I'm a college professor. Have an autistic student.

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Hi everyone. I have been a member of WP for some time now, as well as some nursing-specific boards. Nursing has been a tough road for me, but I stuck it out and had some champions who helped me along the way.

Now, as a nursing professor- yes, academia is a good fit for many of us- I had the mixed blessing of having an AS nursing student.

Many of my students have been ADD/ADHD.

Believe me, being an "older" person, you know we didn't have the benefit (or detriment?) of being diagnosed at an early age. So I don't know what I really am. All I know is I identify as neuro-atypical: not like all the other kids. As a nursing instructor, I know when the students don't fit the mold. I think we all have the benefit of helping others. But, seeing the students with their difficulties in testing, in dealing with the social issues with other students and patients, that is the hard part.

My nursing student was diagnosed as having aspergers syndrome. Now, post-DSM-V, autistic.

There is this issue of HIPAA, of FERPA. But, this student passed. Met the outcomes, despite all the issues that arose due to AS, due to Aspergers, Due to Autism, due to being neuro-atypical. My student will be an amazing nurse.

Yes, I was-- as a neuro atypical person myself- able to connect him with others who will be "family" to him. those wo understand that WE ARE NOT LIKE THE OTHER KIDS.

He will help other people. He will be of immense benefit to society.

This is what we live for, yes?

I guess so. I let the docs at the mental hospital videotape my 6 hours of diagnosis, for the sole reason of providing study material on adult Asperger's.

Oh, always is coming tomorrow another day. I gotta quit wallowing.

Claradoon, That is very brave of you to allow that. Thank you for being not only brave, but also generous.

(((Claradoon)))

The book you mentioned in your signature sounds fascinating!

Riverotter,

You and your student both sound as though you have a great deal of empathy for people who are different/atypical. Good luck to both of you! I am thinking of someday going into a profession where I can help others, because I grew up feeling different from others.