28 Dec 2008, 10:27 pm
Hi everyone, I'm new to WP, but I guess I was never really 'new' to AS. I somehow knew all along that I was different to other people, and that my life will forever be a 'one-man battle' - me against the world. I was shy, low in confidence and self-esteem as a child. Was bullied occasionally at school, and reacted violently by chasing down the bullies in fits of blind rage, screaming with tears streaking down my cheeks. University life was much better, though I would fall into depression at lot. I never had (and to this day) many friends.
By the time I joined the workforce, I would have trouble holding down a job for extended periods of time, and would have lunch alone by the first month. I now look for jobs where I work as a project manager, expected to work independently.
I became to realize 'why I am me' when my firstborn son was sent for diagnosis for autism. He is 2 yrs and 7 months now, and shows signs of AD, speech delay, motor delays, and eye stimming (where he chases lines and walls). He also likes to spin the basketball and stare at it. Because of my son I now know some answers to my existence. My son was the key to my life. But I lament each day for him. He is our hope and joy in this life. We are now preparing him for autistic therapies and schooling.
WP has been a relief. To know that I am not 'alone', even though many of us are 'alone'. Ironic isn't it? I hope to learn a lot from my fellow aspies, and I hope I can also contribute some useful survival tips. My wife now realizes and accepts I'm AS, and admires the way I can 'hack' my way through this world, even better than NT, if only in the workforce arena. Would you believe it, I work as a project manager and hold a PMP. Projects are 90% communication! Verbal and written communication, meeting people and influencing them to work towards the same goal. I hold project meetings with peers and management, and manage the programming workforce. My managers from the past 2 jobs have stated in appraisals that I have 'excellent communications skills'. For an AS such I myself, where I would shy away at every opportunity, this is a huge triumph. I also hold a CISA, though I would expect 'auditing' careers to be more suited for AS folks 
Thanks for reading this far. Wish everyone a prosperous and healthy 2009.
28 Dec 2008, 10:28 pm
28 Dec 2008, 10:33 pm
28 Dec 2008, 10:36 pm
28 Dec 2008, 10:55 pm
Nice to meet you, Yocritier. 
28 Dec 2008, 11:09 pm
I seriously need to learn the skills you've learned... I would love to pick your brain some time if you've got some time.
Otherwise, welcome.
Nice to meet you, and feel free to contact me if there's anything I can help you with.
29 Dec 2008, 12:25 am
30 Dec 2008, 12:21 pm
richie
Supporting Member
Joined: 9 Jan 2007
Age: 66
Gender: Male
Posts: 30,142
Location: Lake Whoop-Dee-Doo, Pennsylvania
31 Dec 2008, 3:00 pm
To WrongPlanet!! !
AnonymousAnonymous
Veteran
Joined: 23 Nov 2006
Age: 35
Gender: Male
Posts: 72,638
Location: Portland, Oregon
01 Jan 2009, 3:55 pm
01 Jan 2009, 7:42 pm
02 Jan 2009, 8:35 pm
Welcome! You sound like a high achiever 
