Attwood Tony - Been there, done that--try this! : an Aspies guide to life on earth

About the Aspie Mentors

Qazi Fazli Azeem

Year of birth: 1981

Country where I am currently living: USA (on Fulbright Scholarship till 2014; originally from Karachi, Pakistan)

Favorite part about being Aspergers/HFA: People coming up to me and saying that they have never met anyone like me in their life.

Least favorite part about being Aspergers/HFA: The internal struggle and battle that I have to go through every time in social settings, and making light conversation with neurotypicals, to make sure I dont scare them because of my intense interests in arcane subjects. I have to keep my gloves on and wear a mask of conformity.

Last completed level of education: Pakistans first multimedia design undergraduate in 2006. I am currently enrolled in the MFA (20122014) for Dynamic Media Communication Design at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston, USA, through the Fulbright Scholarship.

Current job: Graduate teaching assistant, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston.

One line of advice I would give to someone with Aspergers/HFA: Wear the mask of conformity as you practice and get better at what you do. Eventually, you will find others like you; join them, and change the world.

One line of advice I would like the world to know about Aspergers/HFA: The story of one with Aspergers is as old as the story of science, math, art, language and creativity. We have enabled innovation, and push the boundaries of technology every day. A day will come when there will be more Aspergers and fewer neurotypicals, and then the world will understand that Aspergers syndrome is human evolution in action.

Garry Burge

Year of birth: 1972

Country where I am currently living: Australia

Favorite part about being Aspergers/HFA: It is a means of identity and understanding.

Last completed level of education: Bachelor of Arts degree.

Current job: Service support assistant, University of Queensland library.

One line of advice I would give to someone with Aspergers/HFA: Dont deny you have Aspergers syndrome, as it only makes the world a much harder place to live in.

One line of advice I would like the world to know about Aspergers/HFA: Accepting people into the world makes for a much better, more diverse and interesting place.

James Buzon

Year of birth: 1984

Country where I am currently living: USA

Favorite part about being Aspergers/HFA: My imagination.

Least favorite part about being Aspergers/HFA: Sensory issues.

Last completed level of education: BA English.

Current job: Currently pursuing a BS in Graphic Design.

One line of advice I would give to someone with Aspergers/HFA: Individuality is a very precious commodity. Love your individuality, and things will begin to fall into place.

One line of advice I would like the world to know about Aspergers/HFA: I would tell everyone that we can change the world dramatically (and for the good, might I add), if we are given the chance.

Bob Castleman

Year of birth: 1958

Country where I am currently living: USA

Favorite part about being Aspergers/HFA: My penchant for non-linear thinking.

Least favorite part about being Aspergers/HFA: People not understanding my non-linearity.

Last completed level of education: College junior.

Current job: Database administrator.

One line of advice I would give to someone with Aspergers/HFA: The universe is bigger than you. Step outside of yourself and discover it.

One line of advice I would like the world to know about Aspergers/HFA: Educate yourself before you say anything about autism and Aspergers. You very likely know only what flows through mass media. Would you like your life defined by the internet? Neither do people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Mitch Christian

Year of birth: 1962

Country where I am currently living: USA

Favorite part about being Aspergers/HFA: Remaining reasonable when confronted with overreactions.

Least favorite part aboutz being Aspergers/HFA: Hypersensitivity to sound.

Last completed level of education: Four-year college degree.

Current job: Computer programmer.

One line of advice I would give to someone with Aspergers/HFA: Its going to be okay.

One line of advice I would like the world to know about Aspergers/HFA: You need us.

Debbie Denenburg

Year of birth: 1958

Country where I am currently living: USA

Favorite part about being Aspergers/HFA: Im usually right! I love researching and giving factual information. This has the result of people trusting what I say.

Least favorite part of Aspergers/HFA: Not being understood. I feel like I say things straight up, but neurotypicals (NTs) seem to think that there is always something unsaid instead of taking my words at face value. This leaves me confused and frustrated.

Last completed level of education: High school.

Current job: The disability benefit is my main income but I always work. I am an artist and I have an Etsy shop online where I sell mostly vintage items. I have also written a movie screenplay. It is in the hands of a filmmaker, but there has been no action on it yet.

One line of advice I would give to someone with Aspergers/HFA: Believe you can be loved for who you truly are.

One line of advice I would like the world to know about Aspergers/HFA: By opening your mind to allow a knowledge of Aspergers, you will be increasing your opportunity to understand a bigger picture of humanity.

Charli Devnet

Year of birth: 1954

Country where I am currently living: USA

Favorite part about being Aspergers/HFA: Being unique.

Least favorite part about being Aspergers/HFA: Loneliness.

Last completed level of education: Postgraduate degree.

Current job: Tour guide.

One line of advice I would give to someone with Aspergers/HFA: Know yourself. Without self-knowledge, you can acquire a passel of college degrees and never be wise.

One line of advice I would like the world to know about Aspergers/HFA: Give us a chance. Were a lot more fun once you get to know us. We may seem anti-social, rude, stubborn, immature and uncaring, but this may well be due to the painful experiences that many of us have endured in our youth. Sometimes you have to break down the walls to get to us, but its worth it.

Temple Grandin

Year of birth: 1947

Country where I am currently living: USA

Favorite part about being Aspergers/HFA: My logical thinking.