+- Aspies For Freedom (http://www.aspiesforfreedom.com)
+-- Forum: Autistic Advocacy (/forumdisplay.php?fid=51)
+--- Forum: Activism discussion (/forumdisplay.php?fid=66)
+--- Thread: Introductions (/showthread.php?tid=13212)
Introductions - Gareth - 05-20-2008 12:26 PM
Please post your introductions (and only your introductions, not even replies to other people) on this thread.
RE: Introductions - couldbecousin - 05-20-2008 09:29 PM
OK, hello everyone, I am couldbecousin (but of course!), and I am a 42-year-old female dx'd with ADHD and also with "very high functioning Asperger's," which seems to place me near the NT end of the spectrum. I have been at AFF for 2 years as of this month...how the time has flown!
RE: Introductions - Wilhemina - 05-20-2008 10:05 PM
I am relatively new to the forum, but have been pretty active for the past couple of months.
I am 33 and married to an Aspie for the past 14 years. I believe my daughter is also on the spectrum somewhere. We live in the US.
I would like to work to bridge the gap somewhat between the NT population and the AS population. I originally came to the forum to learn. I have learned a lot, and hope to learn more, and be able to share it. Education of the masses. Correction of misinformation.
I think that if we work together to correct the wrong information that is out there that we will be able to move forward to acceptance of people on the spectrum, just as they are. With that acceptance, I hope we can also learn to accommodate the differences, and learn that there is not only one way to live, love and communicate in this world.
RE: Introductions - EvilZakkie - 05-20-2008 10:27 PM
Hi all - EvilZakkie here. I was a little bit involved in autistic culture sites 12 years ago, but nothing much was happening then, so I sort of let the whole thing slide.
More recently, myself & my partner started talking about planning for kids, which prompted me thinking about things again - so I looked, and found this place.
Looking forward to getting some things done... *grins*
RE: Introductions - DogBrain - 05-21-2008 12:14 AM
I am Bryan Maloney and I post here under the nom de electron of Dogbrain. I am 42 years old and was diagnosed with Asperger's shortly after my first wife walked out, absconding with the children. When I attempted to urge her to attend counseling in order to affect a reconciliation, she accused me of trying to hide everything behind the Asperger's and then tried to prevent me from having any contact at all with the children.
I have four sons, three from the previous marriage, the eldest formally diagnosed with Asperger's (for which my ex-wife appears to blame me as "causing"), the rest showing signs of Asperger's of various forms.
As a would-be activist, I have no fear of letting out my legal name, given that activists are going to be targets anyway--if they're actually active. Might as well let it out now. In this context, I seek to do something that will just change the world so that no child will have to grow up as I did--either change the world or bring the entire corrupt edifice down around me in Sampsonian fashion and force everyone to start over de novo ex nihil.
I have little patience for ignorance and less for those who would promulgate ignorance. I am infamous in a local "Autism Spectrum support" mailing list for being the lone adult who is not just another NT parent.
I am at heart a scholar, which means that I am highly annoyed when the outside world seeks to infringe upon my world of ideas. This annoyance is why I wish to become an activist.
RE: Introductions - Tigger_the_Wing - 05-21-2008 10:14 AM
I reckon quite a lot of you know me by now, you poor things!
I joined AFF 22 months ago tomorrow, and for the life of me cannot remember how I found this place (old age, you know!
). I just know that it felt like coming home. 
Anyway, I'm Jackie and I'm a fifty-year-old Aspie, 'informally diagnosed' two years ago by the team that diagnosed my son. You probably also know that I'm the mother of four sons and a daughter; three of whom are also members of AFF (as is my Aspie husband of 28 years, although I haven't yet managed to persuade him actually to post anything!)
I also have two grandsons and two step-grandsons, one of whom is also a diagnosed Aspie.
Those of you who have met me in real life also know that I am a happy eccentric. I really do wear huge, bright sequinned bow ties! They attract a lot of attention, although one chap didn't believe me that I really couldn't care less whether others comment or not. I wear them because I like them. I have always dressed eccentrically.
During 'Autism Awareness Month' I told anyone I spoke with that I'm Autistic. I hope I managed to dispel a LOT of myths about autism being a terrible disorder that 'afflicts' only boys. For simplicity I explained that it is simply a different way of experiencing the world due to a differently-wired brain, which may cause distress when the input becomes overwhelming, but also gives us the ability to experience aspects of life that others cannot!
I'd better stop here before I jam the server!
Oh yes, and I am disabled - I have Ankylosing Spondylitis (the OTHER AS!), Atrial Fibrillation, Prinzmetal's Angina (caused by arterial spasms in the heart) and Migraine Equivalents (stroke-like episodes caused by arterial spasms in the brain) so after 30 years I have now down-graded from motorcycle to mobility walker.
Doesn't stop me dreaming though! And watch out, world - I might soon be getting an electric mobility scooter and terrorising the neighbourhood at 10 kph!
RE: Introductions - aliengirl - 05-21-2008 10:55 AM
Hi,
I'm aliengirl and I live in England.
I have Asperger Syndrome or Autism depending which 'specialist' you ask.
I also have multiple specific learning difficulties and mild retardation (basically I have a lower than adult mental age but I get by although I do need people to explain things a little further to me sometimes as I don't always get it right away!)
And I have depression, GAD and OCD but I feel strongly that all of these were the result of my autism not being diagnosed until I was in my 20s - prior to that I was misdiagnosed and mis-medicated (if that is a word...)
I have quite a few physical health issues too.
I am on the executive committee of an organisation in my area that gives support to people on the spectrum and also their families, carers and partners. I have also recently become a trustee of an organisation seeking to get funding to provide assistive technology for people on the spectrum who would benefit from it and am also a member of an autism rights group.
I recently spoke about autism, discrimination, and the rights movement at a parliamentary seminar and was also interviewed for a local business magazine regarding my experience of being bullied in the workplace and the difficulties faced by people with autism and mental health issues in the work place. I also spoke about why people on the spectrum can make great employees in the right job, and talked about my job now which caters to my strengths and where I am lucky to have a great manager.
I'm also part of a group of disabled people that gives 'unofficial audits' of hotels in our area, describing what they are like for disabled people and giving advice to the managers on how they can improve. We are planning to go on to 'audit' resturants, cafes, nightclubs etc. The organisation is seeking funding for a float at the annual gay pride parade in August, and they have agreed that I can wear an autistic pride top and carry an autistic pride banner although I'm not permitted to name any specific organisations.
I asked to join this group because I abhor discrimination and exclusion and I want to do what I can to change society's attitude. I strongly subscribe to the beliefs of the autistic rights and autistic pride movements. I also feel that, as someone with learning difficulties and a low mental age, by getting involved I can help dispell the myth that all people who campaign for autistic rights are the super-high functioning autistics. Not true!
aliengirl
RE: Introductions - nathanww - 05-21-2008 04:48 PM
Hello all,
I'm Nathan and I live in northern California. I've been diagnosed with AS and NVLD.
I'm here because I want to actually do stuff, not just talk about getting stuff done.
RE: Introductions - Ivar T - 05-22-2008 11:42 AM
'ey!
My name is Ivar and I live in Stavanger, Norway.
I'm 17 years old at this point and was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when I was 13. I joined the AFF forum shortly after I knew of my diagnosis, but have been most active since the end of 2006.
I want to contribute to establishing communities for people on the autistic spectrum in Norway. I've already managed to establish one meetup with the help of Mercurygrrl who also visits this site and we have recently created a mailing list for people on the spectrum interested in participating in meetups in Stavanger. We have currently 5 people interested in participating with this mailing list and we have a coming meetup.
I also wish to improve the quality of information regarding diets that are advertised as beneficial treatments for autistics, criticize misinformation and convince experts in related fields that there's a need of discussion regarding the gluten and casein free diet so that parents can make informed decisions before they put their autistic children on the diet. My personal idea is that the diet can't treat autism specifically but could possibly be beneficial in some other way. I still wish to be open-minded about other possibilities.
I'm inspired by the president of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network - Ari Ne'eman, and hope I may give as great and well-balanced statements as him in the future.
RE: Introductions - ocampo - 05-22-2008 01:35 PM
My name is Lorna, I'm a 24 year old female Aspie in Scotland; currently at university doing Sociology and Law, but changing back to my first love of Computer Science/Software Engineering in Sept. I also initiated a local neurodiversity group, which is still in its infancy due to various personal issues that arose.
I also suspect that I have the comorbids of ADHD and dyspraxia. I have a close relative on the autistic spectrum who shows more traits of Aspergers than a generalised 'autistic' label. However I do not segregate between autistic variations - its called a 'spectrum' for a reason.
At 17, I was diagnosed with clinical depression. I believe that this was due to my Aspergers never being detected throughout my childhood. Whilst I cannot blame anyone for my own experience of slipping through the net - owing to my age group - I feel that many females slip through today's diagnostic nets. This leads to many female spectrumites not getting the correct support and encouragement that they would benefit from. Whilst I do not see it as a feminist issue per se, I do find it concerning that women are not only misrepresented officially, but that there are few resources for the female autistic.
I do not believe in stereotypes - whilst many autistics share general outward traits, it is not reflective of our personalities or individual skills. Not all autistics are rocket scientists, nor are all autistics socially inept outsiders incapable of making friends in the 'NT world'. Many of us lead independent lives, date, marry, hold down jobs, raise children... in short, many of us lead 'normal', fufilling lives without feeling 'cursed'. The stereotype and media myth of the autistic spectrum causes far more harm to the individual than autism itself. Autism is as much a part of the individual as is their eye colour or fingerprint; they should never be made to feel guilty or ashamed for it. Neither should a parent be made to feel that they are 'wrong', or should they be 'pitied'. Many parents who look beyond the 'autism' tag and interact with their child's personality say that their child's autistic traits are as much a part of their child's personality as anything else 'acceptable'. Parents and close relatives should be encouraged to be proud of their autie kids.
I am a deeply spiritual person - I do not align myself to any political institute or side of the fence. An individual is an individual, and should be treated as such. We all make mistakes, and we all say or do wrong things at times. No-one has the right to morally judge another, as no-one is whiter than white themselves. Many autistics share a similar world view - that is, to accept others at face value, and to not have preconcieved ideas of others that they impose at every chance that arises. I ask to be accepted for who I am, and ask for acceptance of neurodiversity.
RE: Introductions - skyblue1 - 05-28-2008 02:58 AM
Hi ,I am Larry. I am a U.S. citizen in the state of South Carolina. I was Dx with Aspergers 3 years ago. I lived 54 years without knowing "what the problem was". So I have a lifetime of experience with trying to fit the square peg in the round hole. My co-morbidities are OCD ,PTSD,I am bi-polar and I suffer from anxiety and depression because of the preceeding things. I dont really know what I can do to help but I am willing to offer my help wherever it is needed . I do , whenever it is needed , have good stage presence ( actor ,musician ,former dancer) so I am not hesitant about speaking in front of a group ( not real good at ad-lib) please just let me know what my role is and I will be happy to fill it...Thanks for listening
RE: Introductions - Luai_lashire - 06-24-2008 09:44 PM
Hello everyone,
I'm Athene, age 16, self-diagnosed and peer-confirmed borderline autistic/NT. I have unusually good social skills for an aspie, due I think to being exceptionally good at analyzing other people, which helped me slowly figure out and learn social rules that I couldn't pick up on the way NTs can; but I still run into many of the social problems other aspies encounter. Miscommunication and not noticing subtleties of communication are my two biggest social problems. Other than that, all of my traits are fairly "normal" for an aspie; I have unusually sensitive senses, stim, have lots of trouble with Executive Dysfunction, like things to be the same, etc.
I first discovered autism at the age of 12 and knew right away that I had a lot in common with the kids I was reading about. I became totally focussed on autism. My parents felt this was "unhealthy" and dissuaded me from pursuing it. I literally forgot about it until I discovered it again at age 14. I read up about Asperger's on Wikipedia, which at that time linked directly to AFF under "external links". That's how I found this site and was introduced to Neurodiversity right away. It wasn't until much later, reading a book called "Shadow Syndromes", when I began to encounter paragraphs I knew I had read before, that I remember having been interested in it in the past. I had totally erased that interest and everything I knew about it from my mind.
Up until now, I have not been able to participate in much activism, and probably will continue not to be able to. My situation is rather difficult to navigate. My parents are in denial about my traits, dislike any mention of autism, are pro-cure, and will not let me participate in any events like protests- not that there have been any around here. I can't get transportation to and from places without them; we live far enough from anywhere that I can't just walk, either. So my activity is limited to what I can hide from them. Anything at school is a little risky, because it might get back to them; however, they'd probably be OK with me giving a presentation or some such, as long as I do not say I am autistic. I can also get away with a lot online, but only under an assumed name. That's OK though, I prefer not to link my IRL identity directly to my internet identity.
Right now, my regular "activism" consists of tearing down the Autism Speaks posters someone keeps hanging in the school halls, coming to AFF, commenting on blogs, and signing petitions. Not much, huh?
Despite what I said above, my parents are actually slowly becoming more accepting, so in the future it may be easier for me to do other activities, like publishing articles under my real name or making a short film.
I have several talents that could be of use for activism:
- I am a published author and I very much enjoy writing. I write all sorts of things, so whether you need a letter, an article, a story, etc, I can probably do it.
- I can draw decently and I am very good at some kinds of computer illustration.
- I can make short films. I have camera, film, and editing equipment, and know how to use all of them.
I'm also good at brainstorming.
I don't mind if people use me as a resource; if you need someone to do something and you think I'd be able to do it, go ahead and PM me.
RE: Introductions - Mercurygrrl - 07-03-2008 11:49 AM
Hello,
My name is Margrethe. I'm a 22 year old Norwegian female, residing in the same city as Ivar T.
I started reading about, and researching Asperger's and autism last October. I've self-dx'en, peer-confirmed and professionally confirmed, although I don't have a formal enough diagnosis to land me any rights.
As Lorna describes, I also been depressed, and I suspect this to be due to slipping through the diagnostic net. It sounds rather cheesy to say so, but figuring all this out has helped immensely with my self-confidence and depression. I find myself to be more "high-functioning" since finding out. A friend, who knows, have several times said she'd never know - she has some experience with Asperger's, as her brother in-law is diagnosed. However; she seems to know the basic, and not fully understand that symptoms often appear different in males than in females.
I am interested in creating a group/organization for autistics here in Norway, starting with the city I live in. I'm currently in university, and hope to "advertise" there to find others who'd be interested in joining.
I have an informal blog lacking conclusions at http://life-with-as.bogspot.com
RE: Introductions - micgrace - 07-04-2008 02:11 AM
My name is Michael
I think most people have come across my posts and realize I am opposed to a cure for aspies and are vehemently opposed to bullying in schools and workplaces as well as discrimination.
As such I am willing to be invovled in campaigns to achieve change and community attitutes to those with aspies. And to apply pressure to governments to create aspie friendly laws.
I was someone who was consistently bullied throughout school, and then had to create my own way to overcome aspies limitations. This I have done by massive and personal improvement strategies.
I was misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder in the 1980's. Needless to say the attempt at a forced cure didn't do a thing.
It was not until I was at University doing an education course I realized I might in fact have aspies due to comments in the field. The university provided free testing and I was diagnosed with aspies and a panic disorder.
I am married (18 years) and have two children a boy, diagnosed with aspies and a girl.
I am a member of the aspergers queensland association as well and aim to be a proactive member to advance the rights and opportunities for those on the autistic spectrum via opportunities in education, work, leisure, knowledge, government pressure etc.
Regards Michael.
RE: Introductions - tlcoopi7 - 07-08-2008 01:27 AM
Hi, I'm Tabi, from Illinois. I got dxed with Aspergers in 2004 at the age of 23, but showed the characteristics at a much younger age. I created a presentation on autism to educate people on the basics of autism, in which I presented it several times and won two awards, and working on a book based on it and taking the program on the road. I have a really good support system, especially with the Iota Omicron chapter of Sigma Chi at Western Illinois University. I am in the process of starting up my own non-profit. If anyone have any ideas, just PM me.
RE: Introductions - micgrace - 07-08-2008 01:50 AM
tlcoopi7. One of my pet ideas is to get a very specific school for austism spectrum via a foundation (non profit) off the ground at some point. The ridiculous amount of bullying in OZ schools, (one in six students), mainly public, is the chief concern on needing to change the style of education.
More details will be posted as progress is made. This is very long term and depends on many items lining up over time.
RE: Introductions - Callista - 07-08-2008 09:18 AM
Here I am, and frankly don't know a thing about what I might do. I know I'm good at writing and research; but I'm not sure yet how to put those talents to use. Maybe I'll get some ideas here.
RE: Introductions - madman564323 - 08-11-2008 07:05 PM
Hi, i'm Korey, i was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome when i was 12 yrs old. Before that i was diagnosed ADHD ( at 9-10 yrs old). When one of my schools wanted to put me on Ridalin my mother took me out of school for a year. I have sence then made attempts to, an i believe suceeded in, cureing my ADHD. When it comes to dealing with NTs, i find it very hard to trust any of them, and in most situations i simply ignore them. I am a marxist and a strict constitutionalist.
RE: Introductions - Tom C - 08-11-2008 10:49 PM
Hi, I'm Tom. I've been moderately active on AFF for a few years and felt that I wanted to step that up a little bit. I mainly applied to this area to discuss in the APD 2009 thread but I feel I can contribute also to other areas.
RE: Introductions - Quick_Duck - 08-13-2008 12:29 AM
Hi everyone,
I’m Steve, 34 years old diagnosed with dyslexia; and associated AS and ADD traits. I also have some social anxiety issues. I live in Nottingham, UK and am married with two children. I’m arty, interested in science, ethics and religion; have a degree in Archaeology. Oh, and am a Dr Who fanatic.
I joined AFF originally a couple of years ago; and found it to be a revelation. For the first time in my life I found a place where I fitted in; a place where I could interact with people who saw the world as I did. Over my time here I’ve become interested in issues of neurodiversity and autism rights. After quite a bit of soul searching--leaving AFF, returning, thinking and churning, I’ve decided its about time I did something positive and constructive; and so I asked to join this group.
RE: Introductions - Ken G. - 08-16-2008 07:19 PM
Hi,
I am Ken G. I am 38 years old and I am on the autism spectrum.
I've been an AFF member since 2005.
I live quite near Tel Aviv, Israel.
I am a spokesman for the 'ACI - Autistic Community of Israel' (run by autistics, for autistics).
I was featured as an autistic activist in one newspaper article and in two magazine articles in Israel.
I attended Autscape in 2006 - 2008 and Autreat in 2007 - 2008.
I wish that one day we will have large, active, offline autistic communities in numerous locations across the globe.
Peace, Love & Autism
Ken G.
RE: Introductions - black butterfly - 08-23-2010 03:46 AM
hey everyone
i am black butterfly i am 14 and have been online here for about a year now. official aspie since forever.
i want to help get rid of the social stigma of AS- people assume so much stupid things about AS and there are really horrible sterotypes about aspies out there.
also i think that low functioning people should be given more opertunities -ie better education, good families etc.
i am agaist prenatal screening of autism and the idea of people abourting children just because they are autisitc-i belive it is inhumane and wrong.
im agaisnt the idea of a "cure" for autism- i dont need to be cured.
RE: Introductions - Patrice - 08-23-2010 04:09 AM
Nice meeting you. Somehow, I have the feeling I have met you before.
RE: Introductions - Pemer - 03-08-2011 09:44 PM
Hi, I'm Pemer and I'm an aspie!
Anders Pemer, 42, Tullinge outside Stockholm, Sweden. Dx'd with PDD-NOS, traits of AS as well as of ADHD, in 2002, and re-dx'd with Asperger's in the fall of 2008.Found most of the Swedish aspie community in late 2006, in the form of the major Internet discussion board (aspergerforum.se). In feb 2007 I joined the board and started writing there and immediately started discussions of arranging meetings and such, something that did not take place there at the time.
In the years that have followed I seem to have become the Swedish aspie who initiates the largest amount of meetings and activities. Every now and then I have an "open house", every aspie who wants to come is welcome, at my place during a Saturday, and I also initiate mutual dinners out, going to the movies, playing miniature golf or billiards or visit some museum...
Two weeks after me another guy from northern Sweden joined the board and told about a new organization for aspies he and some friends had founded. I founded a Stockholm chapter and in the years that have followed we have now formed the first Swedish advocacy organization founded and run by aspies themselves. Not the first ever, but the first in many years. There was one from 1998 to about 2002.
We are called Organiserade Aspergare (Organized Aspergians), OA, and have reached about 200 members nationwide so far. I would estimate about 1000-2000 aspies are members today in one or both of the two parents and professionals dominated organizations that exist here in Sweden, and many of them have probably barely realized we exist yet, and many others seem not to have realized the point of joining an own neurodiversity spirited organization.
There is one, called "The Autism and Asperger's Association" in Swedish, dealing with the autistic conditions only, VERY dominated by "the parents", and one called "Attention" dealing with the entire neuropsychatric field that has been far better to accept and give dx'd people influence and responsibilty. I've just gotten myself somewhat involved in the local chapter of the latter one too, to see if that could give me a better platform towards Swedish media. So far they are very neglectful to accepting OA as an official organization, and listen to us...
We celebrated APD last year, the first time it was celebrated officially in Sweden. We handed out flyers about Asperger's and about the day at a very "academical" place - in front of the Royal Library in Stockholm.
When an asperger themed feature film was released in the fall it felt like we were the leading one of the three organizations in the official contact with the distributors. I was personally the one to suggest some more Asperger's info as bonus material upon the DVD release, and they made an interview featurette with interviews with me and four more aspies.
I guess I´ll write more in the appropriate threads! Great to see it was finally possible to join the site again!
RE: Introductions - Shenmue654 - 10-30-2011 09:31 PM
Hi. My name is Kelly Israel, age 22. I have had one version or another of Asperger's diagnosed since I was in grade school. I have been through many of the trials and tribulations of Special Education programs supposedly geared toward us. Many of these are openly discriminatory, seeking not to assist us but to segregate us and "normalize" our behavior. I believe this is damaging to the autistic spectrum child in a profound way. They need to give us the accomodations we require and a place to talk. Our minds are not tools to be molded and our emotions are not problems to be eliminated.
They seek either to make us more emotional or to stop us from being so emotional. Both are a fool's game. Part of my plan for my own future is to advocate for us, to show that we are not so very "inhuman" after all. I seek power and respect because I was so long denied both, more so than even neurotypical children.
I am a skilled writer and you may use my talents if you wish. I am also able to get my meaning across to NTs a bit easier than some. We should not have to hide ourselves to become successful in the world. I'm weak at starting stuff, so I don't know where this will go. But If I can, I will play ball for our team.
RE: Introductions - joshasp2012 - 02-25-2012 05:05 PM
Gareth Wrote:
Please post your introductions (and only your introductions, not even replies to other people) on this thread.
RE: Introductions - joshasp2012 - 02-25-2012 05:07 PM
I am Josh, an aspie to be sure. I have done some speaking in Florida about how people can better understand our people. I am so glad to meet all of you!!!!!!!!