Hi everyone!
I'm thrilled to find this site and the message boards on it. This site looks like an awesome place for Aspies like myself to hang out, interact and learn.
My name is Russ. I'm 26 years old, male, born and raised in Eugene, Oregon. I was diagnosed with high-functioning autism in Elementary school. I went through the rest of my school years, all the way through college, having a fairly easy time of things.
Now, as an adult, my parents have started to let me know what and who I am and what that means for me. This year, 2006, has really been a big one for me in discovering that and finding out more about this incredible thing called Autism. We're pretty sure I have Asperger's. After finding out more about it (through counseling and group support, online research, etc.), I think I agree with that assessment. I'm currently going through that oh-so-wonderful time in my life called Getting A Real Job. It's not easy, but I have plenty of help through local vocational rehabilitation.
Of course, there's a lot more to me than being an Aspie. I have a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Oregon. I'm an amateur photographer, getting better and better. I love to read and surf the internet. I'm a cat person, but I do love our dog too.
Most of all, I love music. I'm not a musician, unfortunately, but I love to listen to it and have it on all the time. It feeds my soul and keeps me going.
Great to meet you all, and I hope I can gather the strength to really become a part of this online community.
16 Dec 2006, 4:07 pm
