I was fascinated by the news piece in the recent GRASP press summary about hackers.  It was http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-57507160-83/aspergers-study-asks-are-hackers-cognitively-different/

As an IT person who has a very close friend who was a "den mother" at Project Hope, perhaps I can comment half-intelligently.

The article was about a study of hackers who…

September is blending into October. School's begun and is full swing. In the northern climes where I live, fall colors and frosts are upon us. It's harvest time. Lakes are getting too cold to swim in. So many shades of red never cease to astound me… it's a beautiful end to summers' heat.

Here at…

This is reprinted with permission

Housing & Mortgages for People with Disabilities

Please note that you are free to copy and/or reuse this guide, in whole or parts, provided that you reference (link) to the original source, i.e. this page.

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Introduction

This guide has…

One of the more common challenges (at least according to the experts) for a child with Asperger Syndrome is developing an understanding of the subtleties of communication. I can't speak for other children, but Haydn definitely has trouble with basic conversation skills. He always asked questions and made little speeches (mostly about fans and lights), but actual conversation is a real challenge.

His initial diagnosis included "Semantic-Pragmatic Language Impairment," which of course…

Labor Day came early this year, marking the official end of summer vacation and the start of school for many. But summer doesn't end until fall begins three weeks from now, on September 22^nd. End of summer and beginning of autumn is harvest time, time for crops to be gathered in. And as we do…

All,

The following images have been generously given to us by EP Magazine. Obviously, we're grateful for the exposure. But we also want to convey what a wonderful publication this is, and has been for 41 years. Their Mission Statement alone is remarkable to us for its directness..."Information that matters from people who care." Especially if you're a relative of someone with ANY special need, we hope you'll check them out by clicking …

(NOTE: The author of this is Michele Montanez, not mjc)

From: Michele Montanez 


Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2012 5:57 PM


To: Liz Feld, Executive Director, Autism Speaks


Subject: Walmart and cures

Dear Liz,

I had the pleasure of meeting you at the National Conference in Chicago a few weeks ago.  We spoke briefly regarding the continued use of the word cure as part of the Autism Speaks lexicon.  I was fairly emphatic that it…

My 20 year old son is a high functioning person with aspergers.  He's a senior in college.  Well, as a very young child he was diagnosed with ADDHD without hyperactivity.  Through time (and many, many therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists) he was rediagnosed as having an anxiety disorder, then ADDHD again, depression.  Finally, sick of feeling like a "zombie" with the side effects of all the meds, he took himself off all medication.  He's coped okay but really has difficulty with…

Hi,

I am a neurotypical doctoral student at the University of Windsor. I am doing my dissertation study on sexuality and its social context in the lives of people on the autism spectrum. I am looking for someone on the spectrum who would be interested in acting as an adviser on my study. I will provide an  honorarium in appreciation of your time and expertise.

My study is an investigation of sexuality and romance as it is experienced by people with ASD. I am interested in…

This is an intro I put a year ago on my LiveJournal page:  "Life Navigation as an HFA Aspie":

life navigation.



I'm having a lot of work issues lately.  Mostly from a new boss who's bullied me to take assignments that are either not in my main skill area or which are overloading my availability.  I told one person I feel like I have 4 clones being assigned to but who aren't paid and who don't do anything.  We have…

August. Summer is in full swing, the temperatures are hot. Many places in the USA are experience record heat and drought conditions. Gardens and farmers' markets brim with abundant fresh produce that is delicious and healthy. Those who have access to water where they can cool off are…

http://laughinghelps2.blogspot.com/2012/08/blurter.html 

I know why I have a problem stepping forward, but I am still having a a problem overcoming this issue. As much as I believe if you have something to say well then say it, I can't. It seems that I don't always practice what I preach. Situations like this I don't know where the defining line's are between what is asperger's/ADHD behavior and what is the taught behavior. I will never know what true social behavior is, only what is taught to me. Someone else's idea or interpretation of social…

My name is Tim Turner and I have Asperger's. I find it extremely difficult to relate to neurotypicals. No matter how many times I explain my condition they refuse to understand my words and instead choose to label me as a retard, dangerous person, etc. I believe we atypicals need to stick together and combine our mental powers in the face of extreme prejudice, to discover our common ground and how to best deal with this lifetime, and ultimately to create some form of art using our analytical…

What is the difference

What is the difference between a statement and an excuse. Does the statement become invalid when it is referred to as an excuse. Dose it make it a untruth? Dose it mean I am being called a lier? Especially when I belive it to be a truthful reply to a question?

This is just one of many questions between my way of thinking and everyone else's way of thinking. The problem here is that in order for me to coexist in there world I have to learn the answers to…

I am the person who won't take food from the church pantry no matter how much someone else feels I need it.

I am that person who would give up the last seat and wait for the next bus .

I am that same person who has and will risk my life and well bein to save you or your family 24/7.

I am that person who doesn't know when…

Hi,

I am a neurotypical doctoral student at the University of Windsor. I am doing my dissertation study on sexuality and its social context in the lives of people on the autism spectrum. I am looking for someone on the spectrum who would be interested in acting as an adviser on my study.

My study is an investigation of sexuality and romance as it is experienced by people with ASD. I am interested in people's personal accounts. I am also interested in the social…

Hi folks!  This is not really a response to the current conversation, but I just joined GRASP minutes ago.  I dont have a picture of myself on my computer.  However, I thought it would be polite to introduce myself.  I'm a 46-year old male with a wife and 2 school age kids.  My wife and I both work and live in Pekin, IL, and I was diagnosed with AS about 6 months ago.  That's the basics; I'm so happy I found this blog!

July. School's out, summer's in full swing, the temperatures are hot. Fourth of July and Canada Day have passed with all their festivities. Some in the US are challenged by storms, loss of power or wildfires.

Here at GRASP we have a new crop of articles for you to…