Series on Aspies: Orka & I are in the newspaper

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Local newspaper and professional photographer got a grant to document Aspergers. Ran photo essays, audio, aspies writing their own words.

Orka & I are the last documentary in the series. The photographer, Leah Nash, took 1000s of awesome photos but the editor for some unfathomable reason did not include the best ones. Also I had to drastically truncate my essay to fit into space limitations. So I'm putting up my own article about Orka's autism service tasks and how they help. All in all thought it turned out pretty well.

Have you ever been a media subject? What was it like for you? Did you want to correct them?

Here's the article about me and Orka:

http://streetroots.wordpress.com/2011/1 ... -syndrome/
New Found Aspirgations: A photo story of Asperger’s Syndrome

and the series:

http://streetroots.wordpress.com/2011/1 ... -syndrome/
Special Report: Photo stories of Asperger’s Syndrome

[img][800:681]http://web.me.com/leskaemeraldadams/_gallery/102904/20111218_Leska_Adams_052/web.jpg[/img]

From the Series:

"About this series: Autism is the fastest growing disability in the U.S. with an economic impact of more than $90 billion. The Center for Disease Control reports that now one in 110 children are being classified with autism spectrum disorders, compared to one in 10,000 in the 1970s, and according to the Autism Society of Oregon, our state has one of the highest rates of autistic diagnosis in the country.

First documented in 1944, many with Asperger´s Syndrome can be quite gifted, but are often socially awkward and unable to make friends. Frequently misunderstood, those affected live in a world of missed social cues and difficult exchanges. Called “little professors” by their namesake, Hans Asperger, who noted their talent of acquiring expertise in specific topics. Those with the syndrome usually want to fit in and have interactions; they simply don’t know how.

The objective of this series is to explore the diversity and complexity that exists across this spectrum, for it is often said that people with autism are like snowflakes — no two alike. This work is especially relevant given controversial revisions proposing to do away with the Asperger’s diagnosis altogether in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the diagnostic encyclopedia of American psychiatry.

As history changes, a record must be kept, these stories must be told. Through the support of Street Roots and the Regional Arts & Culture Council, the goal of this series is to encourage viewers to question their perceptions of both Asperger´s and autism and challenge themselves to gain a deeper understanding of the people behind the label.

Please join us as we give a voice to those that often have none.

Leah Nash is a documentary photographer based in Portland. More of her work can be found at www.LeahNash.com.

The project was made possible in partnership with the Regional Arts & Culture Council in an effort to chronicle the diversity of this complex diagnosis of autism, illustrating the challenges and beauty of an unconventional life."