First time actively seeking interaction w/ people w/ AS

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Hello, I'm Angelique (not actually my real name, just the one I go by online. It's not that I'm really afraid of using my real name, it's just that I've used it for nearly 4 years and it's very much a habit,) I'm 16 (first time telling someone my age online that isn't my best online friend,) and I was diagnosed when I was 10. I'm one of those few females with it. (Maybe I'm exaggerating, but I do know that most people with AS are male. Please excuse me if I'm being a stupid n00b.) Oh and I'm an internet addict (another possible exaggeration.) I put that in all of my intros.

I'm here because I want to talk to more people with AS. I've considered joining before several times within the last few years, but I've always decided not to out of shyness, and the the fact I'm kind of annoyed by the attitude some of the people with AS I've encountered online. And the fact I shy away from boards with no swearing rules and such. (It's not that I swear every word or anything, I just like being able to. I've had to much experience with those sorts of boards, and I haven't really liked 'em much. Too squeaky clean and saccharine for my tastes. But I did do a bit of lurking just now, and it looks like this site may be an exception.)

I'm here now because lately I've been wanting to meet new people and work on coming out of my shell. And because I want to learn a few things from other people with AS, like dealing with social situations and relationships. The latter wish comes from my worsening uncomfortableness in public places and large social gatherings, and my realization that I may very well be gay. It's not that I don't have anyone offline to talk to about it, but I think it would be too awkward to discuss with my mom or my friends. It's not that they're bigoted or anything, I just think I might feel a bit more comfortable discussing it with other people like me.

Now that I've got that off my chest, can I ask a random question? (I'm assuming that wouldn't be a big deal here. xD)

How many people here are interested in steampunk or facinated by fundie antics (fundie = fundamentalist. You know, religious fanatics?)? I'm fascinated with fundies. They amuse me very much, (and just so you don't start worrying, some of them really horrify me.) I think that might be my weird interest.

Um, dunno what else to say. I think I'll end my post here. It's probably the longest post I've made on an internet forum.

not at all. There's all sorts here. Everybody's welcome. Must go; granddaughter wants Lolcats..

Hello, Angelique, and welcome! I'm Andrew.

I'm 18 (diagnosed at 12), but I only joined Wrong Planet recently. You know, I felt a lot like you- I'm pretty shy and had considered joining loads of times before...but never got around to it. Eventually I decided that I really wanted to connect with the Aspie community more, so here I am!

By the way, even though the numbers of males diagnosed is significantly higher than females, there are lots of females out there with AS (diagnosed or undiagnosed!), and quite a few have written some great books about their experiences.

I, too, am currently experiencing issues surrounding my sexuality...but I'll leave that story for another time.

Anyway, welcome on board! Nice to meet you.

Welcome to WP!

Thanks guys.

I think this is the first time I've introduced myself on a forum and gotten this many replies this fast. Which is a good thing. I like active forums.

"Hi," Angelique, and welcome to the Wrong Planet neighborhood.

what is steampunk?

but yeah, i like to laugh at fundies too. but our christian fundies aren't so bad. sometimes they make me sad.

I also suggest that you find a local support group, so you can make friends in person that have AS. That is what I have done.

As for fundies, have you checked out landoverbaptist.com? It's pretty hilarious sometimes.

I'll have to look into that.

And yeah, I'm pretty familiar with Landover Baptist. Funny, but I'm a fan of satire that's a little more subtle. The Gift Shop gave it away. If a site sells Jesus thongs, you know that site isn't really fundie.

Hi everybody I just joined wrong planet. My eight year old daughter has AS. I just found out about Asperger's last year and I have been reading every book I can get my hands on. I have also listened to several youtube post regarding people's personal experiences --- which I found to be the most helpful. Also, just this week I finally found a support group for AS & AFA kids and their families (about an hour away from where we live though). The first social get together for us will be next week. I understand there are a few girls in the group and I am so excited -- finally some girls!
This school year, my husband and I took our daughter out of the public school after much frustration dealing with the principle there. Since our daughter was able to make good grades on her report card and she was showing signs of improving in reading the school administration would not agree to have any testing done. Since then we have taken her to doctors and specialist ourselves in order to discover what she has been dealing with. At first, I was worried that she would miss out on things at public school, but it has been a great experience so far. There is a large network of homeschoolers in my area and sometimes we schedule too much stuff. Our daughter has had more free time and been able to take horseback riding and swimming lessons during the weekdays. She also receives occupational therapy every two weeks (on our insurance) and is on the waiting list for language therapy (problems with receptive language skills).
My husband and I are what I understand is called NTs by the AS community. Our daughter used to tell us that we just didn't understand her --- well now she says, "Finally someone understands". Unfortunately, now we need to get the rest of the family to understand. Even her pediatrician is a little stumped by the neurologists findings due to the fact that our daughter is so different from the boys he has seen. Any suggestions on how to explain or present what AS is to our NT family? I thought about ordering a DVD for them to watch (not sure which one). Any suggestions?

Hello there Angelique - and a very nice name that is too.

I understand your want to meet new people with Asperger's - in my neck of the woods, I know a whole three people with AS. Three! One of which happens to be myself...

I've had to make do with befriending NTs, most of whom don't understand or want to understand why I'm different, but have me along for comic value anyway.