A few weeks ago, I wrote a column about a 44-year-old woman with Asperger's Syndrome.
She had stopped here to talk, and I was struck by how hard it must be to be her. Asperger's Syndrome is a form of autism that is characterized by social isolation and eccentric behavior.
Obviously very bright -- this woman earned bachelor's and master's degrees before getting the diagnosis in her late 20s -- she was frustrated. She wants to be a musician. She'd like a career. But gets so far and then her condition sets her back. She lives entirely on disability.
Some very moving letters came in response.
One woman wrote about her 18-year-old son, explaining, "He, too, struggled with fitting in and behaving appropriately from the time he first attended preschool."
Finally, at 15, he was diagnosed with Asperger's.
"With a clear understanding of his disorder and outstanding support from the special education personnel, teachers and administration within the public schools, he has been much more successful socially," she wrote.
Her son is away at college now, living in a dorm and with a roommate.
"He has probably explained his Asperger's to his roommate by now because he has found that people are much more tolerant of his idiosyncrasies when they understand his challenges," she continued. "I would like this woman to know that there are resources and information available for people living with Asperger's. She doesn't have to feel ashamed anymore."
She suggested books by Liane Holliday Willey, who she said has Asperger's herself and is a dynamic speaker, and Tony Attwood. She also suggested the Internet as a source of information and online support groups.
Another woman who wrote was frustrated because her 22-year-old daughter, recently diagnosed with mental illness, can't keep a job.
"She gets a job but after a short time, if she demonstrates 'abnormal' behaviors, becomes confused and overwhelmed, and cannot 'cope,' she is fired. All she wants to do is work and support herself.
This woman describes her daughter as dependable, intelligent, beautiful and loving -- someone who would be an outstanding employee, given the chance and the right job.
"I am heartbroken for her," she wrote. "There was a recent article in the Record-Eagle put out by Community Mental Health which stated a poll given to employers if they would employ a person with mental illness and the majority said yes. WHERE are these employers?
"I wish people would become more aware of the need of these individuals in our area and somehow step up."
She signed off, "Thanks for listening."
Maybe that's something we all can do.
Print this story
E-mail this story
