Living with Asperger Syndrome

Alex

One of our amazing members (Alex) has kindly shared his experience of living with Asperger Syndrome, please take a read. Do you have any similar experiences, or would like to share one of your own? Please contact us! 

"There was a time when I was only fourteen, I was given a label for a condition that not a lot of people knew much about at the time. Twenty two years have passed since then. I have Asperger Syndrome. 

Hi, My name is Alex Rushworth and I am on the Autistic Spectrum. this doesn't mean I am on a computer game in the early 80's playing Pacman, It's a different kind of spectrum. Autism can affect a number of parts of your life including, how you behave, speak, feel and your thought processes.

I can find it difficult to form relationships. I can find it difficult to be affectionate to others and receive affection from them. This can affect me forming long lasting relationships, especially if it is with another person with autism.

Although what I have said above is a negative point of view regarding autism and could be viewed as a curse, I have a great deal of positive attributes when I believe came because of my condition, such as a terrific ability to concentrate on certain tasks, such as painting, jigsaw puzzles and writing. I hope you agree with the last one, as I have put a great deal of effort and thought into writing for you today. 

When you have autism you feel as though sometimes you are put on the spot in social situations. You don't know what to say to others especially when talking about relationships.

When you have autism, you feel as though you don't want to let people down. You feel as though you have to do what you are told. This makes me feel vulnerable to other people making fun of me. my mind goes at one hundred miles an hour. I could have an idea about something during the night and if I don't write it down, i could of forgotten it the next morning. this is the reason why I have become such a prolific writer and why I have a season ticket at the local stationary shop.

When I concentrate doing one thing I will get distracted causing me to concentrate on the next task. This will sometimes stop me from completing the first task I started. I think people with autism can find it difficult to gain employment. This can be because people without an understanding of autism can belittle those with autism. People with autism such as myself do want a job but find certain work environments daunting. I think if more people were educated regarding autism, then there would be more opportunities for autistic people in employment. 

There are people in this world who see a person for themselves rather than looking and judging a person because of this label called autism. I feel people could benefit more from life if only they knew about autism and saw the person behind the diagnosis. "

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