New Blog!

I have been asked to start a blog by the fine people at Autism Calgary. Although my written communication skills can be blunt and I may have a tough time, at times, expanding my thoughts, I have found what I have to say may help people both on the autism spectrum and the neuro-typicals that interact with us.

A Bit About Myself

I am 40-year-old male Aspie with a wonderful Aspie Fiancée. I am currently employed as a freight conductor in small town Alberta.

I help out at Autism Calgary whenever I can, by co-facilitating workshops for Adults on the Spectrum, talking to parents with children on the spectrum and being an advocate and talking to the general public about Aspergers and Autism.

Diagnosis

I was in couples counseling with an ex-girlfriend in the fall of 2010. During these sessions I was told that I might have Asperger’s Syndrome. The counselor was not an expert on this but the description from the DSM IV about Asperger’s Syndrome sounded like me. I started reading about it in books and on the Internet. The problem was there is little in the way of good information for adults on the autism spectrum and less still from the perspective of someone on the spectrum. Once I spent a few months digesting the information, I wanted to talk to an expert. I found a psychologist that specialized with autism and had worked with adults. I was officially diagnosed February 2011.

What I See For This Blog

I will relate some of my life experiences and try to give insight into how I think. I will link to interesting articles and may give my own thoughts and expand on things that catch my eye. I will also from time to time answer questions. If you have any questions or topics to see on this blog please contact me .

Speaking of Things That Catch My Eye: New TV Show

The Bridge (FX & FX Canada 2013) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bridge_(2013_TV_series). The Bridge is a crime drama staring female detective that has Asperger’s Syndrome. This is a very realistic portrayal of an Aspie interacting with her job and the people she encounters. With the amount of “Aspie” characters on TV that just show genius with a couple of over the top stereotyping of a couple of Autistic traits, (ie. Big Bang Theory, House) it is nice to see one of us portrayed more naturally. I think it is also one of the first times that an Aspie woman is in a leading role. (I have not watched Bones and it has never been stated that Dr. Brennan is on the Spectrum.) Premiered July 10, 2013. Wednesdays 10:00pm E / 8:00pm M

In person I am an autism advocate, but online, I prefer my privacy. So for this blog, my alias will be Conductor Asp(ie) or in short form rail lingo CNDR Asp.