New Aspie, 23 - Diagnosed at 12

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Hi everybody ,

My name's Jordan and I'm brand new here - I just found this site on wikipedia.
Here's my story:

I was diagnosed with Asperger's when I was 12 years old, although as early as Kindergarten I had this sense that there was something different about me.
I went to Catholic school through 4th grade, where tiny class sizes and a caring environment probably helped me from feeling too awkward, but in 5th grade I started at a public school and experienced great difficulties. I struggled through 5th and 6th grades, but in 7th grade I transfered to a special needs program at a different public school. I don't think it was entirely necessary for me to be in such a program, but the staff at the new school was much more likeable and the students seemed more accepting of new students so I felt like I could be myself more openly. And one therapist at this school helped me to embrace myself and helped me realize some of my potential (I had never realized that I was an above average student before). I took some of my new enthusiasm with me to High School (again, another district), where I felt more comfortably socially than I ever had before.

I just finished up my Bachelor's degree this past may after attending 3 different schools and changing majors twice.

I'm getting married in August.

I've had a lifelong facination with Trains, but my new obsession is Audio Equipment, particularly speakers. I love them to the point where my Fiancee has on several occasions had to drag me out of the listening room at the Electronics store.

*whew*

So, that's a little about me. I look forward to meeting some new folks here! I've never really had occasion to speak to other people with Apergers/Autism so I'm excited about this site.

Thanks for reading!

Welcome to WrongPlanet!

My dad, who has Aspie traits, is also obsessed with speakers. He keeps building his own speakers and spends hours on the Internet trying to find high-quality sound systems. He also spent a lot of time installing a new sound system in his car. His whole room is filled with them, and he listens to them very loud... it's insane!

Hi Mathgirl!

Sounds like your father and I are of the same mold...I fiddled a bit with car speakers myself when I had my old car, but my new one has a decent enough system in it that I decided not to mess with it - especially since it's a foreign model with a proprietary connection system that would take a lot of effort to replace.

And I'd absolutely love to build some of my own...I get all of the parts magazines and often fantasize about how I'd do it but the fact is that the materials I'd want to use would be a bit out of my current price range. Someday, though!

And I too am a fan of the loudness.

But your post did remind me of another one of my more intense interests: Cars! I didn't really care for them until I started driving but since then I've become quite a fan.

Welcome to WP, JWeebs!

Love the name.

If you have not already, you may want to read Look Me in the Eye by John Elder Robison, an aspie with an early aptitude and fascination for such equipment (lights and sound). It led to a stint touring with KISS designing their gear. It is a great read.

He has his own blog too, but now he is into cars.

Hi riverotter,

Thanks for the welcome and for the recommendation! I've actually been looking for something new to read. I just finished The Year of Living Bibically by A.J. Jacobs, which I thought was quite interesting - tbe author decided to live literally by the Bible for a whole year - it led to some very entertaining and enlightening situations.

Welcome, fellow-traveler Jordan, to the Wrong Planet community. And congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

Welcome to the site!

@ riverotter: Thanks for the 2nd recommendation!

@ Chair: Thanks!