Welcome to A.S.S.G.O

1. How were you diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome? (age etc)

  I was diagnosed at age 4 at the Wolfson Centre, Great Ormond Street, London. I started refusing to say certain words at age 2 and I preferred to play by myself rather than with other kids.

2. What were your school experiences like? Did you go to main stream or a specialist school? (bullying etc)

When I started Secondary School, everything was fine up until Yr 8 when my friends started to mature & change & I didn't. They left me out & ignored me  & I got bullied i.e. people kicking my bag on my back, making me angry to get a reaction etc. In Yr 9 I got moved to a Pupil Referral Unit, everyone there has been really nice, a great help, and I have made friends.

3. How do you find that people react when you tell them that you’re different?

I have learnt to be careful who I tell, so I haven't had any really bad responses, but some people find it hard to understand the difficulties I have with AS.

4. What is the most major difficulty you experience in your every day life coping with Aspergers Syndrome? Explain.

I think Communication is the main one. I find it hard to know what to say, especially when someone is upset/angry etc. And I sometimes find my anger difficult to deal with. 

5. Do you feel that Aspergers Syndrome is part of your identity/personality? Why/ Why not?

Definately, it has made me who I am. I don't enjoy going out and partying like other girls my age, and I think my AS has alot to do with this. 

6. What do you think you would be like today if you didn’t have Aspergers Syndrome?

Like I said in the last question, I think I would be more like other girls my age, and I would also be more mature. But I wouldn't change anything because I like the person I am, even though it has taken me some time to accept myself.

7. How did your school deal with your Aspergers Syndrome? (help receive etc).

My mainstream high school was horrible, they excluded me for being bullied! (Not directly, but because of the way I reacted) But my current school (the PRU) is fanastic. The teachers really understand AS, the other students don't bully me because we're all going through the same thing (although not always the same condition), and help is always there when I need it.

8. Is there anyone else diagnosed with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder in your family? (if yes who/what is their diagnosis).

No, I'm the first person in my family to be diagnosed with an ASD.

 9. Do you have any special interests? Tell us about them.

I've been singing pretty much since I was born, when I was 5 I wanted to be the 6th Spice Girl! I was in my school choir in Primary School, and  I'm now in the singing club at the PRU. Singing and performing makes me happy, I love the buzz it gives me. I've collected over 200 CDs and I have nearly all the SingStar titles. Next year I hope to audition for The X Factor, even though I probably won't get very far! I don't mind if I'm a good singer or not, it's what makes me happy and that's all that matters.

10. How do you cope with your social difficulties associated with your Aspergers Syndrome?

I find it really hard to make friends and communicate. I rarely know what to say in social situations. But my personal tutor at my school and my parents are helping me socialize better.