School Assignment on Asperger's Syndrome

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-How old are you?
41

-In what country do you live?
Australia

-Do you have diagnosed Asperger's?
No - I sought out an Aspergers diagnosis recently but in the end received a diagnosis of High Functioning Autism and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In Australia, even if one had Aspergers Syndrome, they would probably be diagnosed with High Functioning Autism as a consequence of changes to diagnosis criteria outlined in DSM-V.

-Are you employed? If still in school, are you worried you'll have difficulty applying for a job?
I am currently unemployed and applying for disability support. I have worked in banking and finance, hospitality, social research, farming, community radio, retail, visual art and music, among many other things.

-Do you have any hobbies or obsessions, if so can you elaborate?
I have many special interests, but the ones I keep returning to are humans, computers, music and visual art.

-If applicable, what do you feel about turning your hobby into paid work?
My goal is to be self employed as a sound producer and visual artist.

-Do you have routines at work?
When I work, yes I maintain routines.

-Was your workspace adapted for you?
I was diagnosed only two months ago and haven't worked for three years. Prior to that, it was impossible to get support for an undiagnosed condition. I've really struggled to get support and so often received none, not even any validation for my pains.

-How do you feel about trying stressful jobs like being a doctor, or fireman? Jobs where steady routines are not possible?
I would need to work in an environment that has minimal stress issues. Or I would have to work casually / part time so I could recover from the stress on my days off.

-How much difficulty do you experience understanding sign language or facial expressions? Have you been able to teach yourself how to do it?
I think I'm pretty good with facial expressions and body language at the best of times, but if I am tired and stressed I become less adept. I'm always learning more about communication.

-Do you have many social contacts on a daily basis?
Absolutely! Well, at least two other people. Not counting social networking.

-Would you say that you can entertain yourself enough on your own? Example being keeping busy playing games, watching movies etc.
I am easily amused by my own company. Often I prefer it, as I can enjoy my interests without socially accommodating others, which can quickly become tiring and stressful.

-Are you getting professional support at the moment, or do you do things on your own?
I am waiting for the decision of my welfare provider regarding disability support payment. I see my counsellor regularly. I have a disability employment service to help with job seeking. Other than that, I have always been highly independent.

-In what way do you experience Asperger's Syndrome? Are you proud to be you? Would you rather be neurotypical? The answer to this next question is different for everyone. What do you think, can Asperger's Syndrome be considered a curse or blessing?
I experience autism symptoms in the following ways:
- struggle with feeling socially connected - I often feel alienated.
- often fail to recognise social communications
- I struggle to express myself clearly sometimes.
- dyslexia (which was never diagnosed because it wasn't an obstacle to comprehension), hyperlexia, echolalia, light / sound sensitivities, psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (panic attacks), insomnia, synesthesia, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel, auditory processing disorder, depression, anxiety.
- organisational problems
- multiple thought streams with a soundtrack or two

I came to accept myself, but being so weird, and being criticised unkindly for being different all my life, there have been times when I hated myself and sought out my own oblivion. There have been times when I have not been proud of myself at all. But, yes, I definitely accept myself and am very proud of myself for surviving all these years whilst managing an undiagnosed, invisible and pervasive condition. I don't think I am diseased, crazy or sick any more... just different. I am glad to be a member of the autistic community. I would NEVER prefer to be neurotypical, and even if a "cure" were found, I would not take it. Humanity needs to celebrate its diversity much more, monocultures have no evolutionary future. My condition is often a curse, but there are moments of clarity and beauty and joy that make my experiences so worth while. Some days are a blessing.

I wish you well with your studies.

-How old are you?
23

-In what country do you live?
USA

-Do you have diagnosed Asperger's?
No. I have diagnosed Autism under the DSM-V. If I had been diagnosed earlier, it would very likely have been an Asperger's diagnosis.

-Are you employed? If still in school, are you worried you'll have difficulty applying for a job?
I am currently a graduate student. I am very concerned about applying for jobs, and have been stalling as a result, because I have never been able to successfully interview for a job.

-Do you have any hobbies or obsessions, if so can you elaborate?
I have a couple of hobbies. I play the piano, draw, and write computer programs.

-If applicable, what do you feel about turning your hobby into paid work?
I would consider turning the computer programming into a job, and in fact I do a lot of it as part of my research. I would not turn the other hobbies into work, though.

-Do you have routines at work?
Yes. I can't effectively get work done without them.

-Was your workspace adapted for you?
Yes. My advisor is aware that I am sensitive to noise and so if I am having a rough day, there is an office set aside where I can go work alone (otherwise I share an office with six other people).

-How do you feel about trying stressful jobs like being a doctor, or fireman? Jobs where steady routines are not possible?
When I was younger I really wanted to be a fireman and I still sort of want to, however I know that I would not be able to handle the stress. I also would not be able to deal with the lack of routine.

-How much difficulty do you experience understanding sign language or facial expressions? Have you been able to teach yourself how to do it?
I have very little difficulty understanding sign language as I studied it for three years in high school. However, I have a lot of trouble with understanding facial expressions and body language (other than sign language). I have not been able to learn to understand body language.

-Do you have many social contacts on a daily basis?
It depends on the day. Sometimes I have numerous social interactions, other times I can go several days without talking to anyone.

-Would you say that you can entertain yourself enough on your own? Example being keeping busy playing games, watching movies etc.
I definitely am able to keep myself entertained either through my hobbies or by reading.

-Are you getting professional support at the moment, or do you do things on your own?
I pretty much do things on my own, though I meet with a counselor once a week to make sure that I know what types of school-related things I have to get done that week.

-In what way do you experience Asperger's Syndrome? Are you proud to be you? Would you rather be neurotypical? The answer to this next question is different for everyone. What do you think, can Asperger's Syndrome be considered a curse or blessing?
I experience Autism in a few ways. I struggle to have any kind of social interaction with someone because I am unsure of the proper way to act around them and I often just never know what to talk to other people about. I also struggle in that I occasionally lose the ability to speak, though I am verbal much of the time. I also have sensory issues, specifically when it comes to loud noises and touch.

I am for the most part proud to be me and I definitely would not want to be neurotypical because my Autism gives me as many abilities as it does problems. As to whether it's a blessing or a curse, I would say it's a little bit of both. In some respects it's a blessing because I'm a lot smarter than the majority of my peers and have been highly successful academically. It's also a curse; however, because I have some real deficits that make my life difficult and cannot be ignored.

I would like to thank you all for the time you have taken to answer.
I'm hoping that even though my assignment is finished this thread could be useful to the other forum members. Every response was great and gave a new insight/opinion on the matter.

Firstly, I want to apologise for the multiple copies of my response, there was a problem with the submission process. Oops. Sorry.
Second, the extra questions:

1. What age were you when you suspected/were diagnosed?
- if it was at a later age, to what degree did it help you understand yourself

I was 40 when I realised I might have Aspergers, this followed the diagnosis of my step-child - our household had become much more aware of autism spectrum disorders because of this. I was diagnosed a few months later. Having just learnt that I have an older sister (stolen generation) forced me to conduct a past life review. A lot of these memories were fresh in my mind when I had to do another review of all the incidents that didn't quite make sense. A lot of mysteries became understandable knowing about my condition. I was able to let go of a lot of grief, self-recrimination, and internalised hatred as a result of getting diagnosed with High Functioning Autism.

2. Do you have difficulty (on a regular basis) getting other people to understand you?
- if so, do you suspect it has more to do with your verbal abilities or your body language?

I have struggled to understand and be understood all my life. People mistake my confusion and distress for a hostile / confrontational stance. I have auditory processing issues and communication issues that come to the fore when I am under stress, panicked. It is a mutual misunderstanding - I don't always understand the meaning of social communications from others, and I don't always communicate myself adequately.

-How old are you?
22

-In what country do you live?
Netherlands

-Do you have diagnosed Asperger's?
Yes

-Are you employed? If still in school, are you worried you'll have difficulty applying for a job?
No, in university at the moment. Quite worried about finding work after I'm done.

-Do you have any hobbies or obsessions, if so can you elaborate?
Yes, I'm a huge fan of Tolkien's work and derivatives of that, as well as other books and films and such that are similar. Currently however my main hobby/obsession is minecraft.

-If applicable, what do you feel about turning your hobby into paid work?
I highly doubt I'd be able to, and I need my time to study.

-Do you have routines at work?
I take the same route there every day, but once there I follow other people around, so I'm going by their routines or lack thereof.

-Was your workspace adapted for you?
Yes, there's a fellow student, a 'buddy', whom I go to classes with and who helps me plan what I need to do and comes with me when I have to do something hard like talking to someone to get something done.

-How do you feel about trying stressful jobs like being a doctor, or fireman? Jobs where steady routines are not possible?
The lack of routine in those jobs is in the time at which you have to work, and the kind of work. I don't mind not having that form of routine. However, both doctors and firemen have very clear processes by which they do their work, this kind of routine is something I'd need in a job.

-How much difficulty do you experience understanding sign language or facial expressions? Have you been able to teach yourself how to do it?
I'm assuming by sign language you mean body language, not the language for deaf people. I understand obvious displays of emotion, but more subtle signs often elude me. It's easier to recognise them in people I know well, when there aren't many distractions, and harder when I don't know them or we're in a loud area.

-Do you have many social contacts on a daily basis?
I see my student buddy each time I go to class. I sometimes see the people in my house when we happen to be in the kitchen at the same time. All the other times I see people it's because they invite me, or when I'm forced to invite them. So I'm decisively passive in my social contacts, but I do like seeing people and talking to them, at least in the amount I currently do.

-Would you say that you can entertain yourself enough on your own? Example being keeping busy playing games, watching movies etc.
Yes, for a time. I dislike it when I don't see other people all day, but other than that I'm perfectly content playing games and watching movies.

-Are you getting professional support at the moment, or do you do things on your own?
I have monthly appointments with someone healthcare-y, no idea what she's called in english. A bit like a psychiatrist but more day-to-day help than diagnosis/ intensive therapy. I also have occasional appointments with my study advisor and I'm in a support group also from university. As mentioned above I have a 'buddy' person who isn't professional in any sense other than that he gets paid a little for it.

-In what way do you experience Asperger's Syndrome? Are you proud to be you? Would you rather be neurotypical? The answer to this next question is different for everyone. What do you think, can Asperger's Syndrome be considered a curse or blessing?
I'm happy with who I am, and I want to be able to do everything everyone else can. So I both want to keep Asperger's because I like being me, and want to be neurotypical because I want to do things they do so easily.
I'm not proud of having Asperger's for the same reason I'm not proud of my blue eyes; it's not an achievement, so I have nothing to be proud of. I think Asperger's is very obviously a curse, given the social requirements of society and the disability that not meeting those brings. Most things I could think of as blessings aren't necessarily because of Asperger's. If it is a blessing to anyone, it is to society which gets precise and obsessive scientists and workers thanks to it, and an outside view of themselves.

Extra
1. What age were you when you suspected/were diagnosed?
- if it was at a later age, to what degree did it help you understand yourself
Suspected it from 16ish onwards, diagnosed at 20.
It didn't help me understand myself, but it provided some comfort to know what it's called, and to not be alone with it. More importantly it opened the way for other forms of aid that do help a lot.

2. Do you have difficulty (on a regular basis) getting other people to understand you?
- if so, do you suspect it has more to do with your verbal abilities or your body language?
Yes. I don't speak very clearly and since I look down and don't use body language a lot, they don't hear/understand what I'm saying. I used to also skip steps when voicing my thoughts, but that has lessened over the years. Now it's mostly body language and the fact that I tend to go mute when there's too much going on.

-How old are you?
16

-In what country do you live?
Amurrica.

-Do you have diagnosed Asperger's?
Yes.

-Are you employed? If still in school, are you worried you'll have difficulty applying for a job?
Somewhat.

-Do you have any hobbies or obsessions, if so can you elaborate?
I have hobbies and obsessions, but they are hard to elaborate on.

-If applicable, what do you feel about turning your hobby into paid work?
No.

-Do you have routines at work?
Of course. It's school.

-Was your workspace adapted for you?
They don't know me. So no.

-How do you feel about trying stressful jobs like being a doctor, or fireman? Jobs where steady routines are not possible?
Being a doctor means you have to look at people and be school for a quarter of your life and a fireman could potentially die and is a government worker.

-How much difficulty do you experience understanding sign language or facial expressions? Have you been able to teach yourself how to do it?
Sign langwitch is much easier to comprehend.

-Do you have many social contacts on a daily basis?
I guess so. There's the friends that I know at school and play with. They are people I know online and play with.

-Would you say that you can entertain yourself enough on your own? Example being keeping busy playing games, watching movies etc.
Yes.

-Are you getting professional support at the moment, or do you do things on your own?
Professionals know nothing about autism so I abandoned professional help.

-In what way do you experience Asperger's Syndrome? Are you proud to be you? Would you rather be neurotypical? The answer to this next question is different for everyone. What do you think, can Asperger's Syndrome be considered a curse or blessing?
I am fine the way I am. Although this is an issue that my autistic friends argue about, most of us still like the way we are. It's both, but only how much, is what you make of it.

-How old are you?
21

-In what country do you live?
U.S

-Do you have diagnosed Asperger's?
Not yet; diagnosis a work in progress, hopefully sometime early next year.

-Are you employed? If still in school, are you worried you'll have difficulty applying for a job?
No: I'm somewhat concerned about getting a job once out of school because though my ability is not in question (my area of study is one of my special interests) I do not have the social skills necessary to make people like me on sight, such as during a job interview.

-Do you have any hobbies or obsessions, if so can you elaborate?
Special Interests ("Obsessions"): Dinosaurs; species, time period, notable features, etc. Autism; diagnostic criteria, symptoms, neurology, sociology, etc. Gene Wilder; acting/personal career, release dates of films, character names, etc. Star Trek; Original Series, Next Generation, Voyager, Enterprise (Deep Space Nine not so much)

-If applicable, what do you feel about turning your hobby into paid work?
It is my intent: I want to get a doctorate in psychology to become an expert in diagnosing and treating autism spectrum disorders.

-Do you have routines at work?
I don't work but I do at school, as well as everywhere else; I have them planned practically to the minute. I find time to be a very comforting thing and rely on it heavily to plan my day. When things happen at the wrong time or get cancelled/delayed and throw off the timing of the rest of my routine, it makes me extremely anxious, even if the actions within the routine remain exactly the same.

-Was your workspace adapted for you?
No, that's why I lost the only real job I had: I was unable to react to and encode verbal instructions effectively and kept making the same mistakes over and over until they got rid of me. Had I known about my processing problems at the time I would have requested that instructions be written down for me to study on my own time.

-How do you feel about trying stressful jobs like being a doctor, or fireman? Jobs where steady routines are not possible?
I would not enjoy them. I require predictability throughout my day, otherwise I become anxious and on edge just waiting for something to happen.

-How much difficulty do you experience understanding sign language or facial expressions? Have you been able to teach yourself how to do it?
I have never taken sign language, but I would like to as it sounds interesting. I am fine with obvious facial expressions but subtle ones just look like blank faces to me. I have a hard time understanding soap opera shows because so much is communicated through subtle glances and implied nuances that I just don't understand/see.

-Do you have many social contacts on a daily basis?
I have one person to call a friend; we interact daily at school, but during the breaks we can go weeks without talking to one another. Solitude does not bother me; I had no friends at school until the age of 12.

-Would you say that you can entertain yourself enough on your own? Example being keeping busy playing games, watching movies etc.
I prefer entertaining myself on my own; I do not have to do something because someone else wants to do it. I would be annoyed if people wanted to use up all my time being together with me.

-Are you getting professional support at the moment, or do you do things on your own?
I do things on my own currently, however upon receiving a proper diagnosis, I intend to pursue professional social skills training and potentially therapy to improve my executive functioning skills to the point where I may be able to move out of my mother's house and live on my own.

-In what way do you experience Asperger's Syndrome? Are you proud to be you? Would you rather be neurotypical? The answer to this next question is different for everyone. What do you think, can Asperger's Syndrome be considered a curse or blessing?
I experience AS as simply my existence; it is the only way I know how to be. It is a blessing when it benefits me, such as in school when my excellent rote memory comes in handy, but is also a curse when I am unable to hold down or even get a job due to social deficits. I have no interest in ever becoming neurotypical as I enjoy being different. I watch NT women on TV shows like Friends and Ally McBeal and thank my lucky stars I am not as standard and cookie-cutter as that.

-How old are you?
30.

-In what country do you live?
The United States.

-Do you have diagnosed Asperger's?
I was just diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder under the DSM-V criteria last week. Under the older DSM-IV criteria, I'd probably fit the Asperger's criteria.

-Are you employed? If still in school, are you worried you'll have difficulty applying for a job?
I am employed, but I've had my struggles at my current job.

-Do you have any hobbies or obsessions, if so can you elaborate?
At the moment, I'm pretty obsessed with ASDs. Other interests include technology, baseball, transit infrastructure (highways, public transit, etc).

-If applicable, what do you feel about turning your hobby into paid work?
If you can do it, I say go for it. The only time I'd caution against it is if your interests change frequently, but if that isn't a problem, go for it.

-Do you have routines at work?
Sort of. I have a set morning routine. Much of my day is fairly unstructured, though, and if I don't know what I'm supposed to do on a given day, I'll accomplish nothing.

-Was your workspace adapted for you?
Beyond adjusting the desk height, no.

-How do you feel about trying stressful jobs like being a doctor, or fireman? Jobs where steady routines are not possible?

I could handle jobs where there isn't a set minute-to-minute routine, but where I'll know how to respond in various situations. I worked at a computer store for a couple years in college and I managed ok because even though each day would be a little different, I knew how to respond to the various situations I would encounter. And if all else failed, I could always summon my boss.

This is why I've had so much difficulty with my current job. I write how-to articles, and even though on the surface it seems like it's a predictable job, every article I write is about something completely different, so it's like I have to start over each time, even though in the eyes of my NT co-workers, I do the same sort of work every day. Not sure if that makes sense; I'm having a hard time putting this into words.

-How much difficulty do you experience understanding sign language or facial expressions? Have you been able to teach yourself how to do it?
I never learned sign language. I'm generally OK with facial expressions—at least the obvious ones—but I'm not always very perceptive to body language.

-Do you have many social contacts on a daily basis?
Outside of interactions with coworkers, no, not really. Most interactions with coworkers pertain to the job itself.

-Would you say that you can entertain yourself enough on your own? Example being keeping busy playing games, watching movies etc.
I think so, yeah.

-Are you getting professional support at the moment, or do you do things on your own?
I handle fine for the most part, but now that I have an official diagnosis, I will be getting some social skills training and help for executive function issues.

-In what way do you experience Asperger's Syndrome? Are you proud to be you? Would you rather be neurotypical? The answer to this next question is different for everyone. What do you think, can Asperger's Syndrome be considered a curse or blessing?
I don't know any other way of being, so I couldn't imagine being any other way. So in that way, yes, I'm proud to be me. I wouldn't rather be neurotypical, because then I wouldn't be me. I'd say AS is both a curse or a blessing.

-How old are you?
17
-In what country do you live?
Taiwan
-Do you have diagnosed Asperger's?
Yes. It's quasi-official
-Are you employed? If still in school, are you worried you'll have difficulty applying for a job?
Not really. I'm still in high school and will probably become a professional...doctor, neuroscientist or actress
-Do you have any hobbies or obsessions, if so can you elaborate?
Sherlock Holmes, ASDs, medicine, film and acting, music
-If applicable, what do you feel about turning your hobby into paid work?
Excited, probably.
-Do you have routines at work?
I'm in high school. Of course I do.
-Was your workspace adapted for you?
Probably not.
-How do you feel about trying stressful jobs like being a doctor, or fireman? Jobs where steady routines are not possible?
Excited...only if they are directly related to my passions.
-How much difficulty do you experience understanding sign language or facial expressions? Have you been able to teach yourself how to do it?
Quite a lot, but yes, I can manage day-to-day social interaction most of the time.
-Do you have many social contacts on a daily basis?
Somewhat, yes.
-Would you say that you can entertain yourself enough on your own? Example being keeping busy playing games, watching movies etc.
Sure. I like being alone.
-Are you getting professional support at the moment, or do you do things on your own?
I have teachers who know about my AS, and a psychiatrist who sort of diagnosed me. But currently I'm on my own.
-In what way do you experience Asperger's Syndrome? Are you proud to be you? Would you rather be neurotypical? The answer to this next question is different for everyone. What do you think, can Asperger's Syndrome be considered a curse or blessing?
It's a different way of seeing the world. I'm proud, yes, but not particularly so. Aspergers is both a curse and a blessing.

That sounds like a very interesting topic for an essay. I would love to read it. To answer your questions:

-How old are you?

37

-In what country do you live?

UK

-Do you have diagnosed Asperger's?

No - Adult diagnosis is difficult in the UK. We are pursuing a diagnosis for my son.

-Are you employed? If still in school, are you worried you'll have difficulty applying for a job?

I have a software company.

-Do you have any hobbies or obsessions?

Programming (also currently WP )

-If applicable, what do you feel about turning your hobby into paid work?

I wouldn't have it any other way.

-Do you have routines at work?

That's not really possible for me.

-Was your workspace adapted for you?

I have really nice hardware that works the way I like it. I often wear headphones with no music playing.

-How do you feel about high stress jobs like being a doctor, or fireman?

My job is fairly high stress, it's currently keeping me up at night. One of the nice things about Asperger's is the ability to stay calm when others might have an emotional freak out.

Having a role to play is helpful, a defined set of expectations to fit within. I think a job such as a fireman might provide such a set of expectations, plus fire is quite logical and interesting.

-How much difficulty do you experience understanding sign language or facial expressions? Have you been able to teach yourself how to do it?

My wife tells me I'm not very good at it. It's hard to know having only one data point.

-Do you have many social contacts on a daily basis?

My wife and children.

-Would you say that you can entertain yourself enough on your own? Example being keeping busy playing games, watching movies etc.

In the past yes, though I use other people to model my social behaviour, so I do apparently go "weird" if left alone too long.

-Are you getting professional support at the moment, or do you do things on your own?

No, I don't need any specialist support. At school maybe, but not now.

-In what way do you experience Asperger's Syndrome? Are you proud to be you? Would you rather be neurotypical?

Some people see Aspergers as a disability, some as a superpower, I'm more in the second group. There are some thing I can do very well, programming and writing. There are some things I am dreadful at, recognising faces, being socially appropriate. How boring it would be to be average at everything.

The answer to this next question is different for everyone. What do you think, can Asperger's Syndrome be considered a curse or blessing?

It's obviously both. At school it was very difficult.

Now I would say it is a blessing. All those break times and lunchtimes spent in the computer suite paid off pretty well. An ability to recognise well formed, or malformed patterns is very helpful, as is a particular interest in powers of two.


I liked your question list, but there are some other questions you might want to consider perhaps adding:

1. Have you ever been non-verbal? - You'll find that some of the people on this site are non-verbal, but are able to type quite lucidly. This might be interesting for your essay.
2. What social difficulties do you experience? - Personally I experience huge difficulty recognising faces (knowing who people are). I tend to recognise people through context, hairstyle or distinguishing marks. This is common in Asperger's
3. Any OCD tendencies? - OCD often goes along with Asperger's. I have mine under control.
4. What's it like at school? - Enforced large group socialisation - Horrible
5. Any other interesting aspie behaviours? - Personally, I'll just start forming patterns out of things in my head. For example, if there are tiles in the bathroom, I'll start grouping and regrouping them in interesting ways.

Hope this is helpful and good luck with your essay. Feel free to PM me if you'd like know anything else.

Interesting. Qualitative analysis is not my gig, but holler if you need help with statistical analysis.

- How old are you?

15.

- In what country do you live?

UK.

- Do you have diagnosed Asperger's?

Yes.

- Are you employed? If still in school, are you worried you'll have difficulty applying for a job?

No, because I haven't told my school.

- Do you have any hobbies or obsessions, if so can you elaborate?

I really enjoy tidying/organising, which people find weird.

- If applicable, what do you feel about turning your hobby into paid work?

No, because I don't want to be a cleaner!

- Do you have routines at work?

At school, a bit. But it's hard sometimes.

- Was your workspace adapted for you?

Sadly not.

- How do you feel about trying stressful jobs like being a doctor, or fireman? Jobs where steady routines are not possible?

Yuck, people! I'm joking. But I want to be something like a banker, I guess.

- How much difficulty do you experience understanding sign language or facial expressions? Have you been able to teach yourself how to do it?

Not too much. I have taught myself over the years.

- Do you have many social contacts on a daily basis?

School . . . I wouldn't call any of them my friends. I find it hard to trust people, especially back-stabbing, two-faced liars like the idiots at my school. I get along better with adults.

- Would you say that you can entertain yourself enough on your own? Example being keeping busy playing games, watching movies etc.

Definitely. I'm the only person that makes sense to myself at times!

- Are you getting professional support at the moment, or do you do things on your own?

No. I prefer to do things on my own, as my Asperger's is only mild.

- In what way do you experience Asperger's Syndrome? Are you proud to be you? Would you rather be neurotypical? The answer to this next question is different for everyone. What do you think, can Asperger's Syndrome be considered a curse or blessing?

Socially. I find socialising really hard. I am proud to be me, but I do get sad at times. I wouldn't like to be neurotypical, as I would probably lose my quirks. And I think it is a blessing, really.

Unfortunately it says that i could only have edited the starting post within the first 2 days. It's a real shame because the extra questions you guys added are really good. Thanks for the other submissions, everyone. They are very interesting and detailed.

How old are you?
56

-In what country do you live?
USA

-Do you have diagnosed Asperger's?
Yes

-Are you employed? If still in school, are you worried you'll have difficulty applying for a job?
I am not employed
Aspergers has caused me great difficulty in applying for jobs

-Do you have any hobbies or obsessions, if so can you elaborate?
Aspergers, weather, baseball, hockey

-If applicable, what do you feel about turning your hobby into paid work?
Would like to

-Do you have routines at work?

-Was your workspace adapted for you?
When I was working it was not


-How do you feel about trying stressful jobs like being a doctor, or fireman? Jobs where steady routines are not possible?
I would not like it

-How much difficulty do you experience understanding sign language or facial expressions? Have you been able to teach yourself how to do it?
I do not know sign language.
I think I know facial expressions moderately well and better then before. I did not know I had facial expression problem because I did not know I was on the spectrum for most of my life. I did not deliberately teach myself but learned from experience. I do not trust my judgement of my knowledge of facial expressions because that is a key trait of Aspergers.

-Do you have many social contacts on a daily basis?
None or very few daily off line social contacts, Plenty of online social contacts.

-Would you say that you can entertain yourself enough on your own? Example being keeping busy playing games, watching movies etc.
I prefer entertaining myself and am pretty good at it.

-Are you getting professional support at the moment, or do you do things on your own?
Support groups facilitated by professionals is my only professional support. I would like some more professional help but do not have the money.

-In what way do you experience Asperger's Syndrome?
In what way do I not experience it? It directly or indirectly affects most things in my life

Are you proud to be you?
I accept being me

The answer to this next question is different for everyone. What do you think, can Asperger's Syndrome be considered a curse or blessing?
The Asperger experience has been a lot more negative then positive. The most important reason for this has nothing to do the syndrome itself which has negative and positive qualities, but the fact that the syndrome makes me very different in the social ways then the vast majority believes is most important.


Would you rather be neurotypical?
There is no such thing as nuerotypical.
I do not waste much effort wondering what it would be like to be in the neuromajority but when I do I go back and forth.