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RawSugar
Snowy Owl
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17 Oct 2012, 12:21 am

So it's like this,
I'm not going to give a big background speech on my life with Asperger's, because with the way that I have a tendency to ramble on, a novel would suddenly find it's presence in these forums. To put things in short form, I was diagnosed with Asperger's at the age of 19, after spending my entire life struggling under the pre tense of attempting to pretend to be normal to the entire world.
Since my medical diagnosis, I have been working with a specialist to put together various education plans, take IQ tests, the usual. In addition, I attended a series of workshops presented by him, moderated by a panel of people with Aspergers or married to, or otherwise affected by it. Following this workshop my specialist approached me and asked if I was would be able to mentor a younger girl with Aspergers, in her teens.
Basically the way that things are going, I know nothing about this girl that I agreed to mentor due to confidentiality. Though she has agreed to meet me, from a legal standpoint, I can't actually know anything about her until I meet her, and the way that things keep going through my head are like, what if I completely bomb this? Most of the time I can't even deal with myself on a daily basis, let alone a teenager. I know that the majority of you are going to tell me to be myself, but I don't even know what to say to her when I meet her. So someone, HELP. Even if you just pep talk me.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and consider my words. If you need any more details don't hesitate to PM me, please.
Julia.



lostexplorer
Yellow-bellied Woodpecker
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17 Oct 2012, 6:00 pm

Welcome along :)



AnonymousAnonymous
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17 Oct 2012, 6:21 pm

Welcome to Wrong Planet!


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NHASPIE629
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18 Oct 2012, 6:31 pm

Hello Julia.



CockneyRebel
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18 Oct 2012, 9:55 pm

Welkome to WP

MickImage


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foyb
Butterfly
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18 Oct 2012, 11:00 pm

I'm going to even pretend to be an expert, but my step son was 11 when I first met him (he turned 13 today). I'd like to think that he and I have a good relationship. When his mom and I started seeing each other, he did not have the AS diagnosis yet. Up until last year, he lived with his dad, and only visited us on the weekends. A little over a year ago, he moved in full time with us. It took a while, but now, he's very comfortable with me. He has no trouble discussing whatever problems he has with me. If he needs help with his homework, it has to be from me, not his mom. He's went to work with me if I have to go in on a weekend. From my experience, my advise would be don't push too hard, be patient, and do whatever is necessary for them to become comfortable around you. If you'd like more specifics, feel free to PM me.



Stalk
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19 Oct 2012, 7:26 am

ok PEP talk: get your head out of your own *** :D

ok but seriously, when you were 11, what would you have liked to be told by an adult. Things that could have helped you at the age of 11. Think of that, write it down, discuss it with your own mentor and see if he/they approve.



UDG
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21 Oct 2012, 9:41 am

I would suggest that you try to be friendly and relaxed. If she sees you as a friend she is more likely to open up to you and also more likely to listen to what you have to say. Try to imagine/remember how you felt when you were her age. This should help you to identify with her perspective. Also try to be patient; you know how frustrating things can be in her situation.
I hope that was of some help.