.When we are different neurologically or otherwise the more we believe in self,
the more often it seems others think we are strange and the more we speak
out it seems the more others feel a need to label us. But if we all continue to
play to much of a part, conform to much of self, I feel so many things will stay
on hold, never be known and so maybe we should all question more! (July 2010)
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What we think and what we feel is all a part of how we perceive and see life,
how we have been raised, actions create reaction, endless discussions and
conclusions, which differ depending on who we speak to at the time, as much
as their is fact, their is also varies interpretations of the same meanings
and seen often in various ways at different points in time!!! (July 2010)
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- my world within my world -
"Believe, allow and accept in self - no boundaries. I am often happiest
when surrounded with the natural world, a combination of the whispering
sea, forever changing sky or above the world on a mountain top.... "
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Have you ever watched a river flow, however much you try, the water
finds a away to follow as it always has, unless of course a giant dam
blocks its way. So unnatural made by man, who often changes what
they can and I feel a little like, its unnatural not to embrace or change
individuals that may not act like you or me, we are all different and
should not stop each other and allow to simply be. - Alyson Bradley
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May 2010: In the Mix - the centre of the spectrum maybe a variation of differences. Let me explain myself neurologically wired differently, sensory wise I sense the world differently, I am so in tuned at times with the world it’s like surround sound, intellectual learning differences which vary greatly, but really to me a different type of intelligence, mentally minded differently possibly an extremity of feeling at odds with the world. But for those of us who have varied differences I see as the inner core, those with less the outer and including many other differences as the circle widens such as highly sensitive etc...and then on the very outer circle those with no difference at all and so isn't the real problem those on the outer circle not understanding the inner circle.!!!http://asplanet.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=79&Itemid=125 Con't...
LET – our Lives, our Existence, our Terms. We can all learn
from each other and I feel we should celebrate diversity and
difference not stress over it, with understanding comes awareness,
comes acceptance and then maybe we will simply all be allowed....
My wish for 2010 for AUTISM (copy and paste and pass on)
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- Welcome to AsPlanet.info-
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"I feel far to often we are judged by others idealisms... It's like at times
some feel I have no idea what it is like being a parent with an autistic child,
I have a child on the spectrum and I was a child on the spectrum myself.
Maybe individuals need to stop comparing with high, low whatever -
maybe we should start calling none spectrum individuals high, low
functioning etc... so wrong! But really we all have many similarities on
the spectrum, with different strengths and weaknesses and yes some
children have brain damage and other horrendous co-morbid's that
anyone can have and that of course is extremely hard to deal with,
but the real spectrum traits the same across the spectrum. We simply
are affected differently depending on many factors, how we are raised,
embraced, allowed, our individual strengths and weaknesses which is the
same for non spectrum. I sometimes I think non spectrum miss the bigger
picture of getting to know, understanding and allowing our spectrum
traits and I feel that's what it should be about, individualisium.... "
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Word Echoes - Neurologically Complex Mind - by Alyson Bradley
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They may stick many labels on me, but like everyone I am a unique
individual and it’s takes many differences and variables, as with each
diagnosis that helps us understand that little bit more, but there is no
real comparable as each individual is a combination of many factors. !
Spectrum-wise a complex criteria of endless possibilities...
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As I walked this morning, I was thinking on how we simply do not think like others, process, relate, visualize, so what if our whole perspective from when born is different, I feel that's why others often misinterpret us, at times brilliant minds dismissed, something must be wrong with us because we are not the same, we simply do not fit, what? I do not think it's as simple as being on the spectrum or not, the spectrum circle of neurologically complexities is what links us all... some have none, some are on the edge of the autism spectrum with various neurological differences and some like myself come under the autism spectrum, but also have many neurological differences that none spectrum can have, the more we have the more complex, at times I guess the harder it is to fit into a reality that is not designed for our needs. Then there is the highly sensitive group, which seems to be on the edge of the autism spectrum, add in various personality types, other differences, cultural, environmental factors and we have a world full of diversity and difference, maybe we all need to be more inclusive, open and accepting of all differences, embrace and allow rather than change. - Feb.2010
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I am diagnosed with Aspergers, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, adhd, Bipolar
plus, just a part of who I am as a unique individual, like everyone is:
"A different intelligence that simply far too often does not fit into society as is,
each of us different on the spectrum just like those that are not, each with differing
strengths and weaknesses, but our biggest battle continues to be with a society
that encourages conformist and for me to conform would be to lose part of self."
My name is Alyson Bradley I was born in the UK and now live in New Zealand. All I ask is that you do not judge me by me differences, as my outside does not necessarily reflect my inside thoughts... When I first meet you I may over process and sensory wise go into overload, but if you take time to get to really know me, I am just another individual, not so unlike you... I discovered later in life the autism spectrum, simply brilliant. I have Aspergers, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia plus... a complex neurological puzzle, I have so much to say as I have discovered from my own journey, lived experiences. Aug.09 also diagnosed with adhd plus, when ready and when understand all my complexities more maybe I will write an article or include in my book, my journey at present continues which is a process.
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"I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life. - George Burns" I also look forward as looking back untold wrongs, put downs, misunderstandings, discrimination even I never knew about until understood my own neurological differences, my journey continues and with acceptance I can allow and look forward to a future on my terms. This web site / Forum is for all those that want to learn, for all diversely different people who often continue to suffer unnecessarily on or off the spectrum... I guess myself I am more complex than simply having Aspergers and so in a way my many neurological complexities has given me a unique window and insight into this world, and now I understand so much more in a way I feel privileged to view the world the way I do, I only wished I had been allowed, or found the information, confidence to be the person I am now starting to accept, understand and truly like.
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Autism a word I guess that helps explain part of my neurological wiring, a part of me. But in a way I have many labels that the professionals have chosen to give me, there way of figuring me out, but I am no label, word simply a person, a unique individuals just like everyone else… So often many seem scared to step outside their safe boundaries, but often I feel those of us with autism live on the edge of those boundaries, thinking outside the box, pushing concepts and ideas and in part changing the future. Someone question me the other day on line but in away implying because they did not understand my neurological complexities than maybe I needed to be fixed! I could so easily think the same of any other who do not fit into my own mind set, stereo type of my reflection on normality!
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So does in fact any majority have a right to question just because, I may not be your / their idea, but I could so easily say the same about them and reverse what mind sets need fixing! While we are all different, I find generally many seem to not want to understand what they are not use to, feel comfortable with I guess...but does anyone have a right to choose! One of my cyber friends was describing how she felt, same for me: "There's a line in the Beatles song "Eleanor Rigby" about how: she wears a face she keeps in a jar by the door'....." –Iuse to feel like that a lot of the time, now I know just some of the time, but I always when at odds with this world, feel a parallel world must exist and I must dare!
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I seem to be so much more in tuned with the world than others most simply do not get me and exposed to a society that does not understand, never easy. I am quite hyper vigilant, have a different sort of emotion, but it’s there. At times its like being one person at home and feeling like as I go out of my front door I become a rather good chameleon. As at times I Struggle to simply fit in, but at home I feel at ease without the stress of society, which makes me at times feel pressured to how I have to be and act... sometimes to me it’s also like going on stage. I can play act for w while, but exhausting to try and do all the time.
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Who knows why I am so different, guess we all are in a way, different but the same. I over process, analyze everything I do, it’s like a need for knowledge, a need to know often more important to us than friendship in away, but some things of course needs to be encouraged, and often spectrum individuals prefer one friend at a time, one on one conversations..as find hard to cope with more. Also as I find whatever I am doing I have to fully complete to move on, one less stress to overload us. Because if I end up with too many things to do I end up procrastinating I kind of get stuck. Other peoples instructions never make much sense to me, I usually end up doing my own way like most things, can be amusing sometimes and frustrating other times, as for multi-tasking I sort of can but have to be over organized to do and keep on top of everything, because otherwise the thoughts of everything I need to do clouds my thoughts and shuts me down, overload, stop.!
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We are as mysteries as the universe, but then isn't everyone.
I do know I am neurologically wired differently, and so are some
individuals not on the spectrum, the outer circle as I like to say....
I am not a scientist and will not pretend to be, but throughout my
whole extended family their are all sorts of neurological differences,
says it all really. We cannot fear what we do not know, so dare!
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I feel we all need to know, if you’re on the autism spectrum or not, including family, friends and / or anyone and everyone as we can learn so much from each other. Society in general seems to want to leave it up to the so called professionals, who are still learning themselves..... I am just trying to help raise awareness so that one day we will be allowedourdifferences, without having to feel we need to justify them.
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Free self-help network designed to share ideas and resources, and to offer a supportive forum and community for all adults (and older teens) that share characteristics of the autistic spectrum including Aspergers Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder - not otherwise specified and associated conditions such as Dyslexia, ADHD, Bipolar..... and so much more, share, learn, discuss and submit....
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We are all unique individuals on or off the autism spectrum, just some of us a lot less understood. Society caters for what the majority, mainstream see as "norm". Being on the autism spectrum does not mean we are ill or need to be cured, we are just simply differently minded and what's really needed is correct support if needed and lots of understanding, time for you all to step back and rethink the way you see things, then maybe less people with autism would feel shut out, or at odds with society in general.
It is too easy to put the NT or any other label onto others, but next to impossible to know for sure that it is the correct label! I am not trying to label, just wanting to generalize without having to continually explain throughout text. I am more than aware of the many diversities, so no offense intended.
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AS: Autism Spectrum - some think to understand and embrace
ASD: Autism Spectrum disorders or maybe we should be saying "differences" as are a range of developmental disorders / disabilities from mild to severe, often accompanied with many associated conditions and no two people on the autism spectrum are alike.
Aspie/Autie: person who is on the Autism Spectrum (some of us prefer not to say if we have high functioning, low functioning, Aspergers, autism...). I also prefer not to differ between aspie and autie as feel we are all on the autism spectrum and share traits where ever on the autism spectrum we are - so will use the word Aspie... NT: Neuro typical - Just a way of indicating a person who is not on the Autism Spectrum, as there is no "normal" - it’s just a concept that a majority of people agree on, as we are all born as unique individuals. I know some people like to say just "typical" but I will just use NT to explain not on autism spectrum, no offence intended.
NEWSpectrumite : simply means your on the autism spectrum and nuerologically minded :)
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Autism : my core at the heart of who I am, what’s Autism many ask and to be honest I feel no simply one word, reply as its a combination of often many sensory, neurologically including many intellectually learning differences and often because of being ...exposed to a society that finds it easier to enforce conformity than really understand, many of us slip onto the criteria of mental variables....Plus like anyone associated conditions to add in the mix, well my version anyway of course could be more complicated even sub sections to being autistic, different types of people, traits... that’s sounding like the rest of the population or maybe simply is as each one of us are individuals, I have so many labels that overlap and interact no surprise others often do not get me, let alone myself unless allow myself to simply be!
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Quotes good ones will always be around and some greatadd yours:
"Autism a apart of my neurology complexities... and for some reason
dare I say the word autism the reactions unbelievable sometimes, its
not what people know, its what they do not know, ignorance can stop
some people from even saying the word, I am not a word but a person
and everyone is different, maybe we all need to discuss and say more!"
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Enough talk time for action, how many more individuals need to feel like
lost souls, alienated from a society that often simply does not understand,
accept or allow. Everyone has a right to an education, to be employed and live
a life on equal terms! I feel it’s not so much about closing the gap, but changing
attitudes, as many of us on the autism spectrum already compromised enough!
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Can add COMMENTS to ALL web page screens, scroll down!
"What has happen, has happen and we can not turn back time,
but we do not have to continue to allow others to tell us how we
should be, no one is going to think for me anymore, don't let my
smile fool you, I have no choice but to be a rebel in disguise!"
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Aspergers there still is generally a lack of understanding and not enough support but to me raising awareness is so important, because to not know, is to stay lost, and not really be able to know or understand your true self. Can we ever be 100% sure that any label is correct, but we need to understand who we are. Many of us misunderstood, confused, wrongly diagnosed, it's not an easy path. Aspergers has only been a part of the diagnostic criteria since 1994. But it's better to know, than never have known...
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People with Aspergers Syndrome include remarkable individuals in all walks of life. They include scientists, engineers, technicians, writers, artists, musicians, business people including CEO’s, entertainers and almost ordinary people, as well as people with serious difficulties who can't seem to hold jobs and don't make eye contact. This is a large, and largely invisible, population not limited to stereotypical geeks and nerds. All share many challenges and most have issues with getting along or being fully accepted in society.
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Education and awareness really is the key to a better society where we can help eliminate, as much as possible the prejudgment and stigma before it happens. Quite often the real problem with having something like Aspergers is having to continually deal with others who do not understand, which can lead to feeling frustrated, as the so called "normal world" often see us as outsiders and keep us at arm’s length. Aspergers is just the way I'm wired; we are all different and have different symptoms Aspies, Auties and NT's etc.. the world is made up of many diversities, but we need to at least be able to understand who we are.
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With a condition like Asperger it is exceptionally hard because no 2 people are the same. We may have some of the same traits, but we are all individuals in our selves, different personalities, different circumstances, different associated conditions and each effected differently. So generalizing about people with Aspergers is difficult, as if you know one person on the autism spectrum, you just know one! We are unique individuals and share traits which have been behind some of the greatest human achievements to date.
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"However much we are knocked back in life, we must always move
forward, stay strong and smile, as each of us has our own life journey's
to fulfil, the key for me is to stick with like minded individuals, reach out
because their is always someone in more need and to remmeber those
that may seem like outsiders, often simply being true to themselves!"
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Our 'symptoms' are in fact ourselves, not some unfortunate illness we suffer. We are unique individuals which the so-called 'normal' world underestimate and even despise, but often do not try to understand.We have been made to believe in a stereotype of 'normality' for our children, and to panic, fear and react when our offspring don't achieve. As far too often it’s the associated conditions we need help with, but the NT's continue to blame our Autism Spectrum Disorders for everything!
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Every person is different, whether you have Aspergers/High Functioning Autism, Autism, Dyslexia, or whatever you’re still human –what is the norm, do you or anyone else have the right to dictate. Someone once said to me "if you had a chance of being normal, would you" and I replied "is there a normal, aren't we all individuals in our own right, and to me thats like asking me to be someone else - so no I think I will keep me"..
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Autism without mental retardation Disorders/intellectual disabilityare said to be the same thing by many experts. I tend to agree and feel it's all the same spectrum, just different levels of ability at different things. I feel all aspies have similar traits just at different levels - I'm all for one Full Official Criteria, instead of two, maybe it would be easier for the professionals then to get it right. Also I feel at times aspergers does not get taken as seriously as autism , and it should as can still have huge consequenties.
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"Asperger’s Syndrome, but I cannot be exact as the lines of definition are so closely intertwined between this term and others. The reason is that there are many autistic disorders, referred to as the Autism Spectrum and they are often diagnosed on the basis of behaviour. Unfortunately, there are no specific genetic or biological markers that accurately identify a person as being on this autism spectrum. People on the spectrum do have certain traits in common such as impairment in social interaction, impairment in communication, and restricted and/or repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests and activities. Autism in all forms tends to first manifest itself in childhood even before the age three and the differences within the autism spectrum are related to both severity and the presence or absence of some symptoms. - MS Carsley"
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Eccentricity is not, as dull people would have us believe, a form of
madness. It is often a kind of innocent pride, and the man of genius
and the aristocrat are frequently regarded as eccentrics because
genius and aristocrat are entirely unafraid of and uninfluenced
by the opinions and vagaries of the crowd. - Edith Sitwell
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Finding and understanding self is a process: It is a journey, the first step to acceptance and recognition that in fact most of our lives have been an act in away, a pretense and of course we have learned to change adapt, but at who's cost... time for the mask to come off and allow, celebrate the real you. Many of us start on a journey, finding we have already spent half our lives trying to be what we are not - neuro typical "norm" and then we get to spend the next half trying to figure out who we are Aspies / Auties.....fair, NO
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A dear friend I meet on my new journey sent me the quote below, after returning from the NZ Autism Conference September 2008 and feeling as if no one gets it, except my fellow aspies, and those living with aspies daily. Who I can only continually thank for being so supportive worldwide, it’s like I have gained a whole new extra large extended family. I feel that partly maybe we are just genetically different, and others are unable to tolerate our quirky traits!
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This web site shares my journey and others...I want this site to be as much yours as mine.... site added to and updated regularly, daily on forum. You can add comments to all web site screens, at bottom of each web page, or just come and chat or help others on the forum. I would love to add your story, thoughts.
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Wrong diagnosis: In the past many people have been misdiagnosed with various conditions. Some people on the autism spectrum do have associated conditions and some do not. But one of the biggest problems is the misconception that people on the spectrum always have some sort of mental disorder, which is not the case. Children on the spectrum can be very bright and parents often think there oddities are due to them being gifted.
. But generally the most common mis-diagnoses are: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (OD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Mood Disorders such as Cyclothymic Disorder, Dysthymic Disorder, Depression, Bi-Polar Disorder and Schizophrenia. These common mis-diagnoses stem from an ignorance among many professionals about specific social and emotional characteristics of people on the spectrum.
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Just one example of many: "Something wasn't adding up" about my daughters behavior for her parents when she was 2 years old, her mother said. In fourth grade, she was diagnosed correctly. Before that, doctors thought she had cerebral palsy, a seizure disorder, then attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and oppositional defiant disorder.......
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"I also love patterns, numbers even sadly the rubic cube. But
creatively I feel this is partly why we see more into things than
others, we notice patterns, numbers etc.. and can make orderto
them differently from the average person. I have also heard that
many aspie type people were used to decode things in the war
like the Enigma code these days they are called hackers!."
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Labels!Just want to make one thing very clear. I do not want to put any labels on anyone, and you could say Aspergers is a label. But it describes a neurological wiring which is an intrinsic characteristic of ours, unfortunately still a very misunderstood one. Asperser’s, just like neurotypicism, is neither good nor bad, but simply a label that applies to a particular type of brain functioning.
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Aspergers and a lot of the associated conditions / symptoms are related to brain chemicals, high or low, so maybe we should all avoid specific labels, where possible, and just treat the condition/symptoms!. But we do need to raise awareness, because otherwise people like me will stay undiagnosed and suffer unnecessary as I have in the past.
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My own mother was never diagnosed with Aspergers unlike me, I'm lucky at least now I know and understand who I am, but my mother was wrongly diagnosed with metal disorders and had quite a few electroconvulsive treatments over the years, so had to deal with her many suicide attempts and having an unavailable mother who always felt like she never belonged and consequent of this, like so many others she was never happy in this world. I continue to hear so many similar stories, of wrong diagnosis and feeling of alienation.
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Unfortunately without raising awareness of Aspergers, it will never become just another fact, like being left or right handed. If people do not know of or understand, how can we help those in need? By understanding better, eventually less people will be left in the dark, confused and misunderstood. Only by discussing and bringing the unknown into the open, can it become norm. To me just like being color blind, it’s just a different way of thinking and seeing things. That’s why it’s vital we all listen to each other and unite on this.
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I do not have a lifelong disability Aspergers is part of who I am, I’m ok
with that, why cannot you be! Raising Awareness of Aspergers Syndrome:
Sometimes it can seem like an endless tasks to convince people that you or your children may be on the Autism Spectrum Disorder and then where on the spectrum another huge task. I myself have felt at times, it’s like trying to achieve the impossible just to get diagnosed, let alone know what to do and where to go. There is help out there, so do not give up - And remember more than often you’re the best judge of yourself and / or children, as far too few really good professionals and of course if I can help in any way, I will just ask.
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I feel one of the problems still lies with big organizations, over structure, fighting for funding…instead of dealing with the real problems and working with the people who can really help. We truly need to all come together, otherwise people on the spectrum are left to try and fit the puzzle together themselves. I also feel with so many different individuals working on different aspects of the spectrum, it is quite disjointed and hard for an out sided to get an overall view of the whole picture.
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WhenDr. Temple Grandinwas a child, she was labeled autistic (low-functioning) and her parents were told she should be institutionalized. Some people argue that no child should be given a label like low-functioning. Autistics themselves are beginning to speak out against the low functioning labels they received as children, and the abuse they suffered in institutions. Abuse of the disabled, or those labeled disabled, is unfortunately an all too common problem..
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Arguably the most famous living individual with autism, Temple Grandin boasts a highly successful career in the cattle industry and a prodigious collection of autobiographical works. Almost certainly the most public figure with autism, Ms. Grandin also has decades of practice communicating with people about what it's like to live as an autistic individual in the "neurotypical" world.
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If you've heard Grandin speak before, you might be surprised to hear her voice in this interview -- her typical monotonic "robot" voice has softened a bit over the years, as I'm sure she's aware. She's grown expert in expressing her experience in a way that people without autism will understand, in part because over the course of a lifetime she's put a lot of effort into understanding how her way of being in the world diverges from the "neurotypical."
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Hopefully as awareness grows, this site will reach
out like the brances of a large old wise oak tree !
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Knowing is the first step to really understanding yourself
The first steps are never easy, it’s not that simply as from day one we are all born as unique individuals, and we are all altered and changed by life experiences and our environmental situations. But a circle does not fit into a square, and if you have always felt the outside, just different – maybe there is a lot more to you than even you realized, just maybe you have been gifted with AS (Aspergers Syndrome, Advanced Species, Alien Species….any other suggestions!)
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There are so many more AS diagnosed and undiagnosed individuals out there, in fact I have heard recently, it is estimated that as many as every 1 in 100 people has an Autism Spectrum Disorder, this includes people who have Aspergers. I’m not saying any of you need to advertise the fact if you have AS, or even be diagnosed. But you really do need to know, to understand. I want to make people aware AS is not an illness. Usually the AS people are quite talented, creative, innovative – but often so miss understood. We are not all the same, so professionals out there remember we all individuals just like everyone else, so when giving advice or diagnosing us it would help for you to remember that!
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Writing is not my best subject, due to being dyslexic and more... but I have so much to say, and even if it does take me 10 xs longer than anyone else (bare with me) – if only you knew the amount of times I recheck para’s and still get bits wrong, so frustrating. It’s like my mind is 100 xs faster, than I could ever write or type and its auto for me to muddle words around the wrong way, so I read and re read – until correct! Still I’m working on that one. And for all you aspies who are obsessive about things being 100% please bare with me.
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I want to let you into my personal journey in the hope that I can inspire and help others. I was diagnosed with Aspergers in July 07 and told have bipolar traits which I seem to have under control now!, but maybe that does explain my obsessive compulsive tendencies and anxiety, moods etc... and there is more, just before that May.07 diagnosed with Dyslexia & Dyspraxia. Undiagnosed: I'm sure I also haveADHD when younger and still do (still very hyper). and have clutters a speech disorder, when younger speech was corrected, and then have/had lots of sight problems(visual perception difficulties), possibally face blindness! and do have Dermatotillomania (skin picking).
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Still we are who we are and what I do now realize all these symptoms are just a part of who I am, just happy to know the reasons for my differences, even if the neuro typicaldo not always seem to understand. Was it all a shock, yes a huge one especially at my age, but I tend to deal with things head on hence this site. Would love a full correct diagnosis one day, but cost... so if anyone is willing, I would love to have all the test and really know for sure!
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After years of fighting the unknown "Aspergers" and my other differences..., I feel I have been acting a part in this world, it was like my life was on hold until now. I have no energy to want to please everyone else anymore, I just want to be able to take off the mask, stop playing the part and at last be myself. At times it can be very lonely, as others continue to unintentionally alienate me.
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I have had to live with bullying as a never ending continuum throughout life that turned to discrimination, but that has not stopped me wanting to help you all fight the course and change things. AsI know by opening up to the world, as you and other's start your journey, I will be here and I truly do understand. Hopefully, as awareness grows, this site will reach more of you....
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"To be nobody but yourself in a world that is doing its best to make you every
-one else is to fight the hardest battle that anyone can fight" ee cummings
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Thanks for your ongoing support
First I wanted to know for me
Then I wanted to know for you
Now I want the world to agree
How special & great AS can be
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I can now look back and smile, but it still amazes me, how
I never knew, how everything seemed complicated, how I
continually got so much wrong - until I really understood!
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Never let your sense of morals get in the
way of doing what's right. - Isaac Asimov
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You can help make a difference - help raise awareness
As I progress on my own journey, many of my existing articles,
Web Pages have been updated, added to, even changed as I learn
and understand more myself.So remember to check back from
time to time, new insights added regularly. Also like any good
movie, often it can take a few times to realize somethings!.
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General Web Site comments : See below and add yours -
scroll down and click on "write comments" at bottom of screen
User Comments
Comment by Guest on 2009-04-02 03:26:11 Alyson,Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund sent you a compliment: You make the world a better place, on behalf of the gorillas, thanks for your support! Brianne
Comment by Guest on 2009-02-24 22:11:02 AsPlanet, your website is wonderful. I have some more material to obsess on.. Aspies rock!
Comment by GUEST on 2009-03-19 00:19:00 Thank you Karinna rosales
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Comment by Guest on 2009-01-10 18:37:33 You make the world a better place.... I see your dream of undoing the harm of the past. The first step is to see the autistic person as normal. We all have to start at this step. I think you will show us the way to feel normal just as you have with your family. I think it is important (although people are still learning) that you have been there, done that, survived and look how life is for you now. You will make the world a better place. The world needs your message.
You wrote, "the aspie/auite community have embraced me as one of there own and for the first time in my life I truly feel like I belong some where" and tears came to my eyes. I have never been allow to say to our parents or the people in our city(this is a great city to live) what a great son I have. People bring up the past but can't stand to hear anything about the present. He lives in a big city and has plenty of friends.Jjust wanting to say that I am very proud of him. "Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful man". It's really the first opportunity I have ever had. It's just something I need to do to feel like a whole person. I know you guys will be supportive this one time.
I was inspired by Alyson Bradley's RAISE AWARENESS WORLD WIDE. We do need to show the world that there is no boundaries for our kids. We need to make the world see what we see about our kids in our families. They are great!! In the dark ages(1980's & 1990's) Autism was seen as a death sentence for parents when I raised my son. How would you describe autism now? So many kids are improving by different parenting styles(cure, no cure etc.) we have to let the world know what we already know.
I wanted to comment on the term "lifelong disability". Having raised two generations (my brother and my son) this is how I feel about lifelong disability. I was taught by my brother. Both of them have their own definitions about who they are. My brother is smart and my son fits into the world and has the gifts of autism. They think of themselves as normal.
When they first entered school and to first get services it was necessary to be labelled as disabled. The label, "lifelong disabillity" is just emotional baggage they don't need. If you believe something to be true, you act accordingly. They believe they fit in the world and feel normal. They have become their own person with a "mix salad, mix bag" of strenghts and weaknesses just like the rest of us. Lifelong disability implies defective, something different from the rest. My brother made me understand this. I was believing when he lived with me as an adult that he was defective and this made him feel defective. These words were destroying him. Except for our childhood journey in both of their pasts, to me they are just like me. This helps raise the expectations that other people will have of them. At the part time alternative school he attended the most important concept was to raise the bar, not lower the bar of behavior and achievement. Just like in college my son was going around trying to explain himself and autism to others who noticed he was different. It is so great that he doesn't pay attention to these people because he knows inside that he fits in and therefore is like everyone else. Why should our kids live their lives explaining themselves to people who will never understand. A Simple life is the best.
My brother gets DVR(Dept. of Vocational Rehab) and Social Security (SSI) which qualifies him for medicare. He owed $75,000 before getting the medicare card. Now no one is responsible for his health care. My son refuses services which is fine with me.
It all goes back to the social worker telling me that I must treat my son like a regular kid. Our whole family and our son reacted by feeling they had more normal lives. By being normal the entire family can forget things that happened in the past. We can live in the present.
Just like Kristina Chew said, "my own growing up different has been something I've drawn upon", my brother's words helped me to raise my son in a healthy way. My son is a great person who happens to have autism. The emphasis is on person.
Comment by GUEST on 2007-12-02 21:38:07 Firstly congratulations on your site, it is informative and personal and gives a very postive, celebratory first hand overview of Aspergers, dyslexia and dyspraxia. I am sure it will be a great resource to many people around the world. Your philosophy regarding labels and acceptance and understanding is congruent with our own .
Comment by GUEST on 2007-08-06 07:20:55 Many thanks for your response, I saw the article in 'The Press' it is certainly just what is needed to increase awareness and hopefully reduce the misconceptions that are out in the community. I like your point in your website that everyone whether on the autistic spectrum or not is different. I think a lot of professionals working with people with ASD forget this fact. Again many thanks
Comment by GUEST on 2007-08-07 02:09:26 thanks for your wonderful insight to Aspergers,dyslexia and dyspraxia.It would be great if I and others who have a family member with this difference, be helped to better understand and support them,and us.Thankyou again, Alyson.
Comment by GUEST on 2007-08-22 04:06:24 Great job, ever time I look at site something new has been added, very interesting, lots of great links and enjoying the forum. Thanks again
Comment by GUEST on 2007-07-26 23:18:32 I just had a look at the website, it looks fantastic and good on you for doing it.
Comment by GUEST on 2007-12-05 18:39:54 your website is a delight to visit on the other hand, i have only found the time to do so once and didn't have time to write anything, have to be in another completely different head space.
Comment by GUEST on 2007-07-26 23:32:06 EVERYTHING happens for a reason… sometimes it’s hard to see it at the time but, eventually there is always a lesson to be learned. And, I also believe that one never meets anyone else “by accident.” I know that many people will be better understood because of your efforts! You warm and touch my hear, here’s to a wonderful outreach my dear friend.
Comment by GUEST on 2007-07-29 00:11:05 Thank so, so much for a great site, there really is an need for non professional interactive sites, especially here in NZ. Cheers
Comment by GUEST on 2007-07-31 06:18:32 I praise your good work, I work with people with aspergers/autism, and the more info available the better. I checked out your site, and it's good. Thanks
Comment by GUEST on 2007-07-31 06:20:21 It's soo important to hear from people with it, and their view of it all, to be able to help them!! . very reassuring
Comment by Guest on 2009-01-06 15:33:16 What a great inspiration site, I find in general the professionals and government funded sites still wanting to help change rather than embrace mode, they need more people like you working with them or even better instead of!. Too many none asd people are trying to tell asd people what to do and in the process getting it so wrong, half of them just do not get it themselves... so thank you as you really have made a difference to me and my child, helped us feel proud and confident in who we are.
Reply: Thank you for your kind words, each of us has a story to tell and each a different story. I tend to agree with you that more asd people should be working with official sites, that is beginning to change and feel people like Tony Attwood to some extent has started to bridge that gap, a professional not on the spectrum who understands, well alot more than most as I do not agree with everything even he says! but as he has said his best advice has come from those of us on the autism spectrum, maybe others should listen to his words.. after all its other people lives that are being played with.
The 2 professionals I feel have it right and who I take my inspiration from at times are Donna Williams and Stephen Shore, both aspies/auties says it all really...
Comment by GUEST on 2007-07-31 06:23:40 I think your site is great and it is helpful to hear your thoughts as someone who has been diagnosed later in life.
Comment by GUEST on 2007-07-31 06:29:25 Alyson you give me hope for my son. Three cheers for you starting your web page I'm sure a lot of parents will find it very helpful.
Comment by Guest on 2007-10-12 18:24:54 thanks - from the bottom of my heart - for creating the site and telling your story.
thank you for sending along your site. I have a daughter with Asperger's and it is indeed an interesting "condition". Congrats on getting your site up and running...and I agree, awareness is key to understanding. Way to go!
Comment by Guest on 2007-12-05 18:42:49 Think Differently - Thank you Alyson, the link looks great. Support like this is so important in raising awareness, and we really appreciate it. Best wishes,Sarah (NAS) This message is from The National Autistic Society
Dear Alyson Thank you for supporting our think differently about autism campaign. Together we will improve the lives of the 1 in 100 people in the UK with autism by creating a better understanding of autism in society. Thanks again for your ongoing support Benet Middleton Director of Communications . Hi Alyson, Thanks for your really nice comment on my blog, I'm going to read your website, and I love the way you are approaching Asperger's there, and focussing on raising awareness.
I feel there is so much to be done, researched, discussed and explained on this subject, and the "disorder" model shuts down a lot of that. I also wonder how many Asperger's people (especially ones who actually manage to do well in life) are not involved in raising awareness because they don't want or need the label. People in a lot of trouble are more likely to be desperately seeking help, especially parents finding it hard to cope. But their view of things is not going to be as balanced as if there were a lot more articulate successful Asperger's people with excellent social skills (of course we can learn those!) speaking up and spreading the word.
I'm just saying this because it's in my head right now, as I'm thinking about being more active in terms of consciousness-raising. Lovely to meet you! Alice Bachini-Smith
Comment by guest on 2007-12-11 20:22:47 Well the email from Lee at CCS with your website has to be about the best Christmas Present I could dream of. Thank you for creating such an informative website. I am however feeling comforted in the fact that your descriptions do fit with AS and that we may in fact only be dealing with 1 thing not a huge array of unknowns.
I just reviewed your website and found it to be a great resource for people on the Autism/Asperger’s spectrum. While we don’t have a way to promote your website directly, we will keep it in our resource data base for people on the spectrum. You’ve done a very nice job with your site. For those of us with children on the spectrum and not autistic ourselves, it is good to read your words so that we have a better understanding of what it must be like for our children.Autism Speaks.
Comment by GUEST on 2008-01-29 23:14:13 You know you are a very pretty and cheerful looking woman, I must say. Alyson, don't ever look back. I don't anymore. I look ahead of me now. I really do love my page, and it's nice to see what I had accomplished since my Mom passed away back in May of 2000.... Your long distant, and true friend Joey:)
Joey - I will always be great full for you letting me add your inspirational story to my web site, I do always look forward, as far too many dark shadows in the past..hopefully the future will be brighter for both of us. Take care Aly
Comment by GUEST on 2007-12-05 18:38:04 Thank you so much for establishing this website. It is so informative. I have read many books on Aspergers written by NT people, but they don't compare to reading the words of a real live person who has Aspergers syndrome. Thank you, thank you,thank you.
" This is a wonderful website! It had the best description of Asperger symptoms, with complete explanations, that I have read ANYWHERE!! Just excellent! "
" Yea is a good website. Its good because its all about what I want to talk about lol atm ASPERGERS. so mm.. GO check it out!! and the forum is really helpful "
Comment by Guest on 2007-09-22 07:23:36 Hi Alz. Thanks for starting up your web site. It's fantastic! I found the part concerning the passing of your mother incredibly moving, as I lost my mother about this time last year. All the best!
Comment by Guest on 2007-09-24 23:29:03 Hey, that's a really neat Web site. I like the idea of being "gifted" with AS. Similarly, I try never to refer to it as a "disorder" because I don't consider myself broken. Just different.
Comment by Guest on 2007-09-24 23:29:54 That's the same view that I have. It's a different way of thinking, and what can be different can be beautiful.
Comment by Guest on 2007-09-24 23:31:27 I would be honored if you added my reply to your excellent website.
Comment by Guest on 2007-10-11 06:19:48 I often envy the Aspies since I have to really focus on a mental process in my work. My AS partner can do that rather well and can work out problems that only a unique mind could.
hi there how are you today, i been on that site it a good one.
Hugs to you and thank you for the new web site.
Your website, as I said, is wonderful. People kept referring to it, very favorably. Thanks so much for the work you put into it!!
THANK YOU. I ALWAYS FEEL ALONE I KNOW THAT IS NOT GOOD FOR MY SON. BUT I JUST GET FRUSTRATED. BUT NOW I KNOW IM NOT ALONE ANYMORE.
Like that I dont need treatment I am not sick way to go.
Wow, I love your website, found so interesting....
Comment by GUEST on 2008-01-29 23:21:44 The problem of people with AS being misdiagnosed as having mental illness was mentioned in this website. I think it might be useful for people to know what particular psychiatric labels were or are given to misdiagnosed people who are on the autistic spectrum, so that we can possibly prevent this kind of medical malpractice from continuing in the future, and also so that incorrect diagnoses of older people who have AS might be corrected or reinterpreted. I know that schizphrenia is a diagnosis that has been incorrectly given to people who actually have Asperger syndrome or autism. What other incorrect labels have been given? . Thanks for that, have now added para on site... It really is not that simple, as hundreds of people previously have been misdiagnosed with various conditions. Some people on the autism spectrum do have associated conditions and some do not. But one of the biggest problems is the misconception that people on the spectrum always have some sort of mental disorder, which is not the case.
But generally the most common mis-diagnoses are: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (OD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Mood Disorders such as Cyclothymic Disorder, Dysthymic Disorder, Depression, and Bi-Polar Disorder. These common mis-diagnoses stem from an ignorance among many professionals about specific social and emotional characteristics of people on the spectrum.
Comment by GUEST on 2008-01-29 23:18:49 I am an Aspie, and I also have a scientific outlook. Having studied statistics, I am convinced that they are an effective tool, and they show a marked increase in the incidence of autism, following vaccinations in which mercury was used as a preservative. It was statistics which first showed the strong link between lung cancer, and smoking, decades before biochemistry proved it. Would I have had a happier life as an NT: most definitely! But would I trade: NEVER! Check out Dr. Mercola's site: http://www.mercola.com SEARCHBAR "vaccinations". . SORRY but not in agreement, there are so many fad treatments and false hope, vaccinations have already been proved not to be the reason. I suggest you only research from the best like:Autism Research Centre - Current Research http://www.autismresearchcentre.com/arc/default.asp Where at least the facts are more likely to be correct.
Read: No link whatsoever between vaccines/autism http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?p=14
Our symptoms are in fact ourselves. I really believe Autism disorder is evolving so fast only because of more sophisticated diagnoses, I think its always been around and badly misdiagnosed for years and still is being. Society needs to realize that there is in fact a whole group of people who are just different. Alyson asplanet.info
Comment by GUEST on 2008-02-04 22:36:54 Hey alyson... A few people asking what aspergers is... I'm not a mum.. but i guess if someone was a mum they could logon and tell them. Hi As I am running this web site on my own, so sorry, but do not have time to log into all the other web sites and answers every question, but by all means give them my web site details, they do not need to login or become a member to learn about Aspergers on my web site Aspergers Parallel Planet or to read all the questions and answers on forum, only need to be a member to ask questions on forum (which also includes free professional advice from a Clinical Psychologist if required)..
Comment by GUEST on 2008-01-29 23:11:18 Very good site...
I love your site; my son's diagnosed and I think I'm undiagnosed or something. [I just got tagged and so now I'm tagging you - Please visit my site for the "rules" tangenjill.blogspot.com]
Comment by Guest on 2008-10-11 06:24:49 I just wanted to say how much I value your site, in fact I found it deeply inspirational.
Comment by Guest on 2008-01-31 19:37:34 Just wanted to stop by, again and this time leave a small note. Very nice site and I saw the forum for the first time this visit. Very pleased to see it active. Great job here!!
Comment by GUEST on 2008-02-02 23:05:54 Dear Alyson, I just wanted to say thank you for your website, and for sharing your own experiences with us. I think the only way we may receive understanding among others is by telling our own stories, by revealing our 'world' to them. So you are doing something beautiful by sharing some of your story.
I believe much of the misunderstanding, labels etc about aspergers/autism perhaps stems from a lot of medical literature, and practitioners who have a great lack of understanding and insight. I find that a central problem that hinders understanding is how NT's use language or how they interpret what is written about autism.
That is why it is important for us Aspies etc to write about our own experiences. All the best Alyson. Jodi
Comment by GUEST on 2008-02-06 17:33:18 Your website is truly inspiring and wonderful! Very helpful to me since my son (16) is currently going through testing to confirm AS diagnosis. It was obvious to me, finally I've found a name, not necessarily a label, for what made him different, but, wonderful. I wouldn't change who he is, but I do worry, as our society does not have enough knowledge about AS. With websites like yours hopefully that will change.Thank you for putting information out there so we can be educated. Canada has a long way to go, but, we are trying - A Canadian Fan- Lorry
Comment by GUEST on 2008-02-07 14:35:32 I have Asperger's and am a 44 year female, an only child of a single mother who seems to be borderline autistic herself.... THIS COMMENT HAS BEEN MOVED TO Dark Moment comments - go to main menu/AS SYMPTOMS/Dark Moments (varied)
Comment by Guest on 2008-02-18 19:29:33 Are You My Long Lost Twin ??? I am joking, but from what I read on your page Alison, I have written, said, and 'preached' EXACTLY the same things as you have expressed. I also know that my mother had AS, like me, I also believe that ALL autisctics are the same disregarding of AS, HFA, classic and all the such, I also belive its a difference and not a disability, I agree with almost everything you write here... and have dyslexia like you.. I give lectures in Greece about AS and help many parents in Greece who get no help concerning their kids. Does it show that I am excited to have come across your page??? Well... I am!!!
Comment by GUEST on 2008-03-16 16:23:38 Great site learned so much thank you Jan
In many ways, I have broken through some barriers that have been impossible to others. Thank you for your site and the many others that you help inform!
Comment by GUEST on 2008-03-27 19:03:41 Thank you Alyson for creating this terrific site. The best learning I have had about Aspergers come from people with Aspergers.
I wrote you a few months ago. I found out my daughter had autism I was devastated, terrified, you told me to love my daughter and to accept her for being the unique person she is. I am now so proud to be her Mom and I am happy my daughter is happy and has a wonderful life.
I think your message is not out there enough. We hear so much about Autism needing to be cured and I think it takes the focus off the individual (person with autism). So many desperate parents seem to believe everything they read or hear about fixing their autistic child. I think they lose sight of the person. And God knows what crazy stuff they are trying or experimenting on their child. I really thank you for what you said to me. My daughter who is doing great. And if tomorrow she suddenly did not have autism, she would not be the person she is.
Comment by GUEST on 2008-03-02 14:38:11 Hi Alyson, Our dear friend Debra Bookbinder set up a group in Blackpool UK to help those on the Autistic Spectrum with Trampoline Therapy. Please get in touch with Debra as Trampoline Therapy has made a terrific difference to the lives of everyone who comes into contact with Blackpool Tiggers. They are organising a conference in Blackpool in May this year. www.blackpooltiggers.co.uk. Regards from Lucy London at Through the Net - e-mail
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
Thanks for that I love the idea of "Trampoline Therapy" can totally see how it would help and good for the adults too! children on the spectrum often seem to have a fixation with them and feel thats to do with the feel good factor...
Comment by GUEST on 2008-03-10 19:09:58 Asplanet. Great web site by the way. Had a bit of a read. . Thank you for this site I have a son with Asperger's only diagnosed 4 years ago at age of 17 this info helps me deal with the terrible guilt I feel for not finding out earlier and every bit of info. I can get helps me to understand him more... . Never feel guilty for not understanding or knowing about as there are so many others still in the dark. I was only diagnosed myself last year and now my older son has been diagnosed with non verbal learning. Feel privileged to of found out, as now you can embrace your sons differences and help him to become that special unique individual and have the confidence to just be himself... Alyson
Comment by Guest on 2008-10-03 22:39:52 Hi there Alyson Thanks for all the work you do maintaining the aspie planet site. It's the best aspie site on the web.
I read a post the other day which suggested that the site needed new faces - that there seemed to be only a core of people who regularly posted. I'm just grateful to those core people. I think that a lot of aspie folk like to read posts without feeling they have to participate. I often go through threads that interest me but don't feel I have to contribute.
I like the fact that there is a core to the site. To me it makes it more like a family.
So a big thank you for all the work you put into it. You are making a real difference to people's lives, Alyson.
Isabel
Alyson reply Thanks you so much, as it does help being appreciated.
The asplanet family seems to be growing all the time, in fact taken on 2 moderators to help and be there for people, as finding it hard to cope with all the comments sometimes and feel a need to reply to.
Still the site is for all of us to share and help one another.....
Comment by Guest on 2008-10-04 02:19:05 Your site asplanet is beautiful.
Comment by Guest on 2008-10-07 05:55:08 Thank you to YOU too for being so brave (yes brave) and kind in setting up your website. I wish you much happiness.
Reply: Thank you,and I do feel as much as I give I receive, as much as I help others this site has helped me find my true self. Alyson
Comment by Guest... on 2008-08-16 22:13:01 Hi Alyson:) I totally don't mind you sending your pages to me. I know you are trying to make so many things self-awareness to others, who might not be aware of anything, or such things, like this little girl. No I don't mind these news letters at all. Not at all. You don't know how much you've helped me.............. Let's just say that much, and you can't ever go wrong. Joey PS: We all win with people like you around:))
Comment by Guests on 2008-05-23 19:13:39 Thanks for making me feel welcome. I feel ignored, or jumped on on any other forum that I've ever been to, so it's nice to have a place that I feel welcome.
Comment by guest on 2008-10-02 18:30:42 Hi, so good to find a site that really relates to real people, instead of being made to feel like a second class citizen, as so many other sites and people often make me feel. It think its VERY important that others with Aspergers know its ok to be different, as the stigma and hierarchical crap that goes on in NZ at times is unbelievable. So THANK YOU
Comment by Guest on 2008-05-23 19:14:08 I would like to thank you for your web site and having the courage to be "out" and use your situation to help others like myself come to terms with ourselves.
.
Comment by Guest on 2008-10-14 00:17:46 Thank you for taking the time to keep me updated and also for sending through all the links that you do. I read your article in TAP and found it really insightful particularly as Alex who has a diagnosis of ASD is already shaping up to be a cool little Aspie. Looking forward to reading other articles as time allows.
Comment by Guest on 2008-11-25 20:16:06 I was diagnosed with Aspergers in July of this year at the age of 36. My daughter who just turned 16 was diagnosed as well. I research as much as possible to learn about who we are. Not everything I read makes sense of me or can I always relate to it but reading what you wrote, let's just say that I still have tears running down my face. Your pretty close to my twin in an Aspergers way. The life I've lived is so parallel to yours that I'm sending what you wrote to people who don't understand me. This year as my Christmas letter I was writing about Aspergers, my daughter and I. Do you know how good reading what you wrote makes me feel? WOW! Someone like me, very much like me. :-) Your writing has touch me, FOREVER! Thank-You! Sincerely..............
My reply: Thank you so much for your kind words, it truly helps me to continue to try and make a difference as I know only too well, unless we stand up and be proud so many children and others will continue to suffer unnecessarily. Your not the first person to say I am pretty close to being there twin! and I am in fact a twin in real life, but for me also the most important thing was realization that I was not alone and there were many reasons for my misunderstood differences...
I would be honored if you passed on my words:"sending what you wrote to people who don't understand me" because others need to know and I feel all parents need to teach children about diversity and difference, then maybe the world would truly be a better place for us all.
Comment by Guest on 2008-11-30 19:50:20 On seeing your web site I read through all the activities that your doing and I am really amazed and in agreement.....
Comment by Guest on 2008-12-13 18:37:22 My interest in this site is personal and professional. I am a teacher and a graduate student in communication. Thanks
Comment by Guest on 2008-12-13 20:00:25 Thanks you for all the great articles and information you continue to send, I love reading your stuff. I feel privileged to email with you and I thank you for your time and considered responses.
Comment by Guest on 2009-02-18 19:20:48 THANK YOU so much I feel like I have at last found myself, your story is quite inspirational but instead of giving up on life you continue to reach out and believe you me you are making a difference.
Alice B
Comment by Facebook comment on 2009-04-24 20:21:28 Hello, I saw your site through Zoey's link. I can't tell you how much I can truly relate to you! I've just been diagnosed last year at the age of 41. My two children are also on the spectrum as is my hubby! Our last name says it all: The "Quirks" (yes, that's our *real* name) !
Your comment on the link about diets really struck a chord with me:
"I so agree, food has never been my problem, all my problems have been to do with anxiety exposure to a world that generally does not understand... but working on that!"
I too have suffered HUGE anxiety and lived over 30 years of feeling "misunderstood" by the world out there.
Anyway, I will understand if you don't add me as a friend, as you don't know me. But, I did want to let you know the impact your site has had on me! My own obsession for the last 18 months has been researching everything I could about Autism/Aspergers. Sometimes it drives my dh crazy. :)
Thanks again!
My reply: Happy to add you as a friend, to be honest do not have much time for facebook as run my own web site and forum, but I find a great way of reaching out to other like minded people.
Like you I have 2 children one diagnosed, one not ready to be either way, but also has his quirks, like my husband !!! .... My obsession to questioning and questioning and at last understanding self has been my biggest help and the wonderful ASD community have become a kind of extended on line family, knowing its not just you, that your 1 of many makes a huge difference..
On face book I tend to answer threads and reach out when time, individually I will always do my best to reply, time wise hard for me sometimes. But I always check in AsPlanet forum daily we are a smaller growing group of like minded individuals and your welcome to join us anytime.http://www.asplanet.info/forum/
Comment by GUEST on 2009-04-02 23:19:33 ALL COMMENTS ABOVE - only very recent below:
Hi Alyson and other guests: Regarding the Extreme Male Brain theory, and how this applies to autistic women and girls: INFO: MOVED COMMENT AND REPLY to RESEARCH INFORMATION web page - comments link 1/4/09: http://asplanet.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=53&Itemid=104 (scroll down to bottom of screen for comment/reply)
Comment by GUEST on 2009-05-14 16:12:50 Aspergers can make life stressful at times. especially when you can not get a job and have little money or few friends.
MY REPLY: I agree, but with me I found it so much more stressful when working and having to deal with main stream society daily, too much exposure to a society that does not always embrace difference I find extremely hard at times, so to be honest I prefer life since backing out from life partly, too many friends I could never handle always seems to complicate things for me too much. I guess we all have to find what works for us in life, find our own real passion for me there are many things I love doing and have found since discovering, allowing and accepting Aspergers and my other differences, self it has allowed me to have the confidence to believe in my in and now I do many things and they do not cost much, walking, painting, writing, cyberspace, gardening, reading, being around my family I guess I am lucky in that respect, but that in itself was not always easy with an unexplained difference until recently.
What I guess I am saying is that in life we need to be happy in self otherwise whatever we do we may never quite work, life is not always easy but for me the more I reach out the easier my life becomes, but the one thing that use to make my life unbearable at times was trying to mirror image others, be what I never could be, I have had to redefine self to find a true inner peace.
Oh Alyson...
I hear ya'! Things are SO crazy here, too... everywhere I think.
My newest book: The Journey, Home From Autism is in the final editing stages. Writing it has been consuming!
By the way, I log onto your website often and read what you are doing and what people are saying. You are amazing!
You are a beautiful (inside and out) inspiration to the world. God bless you,~Rhonda Spellman
Comment by GUEST on 2009-10-26 03:36:28 Thanks Alyson for opening the doors for so many people. It is so wonderful to have the perspective of someone on the spectrum who can speak for so many who have no "voice".
Comment by Guest on 2009-11-04 05:47:18 I just want to say how much I love your site. Reading all that you've have written, the quotes and poems makes me kind of proud of having aspergers. More focused on the strengths aspies actually do have. Your site is nothing but BRILLIANT :)
Hugs from Norway !!
Comment by GUEST on 2010-01-11 01:59:44 I enjoyed your site very much. Lots of information. Thanks for the Mad Science link on WP. Quantum42
Reply thanks Alyson, do not get so much time for WP these days but do pop by from time to time and always share great aticles, will look out for you :)
Comment by GUEST on 2010-02-21 19:40:37 Please see you tube video made by aspergers guy with an autistic child: it's called "severe autism when there is no answer"
AsPlanet Reply: I thank you so much for this, I will place on my video link, an important thing to remember the autism spectrum is huge and deserve, a child like this I feel really needs 200% support and maybe they will always be happier in their own worlds, but we can all help I feel and I can not help wonder if it is just autism or a combnation with other co-morbid. And of course I am not dismissing the severity as I do feel these children worlds need to be adapted as suit their needs, just like if someone was in a wheelchair.!
Comment by GUEST on 2010-02-28 05:41:44 Well Alyson, I hope I’ve helped make a difference movement here on your website. God knows, I've tried hard, and felt like I succeeded so far. I chews my words very carefully and as contemporary as possible. I was given a grand chance to do a large part of what I've been so privileged on doing, since I’ve been a web page on here. Thanks solely to you for liking my poem KNOWLEDGE. I’m so very privileged to have shared some important issues on Asplanet.info I feel that I’ve gave Mother’s on here hope. I think I gave home to one mother on the Topic, We Are not a Puzzle. It struck a chord with me, when I read that the other day. I had to reply to it, and let my heart speak out too. My Mom was told so many things; I wasn’t ever supposed to be. Yet look at me now! I tell parents that kids grow up, and they don’t stay kids forever, and he has hope, or she has hope. You and I have hope, too. Look at what we get to do? We have our dreams, which happen to become reality. Now I have my very own website. My cousin Paul loved this website so much. He made me my dream domain. SPACEUPHORIA come true for me. I’ve wanted this, ever sine 1998. My Mom predicted all this to happen for me. Paul’s web sever space just might be the terming point to my future reality, before I could realize it for myself.
You helped me get there Alyson, and I can show parents and peers, that we can do anything we put our hearts and minds into!!! I love helping others on here, when I can think of the right kind of proper words and in public such manners. I can usually broaden someone’s perspective of things, and tell parents not to fear us, or his or her autistic child. They often grow up, doing such wonders in the world at, which surrounds us, and we should be embraced into it. We are all born under a different star. Let’s except that fact, and move forward to our unique evolution, not on someone else’s fast pace NT revolution. We are all electric, when the day is done. Joseph C. Richardson
MY REPLY: Thanks Joey and I am so glad you now have your own site, your world within this world, where I know you will continue to share and enlighten others,as through your courage you help give many hope. Take care Alyson
Comment by GUEST on 2010-07-13 09:09:48 Alyson, thank you for your very enlightening website. I am in an interesting position. As an NT parent of a child with spectrumite characteristics, I am constantly trying to learn more about the Aspie way of being, so that I can be a better Dad. As a therapist working with kids, adults, and families on the spectrum, I feel like I have so much to learn about how to best be of assistance. I feel that having more of a perspective of how life is from an Aspie standpoint is paramount for me being able to be of any service at all.
Stephen Borgman http://www.myaspergers.net
Comment by GUEST on 2010-08-20 00:45:20 Alyson,
Your story is inspiring. But I have a question: why would you befriend a fellow spectrumite on Facebook? Just cuprous Especially since the person never argued with you about anything and was always looking forward to your postings. I believe that the person feels like they were rejected. Having Asperger's Syndrome, the person has had to deal with enough rejection from the neurotypical world. Anyway, the person is very disappointed. Just to let you know.
Love, Marie.
Marie thank you for letting me know, but I have no idea who... if someone is upset with me, I am so happy for them to contact and ask me and happy to explain if a reason, as face book people come and go and because of the amount of contacts I have and getting nearer to my limit, as some individuals do not comment or do not seem interested for a while, I do delete some, of course they can request again and if have not offended me I will accept and maybe better if they connect and explain to me, otherwise cross wires happen.
I often email individuals if feel they have read me wrong and or many on the spectrum or under the mental health at times read more into things than maybe need be, many have rejected me, but I do not take personnally I simply request again if choose to and every time usually they reconnect. I truly do not intentionally mean to upset anyway, but at times its hard when I have so many wanting responses and replies, I can only help so many and be their when time. But happy to be their for any genuine indivdiuals and apologize to those I unintentional offend.
INFO. - GENERAL COMMENT (just other thoughts, as similar issues have happen):
But also to remind everyone this is general as this also happens quite alot, their are always 2 sides to every storey and just because I do not say or advertise what has happen or not to me often and refuse to mention names, does not mean I have not been hurt or offended myself, some choose not to listen and so realize we can not get on with everyone and maybe never truely hear each others point of view. But I partly feel those that do not know reason, maybe they need to look more at themselves, especially if its an issue why I choose not to be in contact, maybe they should respect that as they should me and not talk about what they do not always totally know about!
To be honest I am so over those talking about me without me and have no time to do the same, If you only knew the amount of back stabbing and crap that goes on and I have had to deal with since reaching out to help others...., personally I have no time for those that do not care for me or want to support.me as at the end of the day I guess we simply can not get on with everyone and some of us are different, just like not on the spectrum, nd would any of you you connect with someone that was damaging to you, just because. I am not a service but an individual simply trying to help?
I also think those that have nothing better to do than complain about me, maybe need to look at what they are not doing... but in away if others are at least dicussing me I am making an impact. :)
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