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Just joined, so hello!

T

Tia Maria

"Be the change you wish to see in the world"
I'm an Aunt of an autistic young man. I happened upon your community tonight after viewing a YouTube video titled "Autistic Child has an Outburst" and reading some of the boisterous commentary. There were many autistic folks & others making some very informative and compassionate remarks, and other unbelievable, nasty and ignorant posters who might simply be miserable, unhappy, vile people trolling the internet to annoy & harass others. I was shocked. Anyway, I was impressed by the knowledge and compassion of some of the posters who explained that they had Aspergers. I searched the net further and found this group! I joined hoping to learn more about autism for the benefit of our nephew. He is in a different situation than very high functioning Aspies as he is severely autistic and currently low functioning. His doctors (& family) have labeled him 'retarded'. Unfortunately he has suffered multiple seizures and I am not sure how that may have damaged his brain. But otherwise I am quite sure he is NOT mentally 'retarded' & simply suffers the typical sensory overloads that accompany autism, as well as the inability to control his motor functions as easily as a neuro-typical person. He is non-verbal, but as many here hopefully know that is also common with 'severe autism' and not a sign of mental retardation. There are many non-verbal autistics communicating via tools like Assistive Chat. I don't envision our nephew ever being completely independent or self-sufficient as he is in effect 'disabled' by his autism, however, I do not think he has been given the opportunity to reach any of his potential. I feel he needs & deserves that, and his predicament pains me. I am hoping to learn more so I might be able to intervene & help him if possible .... so he might be better understood, & also be able to live a more comfortable, fulfilling & happy life. Thanks for reading.
 
Welcome Tia Maria :)

I know we've spoken already, via the chat box, but I thought I'd welcome you officially anyway. Yes, you'll find it can be a bit of a jungle out there. This is one of the few places online, where we manage to keep out most of the chaos. It's good to hear you're so supportive of your nephew. I hope you do find many answers. I've added a few links below, which you might find useful too.

If you're new to autism, look in to Tony Attwood. He's rather brilliant, and is worth a Google/ YouTube search:

Home

The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome | AspiesCentral.com
 
Vanilla said:
Welcome Tia Maria :)

I know we've spoken already, via the chat box, but I thought I'd welcome you officially anyway. Yes, you'll find it can be a bit of a jungle out there. This is one of the few places online, where we manage to keep out most of the chaos. It's good to hear you're so supportive of your nephew. I hope you do find many answers. I've added a few links below, which you might find useful too.

If you're new to autism, look in to Tony Attwood. He's rather brilliant, and is worth a Google/ YouTube search:

Home

The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome | AspiesCentral.com
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I just saw this Vanilla. Thank you! I am discovering so much. It's wonderful.Thanks! :)
 
Welcome aboard! It's wonderful to see such a caring relative. Hope you enjoy the community :)
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Rocco said:
Welcome aboard! It's wonderful to see such a caring relative. Hope you enjoy the community :)View attachment 15034
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Thank you Rocco! And that's beautiful. I will check out your shop on Etsy! I am LOVING this site actually! I need to stop reading & posting ... it can be obsessive, right? :) & get some laundry & house work done!! Haha!
 
The more I read members' posts I start thinking, hmmm, could I be .... ??? I have taken TWO tests found through people here in two days, & I am more NT than average NT's' scores! What does that say? Maybe that behind the shell, & "traits", people are people? I really think it's a truism that there are a lot of very awful people, & a lot of very wonderful people, in every "group".

I am also learning so much that I know I will be able to put to use in helping make my nephew's life (hopefully) better. I have always & continue to meet tremendous resistance with ABA therapy & so-called "experts" directing what's best. But he is LOVED & ACCEPTED by his immediate family which is a good thing. :)

THANKS AGAIN! The people here are terrific.
 
Tia Maria said:
The more I read members' posts I start thinking, hmmm, could I be .... ??? I have taken TWO tests found through people here in two days, & I am more NT than average NT's' scores! What does that say? Maybe that behind the shell, & "traits", people are people? I really think it's a truism that there are a lot of very awful people, & a lot of very wonderful people, in every "group".

I am also learning so much that I know I will be able to put to use in helping make my nephew's life (hopefully) better. I have always & continue to meet tremendous resistance with ABA therapy & so-called "experts" directing what's best. But he is LOVED & ACCEPTED by his immediate family which is a good thing. :)

THANKS AGAIN! The people here are terrific.
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If you're showing traits of AS, but are still showing as NT, it's possible that you've simply adapted some AS behaviours, from long-term exposure to AS people. Just as people with AS can learn to behave as NTs do, NTs can do the same, when with an AS person. It's a natural part of being around people you love and respect. People take on each other's behavioural traits. You just have to think of who you are influenced most by, in your life. If you're unsure, though, you could always consider a proper diagnoses, but as these are expensive, I would suggest investigating further first. If you don't get that "lightbulb" moment, where you're entire life suddenly makes sense, then it's probably less likely.

Here are a few resources, for female Aspies, should you want to have a look:

Day 62: Females with Asperger’s Syndrome (Non-Official) Checklist | Everyday Asperger's

Aspergirls: Empowering Females With Asperger Syndrome | AspiesCentral.com
 
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