Hi My Name is Don

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Hello Folks.

Even though I became a member in 2007, this is the first day I'm posting--not for any reason of shyness--just didn't have the time.

I am a 47-year-old married man, living independently since age 20, who has had and still has characteristics of both autism and Asperger's Syndrome. I have not been "officially" diagnosed with anything, though I should have been. I was considered for institutionalization at a young age, and considered for a "special school" at age 13. Was on Ritalin for two weeks at age 13. I didn't speak till I was 5 1/2 years old.

I have been employed as a civil servant-data entry typist for the past 27 1/2 years. I am most fortunate that I do not have to deal with the public much. It's not that I'm aesthetically unpleasing--it's just that dealing with the public can been anxiety-provoking and irritating. I dress much better than I used to, in clean clothes which blend appropriately. When I was 15, I used to take a shower once a week; now, I take one every day.

I have obtained a BA in Speech Pathology/English. I'm thinking of going for the MSW. One of my ambitions to is assist Aspies and "Auties" in living independently, and to believe in themselves. There are many times when the "illness" lies in the one "assessing" the Aspie, rather than the Aspie him/herself. However, ultimately, people, including those on the autistic spectrum should be responsibile for their public behavior, and their behavior amongst friends--and really try to not to allow themselves to use their "illness" as an excuse for impoliteness, short-temperedness, diva-like behaviors, and anything which infringes upon the enjoyment of another person. Sometimes, I have to struggle to take my own advice.

Have a great day.

Welcome to WP!

Thank you.

Nice to meet you, Don.

Hi, Don
welcomw to WP

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

To WrongPlanet!! !

Glad to meet you, donkort.

You've held down a job for 27 1/2 years? I'm in awe of you!

Welcome to WP!

Thank you folks for your nice replies. My job's an "easy" job, data entry on a computer, no public contact. I was once a receptionist at a hearing-aid clinic--it was pretty difficult, but I managed okay (not great). It took a lot of effort just to be "okay."

I get along with my coworkers; I've adopted an "easygoing" persona which makes people think I'm naive. That's why I get along so well--they don't feel I'll rat on them since they think I'm so dumb and naive!

My advice: never try to pretend you're "hip" when you're not. It makes you a blaring, glaring target. Just be yourself. I've learned that the hard way.

Remember: court jesters always have had the most intimate (I mean secrets, not sexual) contact with kings and queens

Hi. Don

Hi Don- Welcome!

Magliabechi.