New

[EmmaRose]

My name is Emma and I am a 21 year old university student. I am here because of an ex boyfriend. It has been two years.

I am studying political science, and I had intended to go to law school but I've decided to put law off until I have had whatever children I am going to have and they are old enough to be in school. I am getting married in two years. My fiance is studying medical sciences. He wants to work in a lab. I love to volunteer. I work for the Learning Disabled Association of America, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Humane Society, and some of my own initiatives for people with learning disabilities and autism. I am thinking about doing Habitat for Humanity or Red Cross, or both. I really want to take the Red Cross pet first aid certification, too. My dog died last year but I still have a horse and CANNOT wait to get dogs when I move in with my fiance. Dalmatians and pit bulls are my favorite, but I also love golden retrievers.

I found out in February that I have high functioning autism. It shouldn't change how you think of me-- I am "normal" enough that it took 20 years for anybody to realize anything was different about me, and I would never have been diagnosed had I not noticed something was amiss myself. You can immediately disregard the stereotypes, they do not generally apply to those of us higher on the spectrum. I just mention it because it is really complicating my recovery, which I will discuss in more detail later. Autism is an integral part of my life as a survivor, but it's not like I am mentally handicapped or in any way intellectually or emotionally stunted. So please don't treat me like I am weird. :\

[calliehere]

Hi EmmaRose

You sound like a very busy, wonderfully articulate, strong advocate, not to mention the fact that you sound like an incredible woman! Welcome to AS! You're not alone here.

Callie

Edited June 9, 2010 by calliehere

[woodlands]

welcome. hope you find it comforting and supportive here.

[Wishy]

Hiya, welcome to AS Those are some impressive qualifications and I love dogs too! Hopefully gonna be getting a baby pug soon so I understand your excitement :D

My younger brother has aspergers, nobody ever realizes this about him without being told

[whimsical1]

welcome emma.

[~FOUND~]

Hi there.

Welcome to AS.

I hope you find this site to be helpful.

Found

[sisterinsurvival]

Hi emmarose,

My name is Lynn, and I am a member of the New Member Support Team. I just wanted to take the time to say welcome to After Silence.

I hope that you find comfort and support here. I am glad that you have joined with us and look forward to getting to know you. If you need anything or have questions about the boards or how something works, please send me a personal message. I will gladly help in any way possible...also if you need someone to listen, let me know.

Take care,

[~FOUND~]

I hope you are finding your way around the boards ok.

Found

[2muchpain]

Welcome fellow newbie!

[~FOUND~]

THinking of you.