Aspergers gift or curse !

Neither.

Aspergers or not, life will always be filled with problems that will upset, confuse and constantly derail you.

Aspects of my Aspergers naturally make me better at certain things. They also make me worse at others. At times its far easier to notice when things go wrong, and hard to see when there's something positive to reflect on instead, especially with OCD coping strategies (I struggle occassionally with OCD, anxiety, hypersensitivity and panic attacks).

I was diagonsed just a few months before my 18th birthday. Therapy was discontinued a month after my diagnosis, and all the 'advice' I was given was aimed at children with ASD aged 2-13. Things got bad, I developed alopecia (hair loss) which only made things worse. I've also had ongoing family issues with my father (parents divorced) who constantly put me down and made me feel worthless.

Then I went to university.

I realised that everyone around me suffered differently from the same situation, especially on the very first day. When everyone panicked and didn't know what to do, I stood up and spoke my mind without 'censoring' myself as I'd been told I'd have to do my whole life. Turns out people like me for being myself.

Its not about your condition, its about your approach to life. I've met people who've told me of the horrible things they've had to suffer through, all of them 'normal'. Just because they don't have a diagnosis of anything, doesn't mean their lives are better, just different.

Their struggles are different to our struggles. By learning to compromise with others to work together, everyone can benefit.

I ended up making several extremely close friends who I adore. I did things I never would have for them (even venture to places I'd never been via public transport alone to pick up one that was lost and scared, a situation I'd normally have a panic attack in).

They brought out the best in me, and I helped bring out the best in them. I kept everyone organised, motivated and safe, they encouraged me to relax, have fun and trust others.

You can't 'blame' the Aspergers. Its been a part of you your whole life, demonising it won't get you anywhere, instead use your diagnosis as a tool to get you where you need to be.

Three years ago, I couldn't venture further than the high street I'd taken over five years learning the route to. Now, I'm planning a trip around the Northern Hemisphere (I'm not a big fan of hot weather) as soon as I get the funds together. If you feel you've made a mistake, don't dwell, use it to get better.

Something that became my motto at Uni: 'Well, now I know how NOT to do a thing!'

I'm grateful for my diagnosis because while it initially felt like a curse, I've used it to learn more about myself. I'm not perfect, because there's no such thing as perfection, but I'm happy. In the end, that's enough.

Neither.

Aspergers or not, life will always be filled with problems that will upset, confuse and constantly derail you.

Aspects of my Aspergers naturally make me better at certain things. They also make me worse at others. At times its far easier to notice when things go wrong, and hard to see when there's something positive to reflect on instead, especially with OCD coping strategies (I struggle occassionally with OCD, anxiety, hypersensitivity and panic attacks).

I was diagonsed just a few months before my 18th birthday. Therapy was discontinued a month after my diagnosis, and all the 'advice' I was given was aimed at children with ASD aged 2-13. Things got bad, I developed alopecia (hair loss) which only made things worse. I've also had ongoing family issues with my father (parents divorced) who constantly put me down and made me feel worthless.

Then I went to university.

I realised that everyone around me suffered differently from the same situation, especially on the very first day. When everyone panicked and didn't know what to do, I stood up and spoke my mind without 'censoring' myself as I'd been told I'd have to do my whole life. Turns out people like me for being myself.

Its not about your condition, its about your approach to life. I've met people who've told me of the horrible things they've had to suffer through, all of them 'normal'. Just because they don't have a diagnosis of anything, doesn't mean their lives are better, just different.

Their struggles are different to our struggles. By learning to compromise with others to work together, everyone can benefit.

I ended up making several extremely close friends who I adore. I did things I never would have for them (even venture to places I'd never been via public transport alone to pick up one that was lost and scared, a situation I'd normally have a panic attack in).

They brought out the best in me, and I helped bring out the best in them. I kept everyone organised, motivated and safe, they encouraged me to relax, have fun and trust others.

You can't 'blame' the Aspergers. Its been a part of you your whole life, demonising it won't get you anywhere, instead use your diagnosis as a tool to get you where you need to be.

Three years ago, I couldn't venture further than the high street I'd taken over five years learning the route to. Now, I'm planning a trip around the Northern Hemisphere (I'm not a big fan of hot weather) as soon as I get the funds together. If you feel you've made a mistake, don't dwell, use it to get better.

Something that became my motto at Uni: 'Well, now I know how NOT to do a thing!'

I'm grateful for my diagnosis because while it initially felt like a curse, I've used it to learn more about myself. I'm not perfect, because there's no such thing as perfection, but I'm happy. In the end, that's enough.