Asperger's Syndrome sufferer Jodie A. builds and maintains a website designed to help others to understand Asperger's Syndrome

I was recently contacted by Jodie A. (I don't give her last name because she's 13 years old) about trading links between our sites.

I told her I'd love to exchange links with her and I'd also like to include a page at this website about her.

She was kind enough to answer the following questions:

How old were you when you were diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome?

I was diagnosed a few years ago, nobody in my family knew what Aspergers was so they all had to work hard to find out about Aspergers. Everyone did really well and now I want to raise awarness for people who have been diagnosed via my website.

How do you cope with Asperger’s Syndrome?

I am learning to adapt my life to make it easier. I don't think it will ever be 'easy' but I think it will get easier as I learn to live with Aspergers.

I find it especially difficult when I am in large crowds. My ears go numb and a million little noises fill my head. I find it difficult to socialise but I go to a club called Action For ASD which helps me feel normal.

I hate going to my mainstream school, it really is not a nice environment for children and teenagers with Aspergers. Although some schools do their best to adapt, it doesn't cover up the fact that children and teenagers with Aspergers Syndrome find the environment challenging.

How did you know that there was something "different" (I actually really don't like using that terminology "different" but I don't know how else to say it) about you?

I don't have a huge problem with it but I think that because some people see me as 'different' in a bad way.

I am actually trying to educate people about Aspergers Syndrome so that they could understand that we are different, and that having Aspergers Syndrome is o.k.

How have your schools responded?

My first school was pretty useless, they set me up with a woman called Maria who I don't think really understood.

My second school is good because they provide me with a quiet place to sit and offer me a pass so that when I get stressed I can go and have some time to sit in the quiet.

What made you decide to do a website about it?

I wanted to do a website to raise awarness about Aspergers because I think that when people finally realise that it is them who have 'the problem' with Aspergers that they will finally learn to accept it.

Have you ever had to take medications, and if so, which ones, and if so, how did/do they work for you?

I have never taken any medication to help with my Aspergers but links have been found between sleeping disorders and Aspergers.

I struggle to sleep at night because my mind goes into overload and so many thoughts all race through my head so I take a type of Melatonin called Circidin. It does help and a lot but when I do take it I still can't sleep.

When I don't take it I really cannot sleep.

Have you ever had any other diagnoses (i.e. Sensory; Bi-Polar; Depression; OCD; ODD; etc.) besides Aspergers Syndrome?

I have never been diagnosed with anything else.

Do you have any specific struggles that you deal with (with your school, with your life, etc.)?

I really struggle with school. I think it is an awful enviroment for people with Aspergers. The environment is noisy, overwhelming and people don't always treat you with respect because you are different.

Thank you so much Jodie and kudos to you for all that you are doing to help the world to understand Aspergers Syndrome!

Please visit Jodie's website... Aspies-Unite

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