Speaking at Autism Conference

[FlyingTrue]

Tomorrow I will be on the "Speaking for Ourselves" panel at the 42nd Autism Society National Conference and Exposition. Essentially I will be talking about having grown up with a "mild" case of Asperger's syndrome, about going through different therapies, the issues I had socially in the schooling environment with bullying, technology overload, how concepts were 100% concrete and how I took everything literally. I will also be discussing how as my world became skewed to center around "all-important" grades and the paranoia of failure, and how it getting to know people and socialize felt like an impossible endeavor, compounded with bullying and other high-pressure circumstances. I will also talk about my resistance to change and trying new things, how I made myself live a set routine. I am also considering discussing my failed out of control first crush, how I felt about "the way things are supposed to be" and my difficulties to find romance, but I am not sure. I do know I will also talk about how after I left school that I became more socially adept, especially with my work, and how I developed a stronger sense of empathy and compassion after joining this site. I plan to conclude discussing my everyday success, accomplishments in my work and my photography, and how I was personally touched by the strength, willpower, and perseverance of others I came across as they lived day-to-day life with their own challenges.

Wish me well, I am very excited.

[Minerva McGonagall]

That sounds like fun! I have spoken about my Cerebral Palsy before. For me, it felt good to educate others about my disability, and letting others know that I'm just like them, even though I'm disabled. Congrats on getting to do this, and I'm quite sure you'll be fine! Let us know how it goes. :]

[Magic.]

Good luck, though it doesn't sound like you need it!!!
It's an amazing thing you're doing!!! My little brother has "mild" Asperger's and I've just started working as a behavioural therapist for a little boy with autism. There's really not enough awareness about it, so well done you for spreading your story!!

[FlyingTrue]

I had a great time. I was one of four speaking panelists, and each had their own unique story. I was the first one. I didn't get to say everything I wanted to within the 15 minutes I had but I was very satisfied with what I was able to say. I didn't rehearse or prepare a thing, I just spoke from the heart.