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A funny take on birthdays from someone with Asperger's Syndrome! WITH an added link on the bottom!
This is why I love Aspies!!!!
My birthday is for everyone else Posted on Monday, November 27 @ 13:32:20 EST by When kids are little, they go to all these birthday parties, first for the kids of their parents' friends, then for their classmates, then for children they actually have something in common with (or who's parents made them invite them). And of course, if one is invited to a party, they have to invite the birthday kid to THEIR birthday.
This is when birthdays START being for everyone else. Most autistic kids really don't care for watching other people open presents-anyone who understands this, really, enlighten me, it's so...voyeuristic-and party games are pointless.
Kassiane Sibley The hats are uncomfortable, the cake is oversugared, and by the end of most childrens' parties NO ONE is having fun because everyone is either in tears, bored, or hyper and wild. The birthday kid, at least if I'm that birthday kid, is usually hiding somewhere. Or in time out for not being a good sport when losing at musical chairs-I maintain that my butt hit that chair first. Or already being forced to write thank you notes before the parental unit forgets what was given by whom. And really, who enjoys "goodie" bags? What's good about them??
Around high school, the mandatory parties stop. For me this was a huge relief, since I hated every party game except twister-which I always won, and which stopped being fun when no one would play me. But this is when friends start SURPRISING PEOPLE with crap on their lockers or in their lockers. ACK! I about had a heart attack the first time there was stuff on my locker that I did not put there, and when there was stuff IN it, I had to LEAVE THE BUILDING and come back in. Change And Surprise Are Bad. Even seeing them on OTHER people's lockers distressed me because it was a change in the hallway. And of course, when the autistic student has found friends...surprise parties.
Surprise parties are the worst thing ever. Everyone is all secretive and they take you somewhere and then SURPRISE! They give you stuff you may or may not want, and all THEIR favorite stuff is there. Oh boy, pizza. I have celiac disease, gee thanks. Wow. Video games and Magic, the Gathering. I'm autistic, not a stereotype. Yes all my friends were guys, but that didn't mean *I* was a stereotypical nerdy guy who was in Scholastic Bowl. Just...most of that. Ooh, take me bowling with the flashy lights, my epilepsy is gunna go for that one. Happy friggin birthday.
Then...adulthood. It gets worse. Why? Because not only do they drag you bowling or to philosophical and apologetical video game pizza filled nights, they can drag you to BARS. This may be some people's cup of...whatever you drink, but a) bars are loud b) a lot of us take medication, so no alcohol c) just the SLEAZE factor involved.
Maybe this is just the girl in me, but on my birthday I do not want to be the one sober person in a room while a bunch of drunk guys try their lame lines on me. It's sad, pathetic, an interesting study in human behavior, but there are 364 OTHER days a year I can do that too! I do NOT want to go line dancing, I have done that before, enjoyed it, and moved on-besides, drunk people never see me or get mad when I out dance them. I do not want to go sing karaoke if more than half the room is drunk and heartsick, because it's just depressing to watch. not funny. Depressing. In short, NO, I will not be amused at ANY bar, and any place that calls itself a 'club' is out because it's a glorified bar with a dance floor and seizure lights. ERs are off limits on my birthday.
So do people listen to me? No. That's why my birthday, when everyone else has a grand old time, is for everyone else.
Message edited 5/4/2009 7:17:25 PM.
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Posted 5/1/09 10:34 PM |
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Jackie24
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Member since 7/06 6718 total posts
Name: Jackie
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Re: A funny take on birthdays from someone with Asperger's Syndrome!
This just made me think of my student who today had a major melt down involving a bday party
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Posted 5/1/09 10:40 PM |
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Re: A funny take on birthdays from someone with Asperger's Syndrome!
Posted by Jackie24
This just made me think of my student who today had a major melt down involving a bday party So many hate bday parties and when people sing happy bday!!!!!
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Posted 5/1/09 10:52 PM |
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Jax430
Hi!
Member since 5/05 18919 total posts
Name: Jackie
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Re: A funny take on birthdays from someone with Asperger's Syndrome!
I love it!!!
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Posted 5/2/09 8:40 AM |
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GioiaMia
Let's Go Rangers!
Member since 1/07 14818 total posts
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Re: A funny take on birthdays from someone with Asperger's Syndrome!
awww so true!
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Posted 5/2/09 10:48 AM |
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cjik
Welcome 2010!
Member since 2/06 8879 total posts
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Re: A funny take on birthdays from someone with Asperger's Syndrome!
Interesting. A friend of mine tested positive for mild Aspergers (as an adult--she sought treatment on her own after reading about it and suspecting she has it). She arranges birthday things for herself, but they are usually outdoor activties with a small group of people she really likes. She never gets everyone to a bar or restaurant.
Actually, they usually are fun, and not a bad way to spend your birthday at all.
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Posted 5/2/09 8:19 PM |
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Re: A funny take on birthdays from someone with Asperger's Syndrome!
Posted by cjik
Interesting. A friend of mine tested positive for mild Aspergers (as an adult--she sought treatment on her own after reading about it and suspecting she has it). She arranges birthday things for herself, but they are usually outdoor activties with a small group of people she really likes. She never gets everyone to a bar or restaurant.
Actually, they usually are fun, and not a bad way to spend your birthday at all. She found ways to enjoy herself - like this blogger says - not the mainstream ways are enjoyable for everyone... FYI (sorry - as an educator on autism I HAVE to do this...) you don't test positive for Asperger's Syndrome - you are diagnosed with it. It runs the spectrum just as autism does, and there are people who can function with it and people who cannot - a friend of mine is married with kids, and actually very social and organized, but he has quirks, while many would relate to this blog and feel this way about EVERY social event - sometimes about going outside and functioning in the world. It's so sad. I know many who fall in the latter category. My favorite stories are the ones about people like your friend whorecognize their needs and function within them.... like most of us!
Message edited 5/2/2009 9:44:02 PM.
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Posted 5/2/09 9:43 PM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
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Re: A funny take on birthdays from someone with Asperger's Syndrome!
Posted by lipglossjunky73
This is why I love Aspies!!!!
Why would you write that? After the children with autism debate, it surprises me.
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Posted 5/3/09 12:00 AM |
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Re: A funny take on birthdays from someone with Asperger's Syndrome!
Posted by nrthshgrl
Posted by lipglossjunky73
This is why I love Aspies!!!!
Why would you write that? After the children with autism debate, it surprises me. I am talking about people who refer to themselves as aspies, write and discuss about what they go through, and share the information with the rest of the community. LOVE them. To pieces. That's why!!!
ETA a link
I have a lot of aspie friends!!!
Message edited 5/3/2009 12:13:27 AM.
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Posted 5/3/09 12:12 AM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
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Re: A funny take on birthdays from someone with Asperger's Syndrome!
Posted by lipglossjunky73
Posted by nrthshgrl
Posted by lipglossjunky73
This is why I love Aspies!!!!
Why would you write that? After the children with autism debate, it surprises me. I am talking about people who refer to themselves as aspies, write and discuss about what they go through, and share the information with the rest of the community. LOVE them. To pieces. That's why!!!
ETA a link
I have a lot of aspie friends!!!
So that's how we should refer to people with Aspergers?
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Posted 5/3/09 12:15 AM |
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Re: A funny take on birthdays from someone with Asperger's Syndrome!
Posted by nrthshgrl
Posted by lipglossjunky73
Posted by nrthshgrl
Posted by lipglossjunky73
This is why I love Aspies!!!!
Why would you write that? After the children with autism debate, it surprises me. I am talking about people who refer to themselves as aspies, write and discuss about what they go through, and share the information with the rest of the community. LOVE them. To pieces. That's why!!!
ETA a link
I have a lot of aspie friends!!!
So that's how we should refer to people with Aspergers?
If you are close with them, and you understand what the term is about and what it represents, and you feel comfortable with it, absolutely. It is not a derogatory term.... You have to understand that this is my life. It's not a professional term - I don't refer to my cases that way - I refer to the people in my life that way.
ETA One More link - to help people understand a little better - I'm sure you aren't the only one, Barb!!!
Any opportunity to share my passion!!!
Message edited 5/3/2009 12:24:10 AM.
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Posted 5/3/09 12:18 AM |
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GioiaMia
Let's Go Rangers!
Member since 1/07 14818 total posts
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Re: A funny take on birthdays from someone with Asperger's Syndrome!
Liza, for the millionth time in LIW/LIF history I have to thank you - my niece has Asperger's and while she is still young I feel like I am gaining a lot of insight into her world so THANK YOU.
Since her brother has autism, I think I am a bit hard on her - when she doesnt act "normal" but I am working on it!!
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Posted 5/3/09 11:36 AM |
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Re: A funny take on birthdays from someone with Asperger's Syndrome!
Posted by Tilde
Liza, for the millionth time in LIW/LIF history I have to thank you - my niece has Asperger's and while she is still young I feel like I am gaining a lot of insight into her world so THANK YOU.
Since her brother has autism, I think I am a bit hard on her - when she doesnt act "normal" but I am working on it!! When you figure out what normal is, let me know!
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Posted 5/3/09 12:04 PM |
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GioiaMia
Let's Go Rangers!
Member since 1/07 14818 total posts
Name:
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Re: A funny take on birthdays from someone with Asperger's Syndrome!
Posted by lipglossjunky73
Posted by Tilde
Liza, for the millionth time in LIW/LIF history I have to thank you - my niece has Asperger's and while she is still young I feel like I am gaining a lot of insight into her world so THANK YOU.
Since her brother has autism, I think I am a bit hard on her - when she doesnt act "normal" but I am working on it!! When you figure out what normal is, let me know!
LOL
Yes, her aunt with social anxiety, panic attacks and even depression at times gets fed up with HER actions - Am I in trouble when she gets old enough to kick MY @ss.
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Posted 5/3/09 3:42 PM |
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DebG
Pick a cause & stand up for it
Member since 5/05 18602 total posts
Name: The cure IS worse!
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Re: A funny take on birthdays from someone with Asperger's Syndrome!
Bars are sleazy? Someone needs to bring this person to an appropriate drinking facility
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Posted 5/4/09 5:25 AM |
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Little-J-Mommy
I'm a Big Brother
Member since 5/06 8041 total posts
Name: D
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Re: A funny take on birthdays from someone with Asperger's Syndrome!
Posted by DebG
Bars are sleazy? Someone needs to bring this person to an appropriate drinking facility
nice to see you and your humor Deb
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Posted 5/4/09 8:34 AM |
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kahlua716
3 Girls for Me!
Member since 8/07 12475 total posts
Name: Keri
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Re: A funny take on birthdays from someone with Asperger's Syndrome!
Posted by Tilde
Liza, for the millionth time in LIW/LIF history I have to thank you - my niece has Asperger's and while she is still young I feel like I am gaining a lot of insight into her world so THANK YOU.
Since her brother has autism, I think I am a bit hard on her - when she doesnt act "normal" but I am working on it!!
You should read "Look Me In the Eye" by John Elder Robison.
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Posted 5/4/09 9:09 AM |
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CrankyPants
I'm cranky
Member since 7/06 18178 total posts
Name: Mama Cranky
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Re: A funny take on birthdays from someone with Asperger's Syndrome!
Posted by lipglossjunky73
Posted by nrthshgrl
Posted by lipglossjunky73
Posted by nrthshgrl
Posted by lipglossjunky73
This is why I love Aspies!!!!
Why would you write that? After the children with autism debate, it surprises me. I am talking about people who refer to themselves as aspies, write and discuss about what they go through, and share the information with the rest of the community. LOVE them. To pieces. That's why!!!
ETA a link
I have a lot of aspie friends!!!
So that's how we should refer to people with Aspergers?
If you are close with them, and you understand what the term is about and what it represents, and you feel comfortable with it, absolutely. It is not a derogatory term.... You have to understand that this is my life. It's not a professional term - I don't refer to my cases that way - I refer to the people in my life that way.
ETA One More link - to help people understand a little better - I'm sure you aren't the only one, Barb!!!
Any opportunity to share my passion!!!
Still sounds wrong. I would think it's only "okay" to use that term if you are a part of the group to which it is referring. I would never feel comfortable using a term like that to describe someone else.
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Posted 5/4/09 2:42 PM |
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GioiaMia
Let's Go Rangers!
Member since 1/07 14818 total posts
Name:
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Re: A funny take on birthdays from someone with Asperger's Syndrome!
Posted by kahlua716
Posted by Tilde
Liza, for the millionth time in LIW/LIF history I have to thank you - my niece has Asperger's and while she is still young I feel like I am gaining a lot of insight into her world so THANK YOU.
Since her brother has autism, I think I am a bit hard on her - when she doesnt act "normal" but I am working on it!!
You should read "Look Me In the Eye" by John Elder Robison.
i will look into it - thanks!
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Posted 5/4/09 2:43 PM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
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Re: A funny take on birthdays from someone with Asperger's Syndrome!
Posted by CrankyPants Still sounds wrong. I would think it's only "okay" to use that term if you are a part of the group to which it is referring. I would never feel comfortable using a term like that to describe someone else.
I agree.
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Posted 5/4/09 2:51 PM |
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Re: A funny take on birthdays from someone with Asperger's Syndrome!
Posted by nrthshgrl
Posted by CrankyPants Still sounds wrong. I would think it's only "okay" to use that term if you are a part of the group to which it is referring. I would never feel comfortable using a term like that to describe someone else.
I agree. I can see where you are coming from, definitely, and I wouldn't expect people out of the field or circle to use that type of terminology. It might sound wrong but as an autism advocate, I assure you the term is not derogatory At all. Again, this is not even a career as much At is my life; terminology that is everyday for me can certainly sound unusual to the everyday folk. Spend an entire conversation with me and you will hear a whole new vocabulary!
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Posted 5/4/09 4:27 PM |
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CrankyPants
I'm cranky
Member since 7/06 18178 total posts
Name: Mama Cranky
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Re: A funny take on birthdays from someone with Asperger's Syndrome!
Posted by lipglossjunky73
Posted by nrthshgrl
Posted by CrankyPants Still sounds wrong. I would think it's only "okay" to use that term if you are a part of the group to which it is referring. I would never feel comfortable using a term like that to describe someone else.
I agree. I can see where you are coming from, definitely, and I wouldn't expect people out of the field or circle to use that type of terminology. It might sound wrong but as an autism advocate, I assure you the term is not derogatory At all. Again, this is not even a career as much At is my life; terminology that is everyday for me can certainly sound unusual to the everyday folk. Spend an entire conversation with me and you will hear a whole new vocabulary!
I know you don't mean harm, but it sounds like a cutsie name that minimizes a serious challenge. I would liken it to calling cancer patients "the Cancers" or someone who has had strokes as "the strokies".
And, if it is acceptable for you to use a term like that in your world, I would probably keep it in that arena as others may take it out of context and think it's okay to use in the every day world.
Just my 4 cents.
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Posted 5/4/09 5:01 PM |
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MeNBobs
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Member since 4/07 3765 total posts
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Re: A funny take on birthdays from someone with Asperger's Syndrome!
Posted by CrankyPants
Just my 4 cents.
Too bad it's not $0.20 I would have put it in my tip jar .
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Posted 5/4/09 5:04 PM |
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Re: A funny take on birthdays from someone with Asperger's Syndrome!
Posted by CrankyPants
Still sounds wrong. I would think it's only "okay" to use that term if you are a part of the group to which it is referring. I would never feel comfortable using a term like that to describe someone else.
As a professional in the MR/DD/ID field I agree with this completely. Terms/words that are used in one's professional context do not always translate well to another context. Personally, I would not use this term, even in a professional capacity, unless a person with Asperger's Syndrome specifically asked me to and not in a broad sense.
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Posted 5/4/09 5:22 PM |
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Re: A funny take on birthdays from someone with Asperger's Syndrome!
Posted by BaseballWidow
Posted by CrankyPants
Still sounds wrong. I would think it's only "okay" to use that term if you are a part of the group to which it is referring. I would never feel comfortable using a term like that to describe someone else.
As a professional in the MR/DD/ID field I agree with this completely. Terms/words that are used in one's professional context do not always translate well to another context. Personally, I would not use this term, even in a professional capacity, unless a person with Asperger's Syndrome specifically asked me to and not in a broad sense.
It was taught to me by the Asperger's community. It's not a disparaging term that a group had to "take back and own" like other groups that have suffered adversity. This term was developed proudly by a group of people who have met their challenges and realized in a social world, not everyone is able to keep up and understand it.
I'm not out to convince anyone of anything, or defend my use of a word like this. I understand how people may misunderstand it who are unfamiliar with the word and the population who developed it.
I am hoping that since everyone on here staunchly stood up to the use of this word - all in wonderful intentions, ad I thank them - that they read the 2 links I posted that outlines everything that people on the spectrum and people who work with people on the spectrum strive towards. That means more to me than people protesting against a word.
I have to say - I cannot wait for the Asperger's Syndrome conference this weekend. Since being politically correct is a social phenomenon that can be laughable to many, being surrounded by people who are open and honest and question everything we accept as social norms very refreshing to say the least. And that is why I LOVE so many of them!!!!! (Which was the point of this thread to begin with!)
ETA - especially the Tony Attwood link - he is the leading expert in Asperger's syndrome and he did something remarkable - he rewrote the entire DSM-IV criteria on Asperger's Syndrome to embrace their strengths! Read it - PLEASE - and compare it to the DSM IV criteria, which I will link if you guys want to see it.
Message edited 5/4/2009 6:08:41 PM.
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Posted 5/4/09 6:05 PM |
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