Nathan
Wednesday, October 8, 2008

I'm on the Spectrum

I was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome (AS) at age four and have been in special education since age three. I have learned a lot from having AS. One lesson I have learned is that every human being has some awkwardness and, in that sense, people with AS and autism need to be seen as part of the larger human cycle instead of as "disabled." In order for people on the spectrum to be productive members of society, they must have a voice. If they are unable to advocate for themselves, they need to have a family member, caregiver or close friend do so instead.

To provide a better sense of what I am trying to convey, I will describe my own personal experiences. During my first year of middle school, I was severely bullied. The bullying consisted of being poked with scissors and other forms of harassment. The teachers were out of touch as they did very little to help me. But the worst part was that I believed I didn't count and that I could not contribute anything to society. However, during that time period, I developed a passionate interest in writing and began to express myself in my writing, which helped me regain my self-esteem. I learned that everyone has their own unique challenges and anxieties. People need to work to overcome their challenges and find the place where they can shine. That is what I have done and I hope others on the autism spectrum can as well.