self, if this board

> can keep an open mind.

> I don't want anything, but to help parents and my fellow diagnoses.

> My goal after college is to be a transition planner for students with

> ASD's. I suffered miserably through transition because I didn't

> understand what I was supposed to do. I allowed thoughts of taking my

> own life because of the anxiety and depression that manifested itself

> during my middle-high school transition.

> NO person with Autism should have to do it alone, I will help and I

> know you will to.

> I hope this gives you an idea about the inside of my head. This is

> from the mind and heart uninterrupted. I feel that maybe if others

> understand me better, these situations won't upset me so much. I don't

> know if this helps, but I am sharing what I can make sense of.

>

> Thank You Very Much To You All For Fighting for Autism, if my mom

> didn't fight for me, I couldn't even share my feelings enough to write

> this letter.

> Good Night and God Bless,

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Texas Autism Advocacy

> www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org

>

> Texas Disability Network

> Calendar of Events

> www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I do not usually comment but merely read the postings here but it gives me

great hope and inspiration everyday to read the comments especially from you

. You see I have two sons, Ricky (18) a senior in high school with

Autism/Speech Impaired and (16) who with Asperger Syndrome. I can relate

to what you are saying especially the way he reacts by using harsh words. You

are right, my son is a very sensitive person and not very good with

communicating with people in a comforting way and almost cold & insensitive

manner. Many people cannot relate to him because of this. Therefore, gets

very depressed and anxious alot. He tells me he wants to have friends but he

feels unable to do so. I try my best to be there for him. I feel sad for him and

I try to help him as much as I can. My son is so brilliant but yet socially

inept. I have yet to convince to seek professional help. I was married to their

father and did not realize recently that he is an Aspie,

too. Unfortunately, he never seek help nor his family stood by him. Now, I

understand what he was going through but I did not at that time. Thank you for

sharing your thoughts........Elaine

" E. Jr. " wrote:

Hi Everyone,

My name is . Many of you know me, unfortunatly from some

harsh language I used in a letter to defend my diagnosis. Many have

said that my language regarding defamation was unneeded and I

completely agree. Unfortunately, with Asperger's Syndrome, I don't

always know the right thing to say. I am still learning from my

parents, others, and my team of professionals on the best way to

handle complicated situations. While I so feel that the parent was

questioning my diagnosis, usually I would have handled that more

calmly, more privately, and more professionally. I have been going to

college for the last year and despite doing well academically, I still

struggle to understand others, this crazy and sometimes critical

world, and myself. I certainly hope this board forgives me and uses

this situation to learn more about the mind of an ASPIE.

I am not perfect, I am sensitive, and I do have Asperger's, but I am

still a normal person. Sometimes I feel like those with understanding

of traditional Autism misunderstand my mannerisms and me. Asperger's

manifest itself very differently sometimes.

I will continue to work on my issues with my ASPIE self, if this board

can keep an open mind.

I don't want anything, but to help parents and my fellow diagnoses.

My goal after college is to be a transition planner for students with

ASD's. I suffered miserably through transition because I didn't

understand what I was supposed to do. I allowed thoughts of taking my

own life because of the anxiety and depression that manifested itself

during my middle-high school transition.

NO person with Autism should have to do it alone, I will help and I

know you will to.

I hope this gives you an idea about the inside of my head. This is

from the mind and heart uninterrupted. I feel that maybe if others

understand me better, these situations won't upset me so much. I don't

know if this helps, but I am sharing what I can make sense of.

Thank You Very Much To You All For Fighting for Autism, if my mom

didn't fight for me, I couldn't even share my feelings enough to write

this letter.

Good Night and God Bless,

---------------------------------

Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates

starting at 1¢/min.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

My son is 14 and has Autism. I believe he is more Asperger's, but

have been told he is high funtioning Autistic. Please continue to

post here for I truely enjoy hearing your feelings and the am

thankful for the insight you are providing all of us, from your point

of view. It helps me get closer to understanding my own child's view

of the world. I have high hopes that my son will achieve beyound

expectations and want to do anything and everything to ensure all his

possibilities.

Could you describe your Aspergers? I know what i've read about both

Aspergers and Autism, but feel that each persons diganosis is

different and that individually, each person has their own unique

qualities. I'm wanting to know how a youngman with these differences

thinks and feels, and the reason I'm asking is because my son is 14

and growing into a youngman himself and we're wanting to be as

supportive and helpful as we can be as a family unit in order to

assist him with the desire to continue in a positive direction. My

main worry is that his uniqueness enables him to become a target for

being sought out by the school bully. For example, he doesn't handle

friendly teasing and becomes overly upset and aggressive because he

doesn't understand their joking about, with each other. Instead he

thinks they are intentionally mean. His peers tend to find this

humorous and the teasing increases because of his over-reaction.

We've tried to teach him that he should walk away from them at this

point or just come out and ask if they are joking around or being

mean to get a rise out of him. We feel like this will give him some

time to gain control over his emotions so that his peers will get

bored and they'll walk away. Of course no mother wants to witness her

child being picked on by other children and we've complained to the

school and staff often. Being bulied occurs more often, now that his

differences are more apparent to his other peers. He does well with

trying to defuse the situation when it occurs, but only after lots of

tears.

Thanks so much once again.

McLean (teresa.mclean@...)---

In Texas-Autism-Advocacy , " E. Jr. "

wrote:

>

> Hi Everyone,

> My name is . Many of you know me, unfortunatly from

some

> harsh language I used in a letter to defend my diagnosis. Many have

> said that my language regarding defamation was unneeded and I

> completely agree. Unfortunately, with Asperger's Syndrome, I don't

> always know the right thing to say. I am still learning from my

> parents, others, and my team of professionals on the best way to

> handle complicated situations. While I so feel that the parent was

> questioning my diagnosis, usually I would have handled that more

> calmly, more privately, and more professionally. I have been going

to

> college for the last year and despite doing well academically, I

still

> struggle to understand others, this crazy and sometimes critical

> world, and myself. I certainly hope this board forgives me and uses

> this situation to learn more about the mind of an ASPIE.

> I am not perfect, I am sensitive, and I do have Asperger's, but I am

> still a normal person. Sometimes I feel like those with

understanding

> of traditional Autism misunderstand my mannerisms and me. Asperger's

> manifest itself very differently sometimes.

> I will continue to work on my issues with my ASPIE self, if this

board

> can keep an open mind.

> I don't want anything, but to help parents and my fellow diagnoses.

> My goal after college is to be a transition planner for students

with

> ASD's. I suffered miserably through transition because I didn't

> understand what I was supposed to do. I allowed thoughts of taking

my

> own life because of the anxiety and depression that manifested

itself

> during my middle-high school transition.

> NO person with Autism should have to do it alone, I will help and I

> know you will to.

> I hope this gives you an idea about the inside of my head. This is

> from the mind and heart uninterrupted. I feel that maybe if others

> understand me better, these situations won't upset me so much. I

don't

> know if this helps, but I am sharing what I can make sense of.

>

> Thank You Very Much To You All For Fighting for Autism, if my mom

> didn't fight for me, I couldn't even share my feelings enough to

write

> this letter.

> Good Night and God Bless,

>

>

[Guest guest]

We are here for you . I am married to an Aspie and I love him dearly. We

also have a daughter on the spectrum. You are a big help to me so a big Thank

You!! I too understand what you are going through. I just wanted to let you know

you are not alone.

Adrienne

-------------- Original message from ELAINE JIMENEZ :

--------------

Hi ,

I do not usually comment but merely read the postings here but it gives me great

hope and inspiration everyday to read the comments especially from you .

You see I have two sons, Ricky (18) a senior in high school with Autism/Speech

Impaired and (16) who with Asperger Syndrome. I can relate to what you are

saying especially the way he reacts by using harsh words. You are right, my son

is a very sensitive person and not very good with communicating with

people in a comforting way and almost cold & insensitive manner. Many people

cannot relate to him because of this. Therefore, gets very depressed and

anxious alot. He tells me he wants to have friends but he feels unable to do so.

I try my best to be there for him. I feel sad for him and I try to help him as

much as I can. My son is so brilliant but yet socially inept. I have yet to

convince to seek professional help. I was married to their father and did not

realize recently that he is an Aspie,

too. Unfortunately, he never seek help nor his family stood by him. Now, I

understand what he was going through but I did not at that time. Thank you for

sharing your thoughts........Elaine

" E. Jr. " wrote:

Hi Everyone,

My name is . Many of you know me, unfortunatly from some

harsh language I used in a letter to defend my diagnosis. Many have

said that my language regarding defamation was unneeded and I

completely agree. Unfortunately, with Asperger's Syndrome, I don't

always know the right thing to say. I am still learning from my

parents, others, and my team of professionals on the best way to

handle complicated situations. While I so feel that the parent was

questioning my diagnosis, usually I would have handled that more

calmly, more privately, and more professionally. I have been going to

college for the last year and despite doing well academically, I still

struggle to understand others, this crazy and sometimes critical

world, and myself. I certainly hope this board forgives me and uses

this situation to learn more about the mind of an ASPIE.

I am not perfect, I am sensitive, and I do have Asperger's, but I am

still a normal person. Sometimes I feel like those with understanding

of traditional Autism misunderstand my mannerisms and me. Asperger's

manifest itself very differently sometimes.

I will continue to work on my issues with my ASPIE self, if this board

can keep an open mind.

I don't want anything, but to help parents and my fellow diagnoses.

My goal after college is to be a transition planner for students with

ASD's. I suffered miserably through transition because I didn't

understand what I was supposed to do. I allowed thoughts of taking my

own life because of the anxiety and depression that manifested itself

during my middle-high school transition.

NO person with Autism should have to do it alone, I will help and I

know you will to.

I hope this gives you an idea about the inside of my head. This is

from the mind and heart uninterrupted. I feel that maybe if others

understand me better, these situations won't upset me so much. I don't

know if this helps, but I am sharing what I can make sense of.

Thank You Very Much To You All For Fighting for Autism, if my mom

didn't fight for me, I couldn't even share my feelings enough to write

this letter.

Good Night and God Bless,

---------------------------------

Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates

starting at 1¢/min.

[Guest guest]

-

I would love to get a chance to hear some ideas you have on helping

students with Asperger's and transitioning. I am a teacher of

students at the junior high level. These students have high

functioning Autism and Asperger's. I think that someone that has

walked in their shoes would be a great resource for these students.

Do you have any type of advice for me that can help me make sure

that I provide the best resources I can for my students to help them

through these teenage years? Or any ideas of anything you wish

would have been provided for you during that change from junior high

to high school? Thanks!

>

> Hi ,

>

> I missed all the posts regarding any conflict with you on the list

and I am

> a regular reader and participant in the list. I think they went

right into

> my " trash " folder for some reason. However, your post was very

moving and

> touching and it shows that you are very responsible and sensitive

young man.

> Thanks for sharing your feelings and for your integrity.

>

>

> Struggles with Asperger's

Syndrome/HFA

>

>

> > Hi Everyone,

> > My name is . Many of you know me, unfortunatly

from some

> > harsh language I used in a letter to defend my diagnosis. Many

have

> > said that my language regarding defamation was unneeded and I

> > completely agree. Unfortunately, with Asperger's Syndrome, I

don't

> > always know the right thing to say. I am still learning from my

> > parents, others, and my team of professionals on the best way to

> > handle complicated situations. While I so feel that the parent

was

> > questioning my diagnosis, usually I would have handled that more

> > calmly, more privately, and more professionally. I have been

going to

> > college for the last year and despite doing well academically, I

still

> > struggle to understand others, this crazy and sometimes critical

> > world, and myself. I certainly hope this board forgives me and

uses

> > this situation to learn more about the mind of an ASPIE.

> > I am not perfect, I am sensitive, and I do have Asperger's, but

I am

> > still a normal person. Sometimes I feel like those with

understanding

> > of traditional Autism misunderstand my mannerisms and me.

Asperger's

> > manifest itself very differently sometimes.

> > I will continue to work on my issues with my ASPIE self, if this

board

> > can keep an open mind.

> > I don't want anything, but to help parents and my fellow

diagnoses.

> > My goal after college is to be a transition planner for students

with

> > ASD's. I suffered miserably through transition because I didn't

> > understand what I was supposed to do. I allowed thoughts of

taking my

> > own life because of the anxiety and depression that manifested

itself

> > during my middle-high school transition.

> > NO person with Autism should have to do it alone, I will help

and I

> > know you will to.

> > I hope this gives you an idea about the inside of my head. This

is

> > from the mind and heart uninterrupted. I feel that maybe if

others

> > understand me better, these situations won't upset me so much. I

don't

> > know if this helps, but I am sharing what I can make sense of.

> >

> > Thank You Very Much To You All For Fighting for Autism, if my mom

> > didn't fight for me, I couldn't even share my feelings enough to

write

> > this letter.

> > Good Night and God Bless,

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Texas Autism Advocacy

> > www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org

> >

> > Texas Disability Network

> > Calendar of Events

> > www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org

> >

[Guest guest]

Hello ...

I have had the pleasure of speaking with you and listening to you speak on more

than one occasion. I just wanted to say how very valuable you are to all of us

in helping us to better understand our kids. I very much appreciate all of your

efforts to help other kids with dealing with this diagnosis.

My husband has not been particularly open to attending seminars. I convinced

him to come to the Special Kids conference in Katy last year to hear you speak.

I cannot thank you enough. It changed his perception of our son's future and

gave him a great deal of hope. Words cannot express how grateful I am for you

showing him that kids with HFA/AS can have a future.

God bless you!

Struggles with Asperger's

Syndrome/HFA

>

>

> > Hi Everyone,

> > My name is . Many of you know me, unfortunatly

from some

> > harsh language I used in a letter to defend my diagnosis. Many

have

> > said that my language regarding defamation was unneeded and I

> > completely agree. Unfortunately, with Asperger's Syndrome, I

don't

> > always know the right thing to say. I am still learning from my

> > parents, others, and my team of professionals on the best way to

> > handle complicated situations. While I so feel that the parent

was

> > questioning my diagnosis, usually I would have handled that more

> > calmly, more privately, and more professionally. I have been

going to

> > college for the last year and despite doing well academically, I

still

> > struggle to understand others, this crazy and sometimes critical

> > world, and myself. I certainly hope this board forgives me and

uses

> > this situation to learn more about the mind of an ASPIE.

> > I am not perfect, I am sensitive, and I do have Asperger's, but

I am

> > still a normal person. Sometimes I feel like those with

understanding

> > of traditional Autism misunderstand my mannerisms and me.

Asperger's

> > manifest itself very differently sometimes.

> > I will continue to work on my issues with my ASPIE self, if this

board

> > can keep an open mind.

> > I don't want anything, but to help parents and my fellow

diagnoses.

> > My goal after college is to be a transition planner for students

with

> > ASD's. I suffered miserably through transition because I didn't

> > understand what I was supposed to do. I allowed thoughts of

taking my

> > own life because of the anxiety and depression that manifested

itself

> > during my middle-high school transition.

> > NO person with Autism should have to do it alone, I will help

and I

> > know you will to.

> > I hope this gives you an idea about the inside of my head. This

is

> > from the mind and heart uninterrupted. I feel that maybe if

others

> > understand me better, these situations won't upset me so much. I

don't

> > know if this helps, but I am sharing what I can make sense of.

> >

> > Thank You Very Much To You All For Fighting for Autism, if my mom

> > didn't fight for me, I couldn't even share my feelings enough to

write

> > this letter.

> > Good Night and God Bless,

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Texas Autism Advocacy

> > www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org

> >

> > Texas Disability Network

> > Calendar of Events

> > www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org

> >

[Guest guest]

Sure,

I will speak as both an individual with Asperger's and an educator in

training.

First, keep in mind that while students with HFA/AS are usually

academically proficient their emotional and social success is usually

independent and can be hard to determine. I good sign of trouble is

usually a sudden break from traditional behavior or attitude.

For instance when I was upset, I would hold it in, but I would become very

enclosed, not like me usually.

Second, be mindful of your students patterns of interest and use them to

convey academic material. Tie it in to something they like or think about.

But, don't let it encroach on instruction. We might go on forever:)

Thirdly, keep yourself open for discussion with the students, sometimes

educators can get absorbed in email, paper work, and grading and lose the

connection to students. They need to know that you are there to support

them and provide academic enrichment.

Fourthly, try to explain things literally and in exact language.

We can get confused, unsure, or misled by vague language.

Fifthly, keep an open mind about their honesty. Usually students with AS

are very honest and follow the rules to the tee. Expect bluntness, flat

affect, and little understanding of the effect of language

Lastly, something I really wish I would have had more of was more

individual instruction and even some social skills reinforcement in the

classroom.

This is what helped me, but every student is different and depending on

the amount of intervention they have had will determine their social and

emotional behavior.

Hope this helps,

Please don't hesitate to ask questions!

> -

> I would love to get a chance to hear some ideas you have on helping

> students with Asperger's and transitioning. I am a teacher of

> students at the junior high level. These students have high

> functioning Autism and Asperger's. I think that someone that has

> walked in their shoes would be a great resource for these students.

> Do you have any type of advice for me that can help me make sure

> that I provide the best resources I can for my students to help them

> through these teenage years? Or any ideas of anything you wish

> would have been provided for you during that change from junior high

> to high school? Thanks!

>

>

>

>

>>

>> Hi ,

>>

>> I missed all the posts regarding any conflict with you on the list

> and I am

>> a regular reader and participant in the list. I think they went

> right into

>> my " trash " folder for some reason. However, your post was very

> moving and

>> touching and it shows that you are very responsible and sensitive

> young man.

>> Thanks for sharing your feelings and for your integrity.

>>

>>

>> Struggles with Asperger's

> Syndrome/HFA

>>

>>

>> > Hi Everyone,

>> > My name is . Many of you know me, unfortunatly

> from some

>> > harsh language I used in a letter to defend my diagnosis. Many

> have

>> > said that my language regarding defamation was unneeded and I

>> > completely agree. Unfortunately, with Asperger's Syndrome, I

> don't

>> > always know the right thing to say. I am still learning from my

>> > parents, others, and my team of professionals on the best way to

>> > handle complicated situations. While I so feel that the parent

> was

>> > questioning my diagnosis, usually I would have handled that more

>> > calmly, more privately, and more professionally. I have been

> going to

>> > college for the last year and despite doing well academically, I

> still

>> > struggle to understand others, this crazy and sometimes critical

>> > world, and myself. I certainly hope this board forgives me and

> uses

>> > this situation to learn more about the mind of an ASPIE.

>> > I am not perfect, I am sensitive, and I do have Asperger's, but

> I am

>> > still a normal person. Sometimes I feel like those with

> understanding

>> > of traditional Autism misunderstand my mannerisms and me.

> Asperger's

>> > manifest itself very differently sometimes.

>> > I will continue to work on my issues with my ASPIE self, if this

> board

>> > can keep an open mind.

>> > I don't want anything, but to help parents and my fellow

> diagnoses.

>> > My goal after college is to be a transition planner for students

> with

>> > ASD's. I suffered miserably through transition because I didn't

>> > understand what I was supposed to do. I allowed thoughts of

> taking my

>> > own life because of the anxiety and depression that manifested

> itself

>> > during my middle-high school transition.

>> > NO person with Autism should have to do it alone, I will help

> and I

>> > know you will to.

>> > I hope this gives you an idea about the inside of my head. This

> is

>> > from the mind and heart uninterrupted. I feel that maybe if

> others

>> > understand me better, these situations won't upset me so much. I

> don't

>> > know if this helps, but I am sharing what I can make sense of.

>> >

>> > Thank You Very Much To You All For Fighting for Autism, if my mom

>> > didn't fight for me, I couldn't even share my feelings enough to

> write

>> > this letter.

>> > Good Night and God Bless,

>> >

>> >

>> >

>> >

>> >

>> >

>> > Texas Autism Advocacy

>> > www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org

>> >

>> > Texas Disability Network

>> > Calendar of Events

>> > www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org

>> >

[Guest guest]

First, I am very sorry your son gets bullied, I completely understand, as

I was bullied horribly myself from about 5th grade to about 9th. I feel

for him a lot.

The tough part of bullying with AS is that it is fueled so easily by our

emotional reactions. I to used to cry and become very upset.

The common response is to ignore it, with Asperger's that doesn't help,

just because you say to ignore it we are still upset.

Your approach is great because the greatest success I have seen is with

trying to make yourself not a target. One of the ways I did this was

through clothing. While no one should have to change their personality to

fit in. I have found that that clothing has become synonymous with the

social standing, especially with the teen years. For instance the popular

kids tend to wear Abercrombie and Fitch, Hollister, American Eagle,

Aeropostale, ect..

The punk style group tends to wear such and such. Ect.....

I don't know if you have considered it, but it made my transition into

high school much easier because I already fit the trend.

I don't like the way that works, but it is not something I or you can change.

Obviously, emotional control is key and some of that comes with maturity.

But mostly, it comes from acceptance of bully's. Bullies usually target

the odd guy out, whether you have AS or are neuro-typically different.

I good way to remedy a good part of teasing is to acquire the social

skills to make a group of friends and typically in a group teasing fades.

But, first you would need the emotional ability to determine if the

situation was really teasing, and if so, how to handle it based on what

happened.

My Asperger's is very textbook, but I have had massive intervention and

services, so I appear very neurotypically today. Many who hear me speak

can't believe what I used to suffer with. I still struggle with adult

skills like life management, conflict management, financial management,

and relationships. As well as anxiety and depression swings.

Good Luck and Email if you need more support,

> Hi ,

> My son is 14 and has Autism. I believe he is more Asperger's, but

> have been told he is high funtioning Autistic. Please continue to

> post here for I truely enjoy hearing your feelings and the am

> thankful for the insight you are providing all of us, from your point

> of view. It helps me get closer to understanding my own child's view

> of the world. I have high hopes that my son will achieve beyound

> expectations and want to do anything and everything to ensure all his

> possibilities.

> Could you describe your Aspergers? I know what i've read about both

> Aspergers and Autism, but feel that each persons diganosis is

> different and that individually, each person has their own unique

> qualities. I'm wanting to know how a youngman with these differences

> thinks and feels, and the reason I'm asking is because my son is 14

> and growing into a youngman himself and we're wanting to be as

> supportive and helpful as we can be as a family unit in order to

> assist him with the desire to continue in a positive direction. My

> main worry is that his uniqueness enables him to become a target for

> being sought out by the school bully. For example, he doesn't handle

> friendly teasing and becomes overly upset and aggressive because he

> doesn't understand their joking about, with each other. Instead he

> thinks they are intentionally mean. His peers tend to find this

> humorous and the teasing increases because of his over-reaction.

> We've tried to teach him that he should walk away from them at this

> point or just come out and ask if they are joking around or being

> mean to get a rise out of him. We feel like this will give him some

> time to gain control over his emotions so that his peers will get

> bored and they'll walk away. Of course no mother wants to witness her

> child being picked on by other children and we've complained to the

> school and staff often. Being bulied occurs more often, now that his

> differences are more apparent to his other peers. He does well with

> trying to defuse the situation when it occurs, but only after lots of

> tears.

>

> Thanks so much once again.

> McLean (teresa.mclean@...)---

>

> In Texas-Autism-Advocacy , " E. Jr. "

> wrote:

>>

>> Hi Everyone,

>> My name is . Many of you know me, unfortunatly from

> some

>> harsh language I used in a letter to defend my diagnosis. Many have

>> said that my language regarding defamation was unneeded and I

>> completely agree. Unfortunately, with Asperger's Syndrome, I don't

>> always know the right thing to say. I am still learning from my

>> parents, others, and my team of professionals on the best way to

>> handle complicated situations. While I so feel that the parent was

>> questioning my diagnosis, usually I would have handled that more

>> calmly, more privately, and more professionally. I have been going

> to

>> college for the last year and despite doing well academically, I

> still

>> struggle to understand others, this crazy and sometimes critical

>> world, and myself. I certainly hope this board forgives me and uses

>> this situation to learn more about the mind of an ASPIE.

>> I am not perfect, I am sensitive, and I do have Asperger's, but I am

>> still a normal person. Sometimes I feel like those with

> understanding

>> of traditional Autism misunderstand my mannerisms and me. Asperger's

>> manifest itself very differently sometimes.

>> I will continue to work on my issues with my ASPIE self, if this

> board

>> can keep an open mind.

>> I don't want anything, but to help parents and my fellow diagnoses.

>> My goal after college is to be a transition planner for students

> with

>> ASD's. I suffered miserably through transition because I didn't

>> understand what I was supposed to do. I allowed thoughts of taking

> my

>> own life because of the anxiety and depression that manifested

> itself

>> during my middle-high school transition.

>> NO person with Autism should have to do it alone, I will help and I

>> know you will to.

>> I hope this gives you an idea about the inside of my head. This is

>> from the mind and heart uninterrupted. I feel that maybe if others

>> understand me better, these situations won't upset me so much. I

> don't

>> know if this helps, but I am sharing what I can make sense of.

>>

>> Thank You Very Much To You All For Fighting for Autism, if my mom

>> didn't fight for me, I couldn't even share my feelings enough to

> write

>> this letter.

>> Good Night and God Bless,

>>

>>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank Your for your words,

I would begin professional services as soon as possible, as both your

children are at that critical time with needs.

Please feel free to ask anything of me, I am at your sons and your service.

Good Luck and God Bless,

Hi ,

>

> I do not usually comment but merely read the postings here but it gives

> me great hope and inspiration everyday to read the comments especially

> from you . You see I have two sons, Ricky (18) a senior in high

> school with Autism/Speech Impaired and (16) who with Asperger

> Syndrome. I can relate to what you are saying especially the way he

> reacts by using harsh words. You are right, my son is a very

> sensitive person and not very good with communicating with people in a

> comforting way and almost cold & insensitive manner. Many people cannot

> relate to him because of this. Therefore, gets very depressed and

> anxious alot. He tells me he wants to have friends but he feels unable

> to do so. I try my best to be there for him. I feel sad for him and I

> try to help him as much as I can. My son is so brilliant but yet

> socially inept. I have yet to convince to seek professional help. I was

> married to their father and did not realize recently that he is an

> Aspie,

> too. Unfortunately, he never seek help nor his family stood by him. Now,

> I understand what he was going through but I did not at that time. Thank

> you for sharing your thoughts........Elaine

>

>

> " E. Jr. " wrote:

> Hi Everyone,

> My name is . Many of you know me, unfortunatly from some

> harsh language I used in a letter to defend my diagnosis. Many have

> said that my language regarding defamation was unneeded and I

> completely agree. Unfortunately, with Asperger's Syndrome, I don't

> always know the right thing to say. I am still learning from my

> parents, others, and my team of professionals on the best way to

> handle complicated situations. While I so feel that the parent was

> questioning my diagnosis, usually I would have handled that more

> calmly, more privately, and more professionally. I have been going to

> college for the last year and despite doing well academically, I still

> struggle to understand others, this crazy and sometimes critical

> world, and myself. I certainly hope this board forgives me and uses

> this situation to learn more about the mind of an ASPIE.

> I am not perfect, I am sensitive, and I do have Asperger's, but I am

> still a normal person. Sometimes I feel like those with understanding

> of traditional Autism misunderstand my mannerisms and me. Asperger's

> manifest itself very differently sometimes.

> I will continue to work on my issues with my ASPIE self, if this board

> can keep an open mind.

> I don't want anything, but to help parents and my fellow diagnoses.

> My goal after college is to be a transition planner for students with

> ASD's. I suffered miserably through transition because I didn't

> understand what I was supposed to do. I allowed thoughts of taking my

> own life because of the anxiety and depression that manifested itself

> during my middle-high school transition.

> NO person with Autism should have to do it alone, I will help and I

> know you will to.

> I hope this gives you an idea about the inside of my head. This is

> from the mind and heart uninterrupted. I feel that maybe if others

> understand me better, these situations won't upset me so much. I don't

> know if this helps, but I am sharing what I can make sense of.

>

> Thank You Very Much To You All For Fighting for Autism, if my mom

> didn't fight for me, I couldn't even share my feelings enough to write

> this letter.

> Good Night and God Bless,

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great

> rates starting at 1¢/min.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hey ,

My son was not lucky enough to have Aspergers but I do love this side of

spectrum so...One of my favorite things to do when visiting a class that

I know a Aspie kid is in is to find them (but they usually find me

first) and ask them a question. The teachers normally will roll their

eyes as if they know I will be there awhile:). I even went on train ride

once with an Aspie and told him to please tell everyone in the coach

about the particular steam train we were on. After about 10 minutes and

having the complete attention of everyone on board he stopped himself.

He said " Oh, that might be too much information! " I said " No, you are

amazing! " and it was true. So amazing and so lucky to be so.....you.

Bless you. Trina Sherman

[Guest guest]

What a wonderful testimonial. Thank you from a mom who has an ASPIE child and

sometimes has trouble telling him how wonderful he is.

Dawn

and Trina Sherman wrote:

Hey ,

My son was not lucky enough to have Aspergers but I do love this side of

spectrum so...One of my favorite things to do when visiting a class that

I know a Aspie kid is in is to find them (but they usually find me

first) and ask them a question. The teachers normally will roll their

eyes as if they know I will be there awhile:). I even went on train ride

once with an Aspie and told him to please tell everyone in the coach

about the particular steam train we were on. After about 10 minutes and

having the complete attention of everyone on board he stopped himself.

He said " Oh, that might be too much information! " I said " No, you are

amazing! " and it was true. So amazing and so lucky to be so.....you.

Bless you. Trina Sherman

__________________________________________________