I am an Aspie and college junior in the DC metro area, and have decided to start a support group for Aspies. My questions are in the last paragraph; what follows is my inspiration for doing this. As a college student, my life now is far better than it was a few years ago: I have friends (Aspie and NT), a job with a trade association downtown, and a fulfilling academic life. Asperger's was something to overcome, and I felt like I overcame it in many ways.
Then a few days ago, one of my friends called my behavior "weird" behind my back. I was getting annoyed with him for a few other reasons, but that comment drove me over the edge. I was too old for this, and told him to "f*ck off and have a blessed day." I may have overreacted, but I had enough.
That was the first time I ever confronted a tormentor, and I won. As I mature, I hope it's the last time I am ever tormented for my Asperger's. Unfortunately, my Aspie friends are not so lucky. Many who go to my college are isolated and neglected, and have no where to turn. I don't want to "cure" anyone necessarily, but create a safe space to share our experiences. We've been traumatized and stigmatized so much that it holds back our personal potential. I want Aspies at my school to know that they at least have each other.
I am petitioning our counseling center to create a support group tailored to our needs. I am drafting a proposal letter, and want to make my argument as convincing and bulletproof as possible. What selling points can I use? Is there any professional literature I can share with counseling? Finally, are any of you in a college/organization that offers a support group? How has that been?
19 Oct 2009, 10:59 pm
