asplanet.info

INTERVIEWS 2009 by ASPERGERS PARALLEL PLANET

 Interview questions have been updated, scroll down to

end for questions and can join in - answer in comments

(11 March 2009: My latest interview with Donna Williams: http://blog.

donnawilliams.net/2009/03/11/delving-into-the-everyday-heaven-of-donna-williams)

.

.

RE: ASD on line interview March 2009

.

A. Here's my bio:

Elesia Ashkenazy is Asperger’s autistic, as well as profoundly deaf. She is fluent in American Sign Language and is also a cochlear implant recipient. Elesia is the mother of an autistic son and has several extended family members who are on the autism spectrum.
.
Elesia is doing her part to promote a better understanding of the needs of autistics in the here and now.

.

Currently, Elesia is co-directing Portland Autistic Self Advocacy Network (PDX ASAN) in Portland, Oregon. She is also a community board member of Academic Autistic Spectrum Partnership In Research and Education (AASPIRE). Elesia has a B.A. degree in Speech & Hearing Sciences and is also a licensed Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA).
.
Elesia's special interests are autism, classical ballet, metaphysics, public speaking, and writing.

.
B. Here is my blog to inlcude:

C. 10 Questions Answered by Elesia:
1.  How did you first come to learn about Autism Spectrum Disorders?
I've been in touch with autism for quite some time. As a teenager, I worked as a nanny for one-year old twin boys who are on the autism spectrum. They happened to be diagnosed about a year after I began taking care of them. I was very close to both boys and felt I understood them well.
.
In college, I began having a lot of struggles. I spent much more time on homework than the average person and was often stressed out about not understanding the complex and convoluted information in my classes (my major was Speech & Hearing Sciences). Tests were a nightmare, as I never felt I had a enough time to process the questions so that I could produce intelligent answers. I finally went in to see the school psychologist in hopes of being approved for extended testing time. I ended up not only receiving extended testing time, but also receiving a referral to a psychologist who specializes in diagnosing Asperger’s.
.
I never followed through with the referral, as I was happy to just have extended testing time. Besides, the word "Asperger’s" is weird. Years later, after my youngest son (of two) was diagnosed as being on the spectrum, I went in and received my diagnosis as well.
.
2.  Have you been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder? If yes, how and where?
I was diagnosed in Portland, Oregon by a neuropsychologist. It took about two months between testing and appointments.
.
3.  Do you feel that people with Asperger’s Syndrome are unfairly treated?
All people are unfairly treated at times. Unfortunately, people with disabilities are often even more likely to be mistreated. Have I been unfairly treated? Yes. So far, I think it's due to my direct personality. It rubs some people the wrong way. On the other hand, I've been mistreated several times in direct relation to my deafness. Some people have a hard time with what is strikingly different. Sadly, I've faced the most discrimination from the very people who are supposed to be either working with me or helping me--instructors, co-workers, and employers.
.
4. Do you think that Asperger’s Syndrome should be classified as a mental disorder, learning disability, or what?
Autism Spectrum Disorders are neurologically based.

.
5. What services are available for people with Asperger’s where you live?
There are online, as well as in-person, support groups. Two examples are the Portland Aspergers Network and the Portland Autistic Self Advocacy Network.
.
There is the Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation, though they are unfortunately no longer accepting new clients.
.
For infants and school-aged children there are educational service district's offering services in each county. The quality of services varies from county to county.
.
As for diagnosis, there are a few competent therapists who are well-versed in diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorders. Also, two of the leading hospitals here in Oregon have diagnostic teams and centers set up for ASD diagnosis, however, the wait lists are long.
.
There are plenty of naturopathic doctors here for parents who prefer that route.
.
There is an Autism Society of Oregon. It is strongly cure-focused.
.
There are two schools that solely cater to young children on the spectrum.
.
There is a public lending center, within a hospital, that stocks autism-related publications and media.
.
Plus there are a few summer camps and programs for children on the spectrum.
.
Services for autistic adults, however, are greatly lacking.
.
6. What support and help are you currently receiving?
I am receiving services from Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation for specialized job training in my field.
.
7. What do you find most positive about people with Asperger’s Syndrome?
Our ability to think outside of the box!
  .
8. What do you see as the negative effects of Asperger’s Syndrome?
There should be no negative effects when a person on the spectrum is having all of his or her needs met (appropriate and meaningful education, accommodations, integration and acceptance, opportunity, and legal protection). Co-morbid conditions to Asperger’s are a separate entity.
.
9. Do you feel you can discuss Asperger’s with friends and family?
To an extent. My closest relatives and friends are able to understand me better now that they know. I have had some close candid discussions with the nearest and dearest. Fortunately, I have not experienced any disbelief or anything like that, as some of my idiosyncrasies are quite pronounced. I feel that disclosing my Asperger’s has only put things into perspective. I have not, however, told more distant family members.
.
I am currently editing a memoir. I would rather my *leftover* family members and friends find out through reading my memoir. There would be less to explain, as the more distant relatives and friends of mine are acquainted with my outside "mask" and not my real self.
.
10. Are any of your family members or friends also on the Autistic Spectrum?
I strongly suspect that one of my parents is on the spectrum. I am being vague out of respect for privacy. My youngest son, of two, is autistic. I also have a cousin in France who is autistic.
.
My nephew, from my husband's side is Asperger’s autistic. Most of the family strongly suspects one of my husband's brothers is Asperger’s autistic, plus an uncle who has passed.

.
Additional comment:

Alyson, I am really weird about my answers being changed around or accidentally misspelled. I just thought I would let you know in advance so that when this is posted, you don't have to worry about receiving an email from me asking for corrections to be made.  Smiles, and best wishes. Thank you for the interview.

.

My reply:

Reason I also put this comment in, as a reminder those of us on the autism spectrum often we have a need to get things right, so any injustice we will fight for. With me I am also a perfectionist, which is not easy as one of my neurological differences is dyslexia, so every time I find a mistake I have made, it’s like an urgent need to correct, so running my own web site / forum sometimes can make life difficult. Others sometimes perceive us as fussy, pushy but I feel a good attribute to want to do a good job and / or simply to want to get things right!

.

______________________________

 .

.

.

RE: ASD on line interview Feb.2009

From Sharisa Joy Kochmeister: 

.

1. How did you first become interested, get to know about ASD. 
I was diagnosed at age 2 1/2 and have been interested since. 
  .
2. Have you been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, if yes how and where. 
By neurologists, psychiatrists, psychologists & child development specialists as far back as 1981. 
.
3. Do you feel that people with Aspergers Syndrome are unfairly treated? 
Yes, everyone on the spectrum and pretty much everyone with any kind of label is unfairly treated and misunderstood. 
.
4. Do you think that Aspergers syndrome should be classified as a mental disorder, learning disability or? 
Neither of those, part of the Autism Spectrum. 
  .
5. What services that you know of are there for people with Aspergers where you are? 
Services... SERVICES????? NONE. 
  .
6. What support and help are you receiving? 
SSI, Medicaid, Personal Care Assistance, job developer - not sure this is really working. 
  .
7. What do you find most positive about people with Aspergers Syndrome? 
Intelligence, focus, creativity. 
  .
8. What do you see as the negative effects of Aspergers Syndrome? 
Some negative impact on social skills and emotional relating. 
  .
9. Do you feel you can discuss with friends and family? 
Always. 
  .
10. Do you have anyone with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder that is close to you? 
My father and friends. 
                                                                      ___________________

.

RE: ASD on line interview Feb.2009

Name:     Anna Moore 

.                           

1.  How did you first become interested, get to know about ASD.

My son was diagnosed at age 6. 

.

2.  Have you been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, if yes how and where.

No, but the more I learn about my son the more I believe I fall somewhere on the spectrum myself.
.
3.  Do you feel that people with Aspergers Syndrome are unfairly treated.

 Yes, they are very misunderstood.
.
4. Do you think that Aspergers syndrome should be classified as a mental disorder, learning disability or?

Definitely NOT a mental disorder. My son struggles academically in some areas & excels in others. I think Aspies are square pegs being forced into round holes someone just needs to make a square hole.
.
5. What services that you know of are there for people with Aspergers where you are.

We have CARD Center for Autism & Related Disabilities.
.
6. What support and help are you receiving.

Belong to a lot of online groups & have great friends with ASD children. My son was receiving OT, Speech & Language & private tutoring. He is 9 & has since graduated from all of these.
.
7. What do you find most positive about people with Aspergers Syndrome?

.
8. What do you see as the negative effects of Aspergers Syndrome?

The people they are forced to be around such as school staff. My son was brutally restrained & emotionally & physically injured in public school at age 7. Some people just refuse to understand them or take their differences very personal. One of my favorite saying is please don’t take it personal it isn’t about you!

..
9. Do you feel you can discuss with friends and family.

Sometimes.....I would have to say certain friends & certain family.
.
10. Do you have anyone with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder that is close to you?

Yes, my now 9 year old son. I have boy/girl twins my daughter has some ASD tendencies.

.

My Restraint & Seclusion Awareness Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8RlcIRkBkw

And End the use of aversive, restraints and seclusion http://autism.change.org/actions/view/end_the_use_of_aversives_restraints_and_seclusion

.

.

Love and Asperger's syndrome - Anna Moore - Telegraph.co.uk

.

.

RE: ASD on line interview Feb.2009

Name: Sonya O'Brien
.
1.  How did you first become interested, get to know about ASD.

My son was diagnosed when he was two years old.

.
2.  Have you been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, if  yes how and where.

No, but we believe my husband may be undiagnosed Aspie. My son was diagnosed by a child psych and dev. ped.

.
3.  Do you feel that people with Aspergers Syndrome are unfairly treated?

 Yes

.
4. Do you think that Aspergers syndrome should be classified as a mental disorder, learning disability or?

Neurobiologic disorder sometimes with a learning disability.

.
5. What services that you know of are there for people with Aspergers where you are?

None

.
6. What support and help are you receiving?

None, just gets a little therapy thru the school system and I take him to outpatient therapy.

.
7. What do you find most positive about people with Aspergers Syndrome?

They are brilliant! My child would still be special if he didn't have autism but he wouldn't be so extraordinary!

.
8. What do you see as the negative effects of Aspergers Syndrome?

The social problems, sensory issues and limited interests.

.
9. Do you feel you can discuss with friends and family?

Most times.

.
10. Do you have anyone with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder that is close to you?  

Yes my 4yo son and probably my Husband.

____________________

.

.

.

Name:     Phil Schwarz                           

.
1.  How did you first become interested, get to know about ASD.
My wife and I started searching for guidance when our son's development as a toddler became atypical.
.
2.  Have you been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, if yes how and where.
Asperger  syndrome, via diagnostic consult, Tufts-New England Medical Center.
.
3.  Do you feel that people with Aspergers Syndrome are unfairly treated
I don't "feel" opinions -- I think them.  (Beyond a few basic "primary color" feelings such as fear, joy, pleasure, pain, I really have to *think* first in order to identify how I feel in any more nuanced way.)
As for whether I think people with AS are unfairly treated?  They are, too often.  Not always, but too often.
..
4. Do you think that Aspergers syndrome should be classified as a mental disorder, learning disability or?
Developmental disability.  And "disability" taken in the broader sense of both the social model and the medical model of disability.  Much of what encumbers AS folks is intolerance and lack of accommodation.  OTOH, there are some very real *intrinsic* impairments for many of us, ranging from sensory hyper- and hypo-sensitivities to difficulties with executive function and allocation of attention.
.

5. What services that you know of are there for people with Aspergers where you are
I'm on the board of the Aspergers Association of New England, which has been on the cutting edge in developing a lot of what has become best practice in support for AS adults, kids, and their family members.  Unfortunately, *provision* of services requires more funding and delivery infrastructure.  AANE has consistently, in all its years since its founding in 1995, seen greater incoming inquiries and need for services than it has had capacity for.

.
6. What support and help are you receiving
I'm currently AANE's vice-president, and I'm always tempted to do a bad parody of the "Hair Club For Men" advertisements on TV and observe (as the "Hair Club" president does on TV) that I'm not just the vice-president, I'm also a satisfied customer :-).  Various professionals in AANE's extended community of professionals have been of assistance both to my son and myself.  That said, I am generally able to identify, articulate, and implement most of the accommodations I need, for and by myself.
.
7. What do you find most positive about people with Aspergers Syndrome?
Their wide variety, and in general a lack of social game-playing getting in the way of communication.  And intellectual stimulation: AS folks' deep interests are -- in all their variety -- often fascinating to share.
.
8. What do you see as the negative effects of Aspergers Syndrome?
In response I'll quote Jim Sinclair, from his landmark essay "Don't Mourn For Us" (http://www.ani.ac/dont_mourn.html): "...not because of what we are, but because of the things that happen to us".
.
9. Do you feel you can discuss with friends and family
The process of disclosure for folks on the autism spectrum who've managed to "pass" and get by in the majority non autistic society is very much like the process of coming out is, for gay folks.  It can be very positive, or fraught with disappointment and adverse consequences (for example, in employment).  I've had it be both, in my own life experience.
.
I use the term "coming out" for disclosure, because I think the parallels are so strong.
.
Coming out to my father was very positive.  It made a whole bunch of observations on his part finally make more sense -- as diagnosis had done for me, in the first place.  He responded in a very interesting way: he told me that he was hyperlexic as a toddler (he taught himself to read at 3, a year younger than when I did!), and that *his* father had arithmetic-savant skills, which he very matter-of-factly used in the course of running his small businesses.  I and my son are in a natural genetic lineage.
.
10. Do you have anyone with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder that is close to you?
Yes, as mentioned above, my son is autistic.  My daughter is in the broader autism phenotype as well -- and she is turning out to be a natural-born ally.
.
===
.
Question:

Not part of the online interview: "Do you know Ava Baker MD, from Christchurch?  (I think she's a trustee of Autism Spectrum Kiwis.)  She's been to several Autreats (see http://www.autreat.com) and I've gotten to know her there.  She was also one of the editors of _Women From Another Planet?_ (see http://www.womenfromanotherplanet.com), whose other editors (Jean Kearns Miller, Jane Meyerding, and Sola Shelly) I all know from Autreat as well.  Ava is the one person I know in all of NZ :-).  (Some day I would like to make the journey from the faraway Atlantic coast of North America, where I live, to NZ, to see its beauty first-hand!)  The one other autistic Kiwi I know *of* is Jen Birch, by virtue of the wonderful title of her book _Congratulations, it's Asperger Syndrome_."  - Phil

.

Decided to leave your question and my reply online:

"as you mentioned 2 special Kiwi aspies and books, Jen Birch (North Island) I have not met , but at times corresponded online and I have interviewed her (Feb.08 - http://asplanet.info/index.php?option=com7). She has also done a lot of great work for the NZ ASD Implementation Guidelines Group and continues too since discovery aspergers, when time. When first diagnosed myself her book “ Congratulations, it's Asperger Syndrome” help answer some of my own unanswered questions. Jan Birch also takes an active role in the north island Autism NZ, Auckland Branch meetings, can view under various groups: http://asplanet.info/index.

.

.Ava Ruth Baker (south island) runs her own medical practice in Christchurch, NZ (where I live) specialises in autism diagnosis and support for all ages. Only wished I had met her before being diagnosed myself, truly not enough asd specialist who are on the spectrum themselves.  She is a co-founder of ASK, a charitable Trust offering support to and by NZ adults on the autism spectrum. ASK Trust NZ: http://asplanet.info/index.php? That’s where I met her and she continues to take an active role in the group at present - Ava Ruth Baker (chairperson), April Masilamani (secretary) both in the book you mention (Women from Aother Planet) and both inspiration woman and a great book.

.

I guess I am lucky that the group is near where I live and I do attend when I can, to be honest I enjoy the people but not really a group person myself, makes me personally feel like there is some think wrong with me attending, and having to keep location etc.. a secret in this day and age I feel very strange. I tend to prefer bigger events, outings like walking etc... But great for meeting other asd likeminded people, getting advice / support or just to be able to talk about asd and have others understand, which I tend to do on line, but saying that have meet some great people via the group and do stay in contact."  - Alyson

.

RE: ASD on line interview Feb.2009

Name: Jan Fisher

.
1.  How did you first become interested, get to know about ASD.
For awhile there were no doctors who had training in autism. I didn't have my son diagnosed until the 7th grade by 3 doctors, one of them trained with the yale child study team. One doctor started FEAT(Families for Early Autistic Treatment).Before this I worked for an agency doing home care. I worked with autistic kids who did behavior training, parents who had out of control autistic children locked in their rooms. I worked with the parents by giving them skills to help their child and by talking to them about their child being a human being. These people were ready to have a nervous breakdown and were divorced. 75% are divorced. Schools etc. were stressing out these parents but not offering any help.I started a nonprofit business called Resources for Children.  I am certified to write positive behavior intervention plans(functional analysis) for IEP services from the school. I got the parents and child to help me write the plans and then the school was forced to follow them. It was great because we wrote plans based on what the child could do and was willing to do.  I found appropriate schools for these children(very low functioning) where they learned and made progress. I also had many kids who were going to be kicked out of school because the school couldn't handle them.  I also learned a lot from the parents and children. My son was low functioning but with finding a communication method when he was 7-8 years old things changed for us.

.
I also worked in community homes for the retarded and autistic.. Most of the time the staff had no idea how to follow the behavior plan for the autistic person. I worked with them on how to teach the person and how to control inappropriate behavior. I worked with autistics who were going to be kicked out of these homes.
.
 2.  Have you been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, if yes how and where.
No I have not been diagnosed. I see I have some positive autistic traits when I compare myself to my son. It is probably genetic. Although I think that part of it is environment. When you hear about all the different species going extinct quickly. I think the increase in autism 1:150 might show human sensitivity to the environment. When you think that fishermen are running out of fish; the way we live may threaten nature and ourselves.
..
3.  Do you feel that people with Aspergers Syndrome are unfairly treated.
My other son is helping out an autistic 19 year old on the job. The 19 year old is making so much progress (he is pretty smart) that it looks like he will stay on the job. My other son treats him like everyone else. I think that autistic people shouldn't think of themselves as aliens. I admit it is hard for them to make it in the world. The beautiful place I live in that is so friendly can't stand my child. They don't want to know how well he has done in the world. All they remember is how terrible he was. I still get comments about the past. It hurts that no one will hear about how great he is. My brother is mentally retarded. He doesn't look like it because we don't use labels, we just treat him like normal. He gets social security, medicare and vocational rehab. I think if your family treats you like normal you will act normal. If your family can love and bond with you then you can overcome the world. People don't see the President of US, Obama, as black. Now you see more afro-americans on TV.
.
4. Do you think that Aspergers syndrome should be classified as a mental disorder, learning disability or?
 I don't think it should be a mental disorder because then you wouldn't know where to find it. I think it should be under Childhood Disorders. There should be a section under learning disability so that people know how to teach them. One IEP I went to all 14 teachers and principal had no idea that the successes they had in the classroom should be discussed with everyone so they would know how to teach him. The child was out of control and very big size and they were trying to put him someplace terrible. When they heard what everyone said, they knew how to work with him.
.
5. What services that you know of are there for people with Aspergers where you are
Well it is not easy to find services in the US. Everything is fragmented. There is so much we did. Alternative schools I would say is the most important thing you could do. These children are hands on learners.  There is many more things I could list.
.
6. What support and help are you receiving
I did get mental help services (we got the services because the school wanted my child in a terrible place). Right now my son lives on his own with roommates. He graduated from college and works independently at a low paying job. He would qualify for services for disable but he doesn't want them.
.
7. What do you find most positive about people with Aspergers Syndrome?
I think that they have a terrific sense of humor. They see things in very creative and colorful ways. They can think out of the box. Their wired brain points out important things that others miss. I thought it was fascinating their dreams. My son saw himself as the savior of the world and he was injured fighting off the bad guys. They are driven in areas of interest, They can be in an isolation chamber and enjoy the experience and last the longest. They are accepting of others if they trust them.
.
8. What do you see as the negative effects of Aspergers Syndrome?
If you work on the behavior and speech I don't see any negative effects. His giardia (stomach parasite eggs that open when you want to eat causing muscle spasms) made him act insane. Every meal he thrashed and screamed. Taking care of his gut and stopping his suffering improved everyone's life. My son self-injured himself that scared off his teachers but communication improved the situation.
.
9. Do you feel you can discuss with friends and family.
No. Our families don't want anything to do with our son. It is difficult to even get them to put up his picture. When he made Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts) and graduated from college there was no interest. We pretty much lost all our friends when our son had autism. Church people won't even discuss our son.
.
10. Do you have anyone with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder that is close to you?
My son and the 19year old at my other son's work.

.

Comment, have included as feel you make some interesting genuine points: 

I really enjoyed meeting you on change org I think you offer a good point of view. It is important for people to understand your point of view.  I agree with what you say. I have been checking on the change org site without posting. I am very upset that people are so political about this issue. I feel for the parents of children with autism who come on these blogs like change org for support. They have no idea about neurodiversity. They don't realize autism has cure vs no cure vs whatever political view. These families are aliens because they have no clue about the politics. I remember when I was 8 I had no idea how to take care of a mentally retarded brother. All I could do is try to understand his heart. Try to understand him as a person. To me if he could fit into the world he was recover. We all come with a mix salad. You can't change someone's genes. But if I talked about him on change.org I would be in trouble for saying recover.  These families are trying to get ideas etc from others. Everyone has something valuable to say. I just wish we could talk to each other. Then I think people might be interested in different points of view. But I just see the disadvantage of people hurt because they don't know the political agenda of the blog site. Why hurt people who are trying to help their autistic person. When I worked I have seen people reject these kids because they didn't get the support they needed. Locking them inside their room, holes punched in walls, child acting out because he/she felt like an animal. . I think you are a very positive person so I am telling you this before filling out your questionnaire.

.

My reply:

Thank you so much for your kind words, thoughts and completing my questionnaire, as makes some great points and feel it’s good to for us all to step back from time to time, including me I know, and remember what ever our views we all want what we feel is best for asd, unfortunately so much crap, fad treatments and misguided information about, even those of us like myself trying to tell my story, wanting so much to share and give insight get attacked because of the politics, just being honest and telling it how it is, well my story that’s all I can do. I so agree with you we can only learn if we really all listen to one another, the struggle I guess for control of funds, autistic people feeling let down yet again seems to go around in circles, some of the parents are as bad if not worse than some of the autistic people, when people are so angry is it because they are like many on the spectrum feed up with the confused messages, no real support for many children, let alone adults and often Autism becomes like a giant web and depending on what path you take, you get different advice, different messages and another blank wall... no wonder so many are frustrated!

.
Your right no one should be so judgmental of other people, but some of the comments I also feel are a misunderstood difference, and asd people often if truly believe some think is right believe in saying it how it is, standing there ground and can seem a little or at times very blunt, if you have some think to say you should not let others put you off, the ones that offend me I just do not reply to... if I continue to feel others are being unjustly rude. Of course as you say it should be "Try to understand him as a person." about the person, we are all unique individuals on or off the autism spectrum, none of us can ever agree all the time, but we can at least try and understand each other’s differences and I feel until we all start to teach our own children about diversity and difference from a young age, there will continue to be many conflicts in this world. It should not be about what words we use but our intent, I know when you say "recover" what you mean, but many asd people feel your saying they need to get better, when that’s who they are. I guess a nicer way to say it is every child from birth should be embraced, supported as, if and when needed and have a place in this world.

.
I truly just want to let people into my world and see though my eyes, my web site Aspergers Parallel Planet for that very reason is independent and I self fund. I can only say it how I know, a life time of difference often surrounded with difference not many experts have that privilege, but I also know I would not want any child to walk in my shoes or try and survive the years of lost hectic confused chaos I have, until I discovered self and Aspergers. My own children and other children give me the strength to want to make that change, let others in because with each step we can all get their together, if not for this generation, then I hope for my children’s generations sake change will happen one day. Awareness and understanding is needed before, many are accepted and just allowed to be. I felt very sad reading "Locking them inside their room, holes punched in walls," because I know this happens, many children continue to suffer they hit out only from frustration and anger. We all grow, learn and adapt however we are treated in life, but some are not embrace they have to fight to survive. 

.

.

.

FOR MORE INTERVIEWS:

.

2008 - http://asplanet.info/index.php?option=com

2007 - http://asplanet.info/index.php?option=com

.

. If you wish to take part, do online interview

Please complete questions below and send via contacts:

http://asplanet.info/index.php? or add in comments below:

.

2009 on line interviews, please complete 10 questions and of course happy for you to add introduction paragraph, extra info., links if appropriate  etc...

 .

To note questions updated, amended August 2009

 (so feel free to do again if already done and/or can update previous interview,

As I am aware circumstances and situations also can change:

1.  How did you first become interested,  get to know about Autism
2.  Have you been diagnosed with an autism spectrum condition, if yes how and where.
3.  What have you been diagnosed with or suspect and what co-morbid do you have.
4.  Do you feel that people with Autism are unfairly treated
5. Do you think that Autism should be diagnosed alone side all co-morbids such as mental conditions, learning disability - all neurological complexities as one diagnosis?
6. What services that you know of are there for people with Autism where you are?
7. What support and help are you receiving

8. Do you feel you can discuss with friends and family.

9. What do you see as the negative effects of Autism?

.

 Please feel free to add and/or alter any questions to suit….

[Asperger Parallel Planet - web site/ AsPlanet forum -http://www.asplanet.info/ ]

.

Add comments and/or 1-10 question replies below

Please note all comments checked for spam before shown

.