Why didn't I land here sooner?

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Hello. I'm a 21-year-old who was diagnosed with Aspergers when I was 3. I joined this site in order to give and receive advice with others on the spectrum. I have experienced a lot and am currently transitioning into the workforce, as I will graduate from college with an AS this March.

*Hi five* to another college graduate.

Welcome to WP

Welcome

I'm self-diagnosed myself. I've always been curious of people who have been diagnosed from an early stage in their life. How would you describe your experience with AS?

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

Welcome

It wasn't easy growing up. At first, the school district didn't want me, so I went to a "special" kindergarten. I was integrated back into the regular school for grades 1-4. However, they put me in special ed for 3rd grade. Then, from 5th to 12th grade, I went through a series of "special" schools.

Starting in 8th grade, I was mainstreamed into a regular school district, which was 40 minutes from my house. Due in part to the school's administration, the kids in this progra were blatently segregated and, as a result, bullied. We also couldn't join any clubs because of insurance reasons. I also couldn't join clubs in my local school district because the long bus ride would make me late.

Now, I'm in an NT college in a different state. Being diagnosed early was a blessing and a curse. On one hand, the early intervention has helped me develop better social skills, as well as to understand myself. On the other hand, I missed out on a lot of social oppurunities that most teenagers get. I had no romantic experience until recently and I never went to prom because I was segregated from the vast majority of my peers.

Hmm, that's quite interesting.

I'm glad it helped, but am sorry to hear about the social issues you've had to go through. I suppose the biggest concern about being diagnosed is the worry that many people aren't educated about AS, and aren't sure how to react towards it.

Congrats on the college success!

I'm 23, and while perfectly intellectually capable of completing the coursework, I haven't been yet. Haven't built up enough confidence to try...

What are you studying?

My major is Network Administration in the Information Technology field.

Welcome Screath ! !

Welcome