Welcome to A.S.S.G.O

3. Do you feel that people with Aspergers Syndrome are unfairly treated by the criminal justice system? Explain your answer.

“A number of people with autistic spectrum disorder are involved in the criminal justice system as victims, witnesses or offenders. I have heard there is no evidence of an association between ASD and criminal offending. In fact, due to the rigid way many people with ASD keep to rules and regulations, they are usually more law abiding than the general population.

But I do feel that ASD people are more at risk as victims of crime rather than as offenders. Often being quite naïve and unfortunately easily lead, if get involved with wrong peer groups when younger. And if in situations that get out of hand, because can be too honest, this can be misinterpreted to easily. Also quite often people on the spectrum have other associated conditions, learning difficulties and mental illness, which can cause so much confusion and misunderstand from all sides.”
 
4. Do you think that Aspergers syndrome should be classified as a mental disorder or learning disability? Explain your answer.

“Neither, to me aspergers is just a different way of thinking and seeing things. With a condition like Asperger it is exceptionally hard because quite often 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 and each effected differently.

 Some people on the spectrum do have associated mental and/or learning problems. Most aspergers people seem to experience at some stage a mood disorder from mild to manic, which often seems to be brought on by the feeling of loneliness, frustration, feeling totally misunderstood  But then if you have to grow up continually being told you are wrong, wouldn’t you! And should we really be drugging young children, when often the manic times can be the most creative.(have written article – do not drug us – understand us, can view on my web site)”
 
5. What does your website have to offer it's visitors?

“A true heartfelt insight, from someone who has grown up around aspergers, living with it and has children with it. As Tony Attwood quoted “My greatest knowledge of Asperger’s has come from those who have it.”, the site is not just about my journey it also allows anyone and everyone who wants to be a part of site, to add to and I will not prejudge . I truly feel we can all need to learn and listen to each other.

It also offers up to date news, articles, and being an interactive site includes your articles, writing, photos and of course a forum, where I will answer any of your questions, concerns or find someone that can help, already have a Clinical Psychologist attached to forum to help. Lots of wonderful links and up to date research.”

6. What  services are there for people with Aspergers Syndrome in your country?

“Nowhere near enough, of course that is beginning to change, with the government promising to do this and that, but far too little too late. Adults have come to me after being told by doctors here in NZ, that they do not diagnose adults, totally wrong of course. The professionals still have a long way to go and also would be helpful if they remember we are all individuals just like everyone else, and apart from books they really need to be speaking with asperger people.

 I have only just been diagnosed myself in my 40’s which is the best thing that has ever happen to me. As up until now felt like I have been acting apart on this planet and now at last free to be my true self. But there was no one there to help me on this journey, had to tell the doctor to refer me and then convince the Psychologist myself, only help offered “could take this drug xxxx” of course as I do not take drugs I declined.  I’m much happier now I know, but can be a real lonely journey. Still have no support or anyone really helping me, hence this web site – but good always comes from bad!”

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

“Do not know too many myself yet, but the ones I do are often quite talented, creative, innovative, honest, warm, intelligent, just often very misunderstood.  And some people seem to think children with aspergers are not affectionate, not true in fact can be very affectionate and loving.

People really need to start treating aspergers people as individuals and listen and learn from them.

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

Quite possibly, but we are on that journey now and when and if will let you know.

My twin brother’s son has now been diagnosed back in the UK and feel quite a few more family members back in the UK may follow, but not my decision or journey. The people I tend to get along with best, tend to have asperger traits, if you have will understand this. It’s like we seem to have a connection, away of understanding each other, without having to over communicate.”

Of course, have all my new found friends from my web site and other sites like mine, and the aspie world is now a part of my extended family.

9. How did you first find out about Aspergers Syndrome?

“After my mother died last August 2006 , I wrote this paragraph for her service:

(I wrote just after she died, not knowing she had Aspergers then.)

I feel a dark sadness and at the same time joy & peacefulness. To me my mother seem to have sadness around her, like a lost child – she so often seem to be isolated in her own world, who knows maybe it was a better place. Let’s hope now she can find true inner peace on her new journey, and comfort as her ashes rise into the light, like a trapped angel who is set free.

 Then I started to question, why she was never able to be a real mother to me, why is never really fitted in this world, and also lots of others within family just that little bit different from what society calls the “norm”. I also knew I was different, and found hard to fit in. I started to question myself. Which lead me to discover so much more…”

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

“To me was having AS and not knowing. As from when you are born society dictates how you act and think to a degree. So having aspergers and not knowing when growing up, to me was always like I had some dark shadow over my shoulder, close behind effecting my every move, and no clue why. Everyone telling me ‘you are wrong’ just for being me, when you are not. Just see and think a little differently from others, the lack of knowledge really is the biggest problem and like for any minority prejudges of others.

But since being diagnosed, the only negative aspect of AS is society, who prejudges us wrongly. Our 'symptoms' are in fact ourselves, not some unfortunate illness we suffer. But right now I am happy to be a proud aspie, and help you and others understand. If you have a problem with that, maybe you need to find out more!

“Now I know I have AS, it feels like a part of my life was stolen from me.-

Past pain and remembering back continues to help set me free, as much as

society will allow. AS is not a disease and I’m not ill, but for some reason

whenever mentioned, its followed by the secret code: a nod, a wink, a blank

smile and if another person pats me on the back I will simply scream !

…Alyson Bradley – Aspergers Parallel Planet…