I Have Asperger's

I want to take a moment to thank the newspaper staff for doing a project on the autistic spectrum, and giving me the opportunity to lead it. 

Since before I was diagnosed, and still sometimes after, I've struggled to be heard.  People sometimes think that my opinion is useless.  How could I possibly understand autism if I can actually TALK to them?  Well, at least that's what it seems like people are asking me when they say "but you don't SEEM like you have aspergers."

But I do.  And I could really give an insight to what it's like, at least for me.  The awkward misunderstandings, the overwhelming hypersensitivities, the calming feeling of self-stimming, the awesome talents that seem to come naturally, and the beauty of being different.

The newspaper gave me a chance to share this with my community, along with some others who wanted to have a voice.  They gave me a chance to show people a raw look at what it's really like on the spectrum, not just for one person, but for a few different people on different parts on the spectrum.

It means a lot to me to know that people out there are willing to listen and share not just my story, but a few different stories from the autism community.

So thank you, to the wonderful, kind staff.

The Daily Local News