I was not diagnosed with Asperger's until I was 23 years old, and I didn't even know what it was until I was 17, so yep, I spent all my childhood and most of my teen years not knowing who I was, or why I was so different to most other people. When I found out about Asperger's I felt so relieved.
It wasn't an easy journey. At school I was bullied almost every day for being me, I didn't know how to cope, yes I tried to commit suicide, I didn't like myself, I hated who I was. I gained weight and in total pushed myself up to 22 stone. Every day was a heartache for me.
Even as a child I've always tried to remain polite and nice to everyone I meet and that's something no diagnosis, and no person can change, that will always be who I am. I love helping people.
Since finding out about my diagnosis and how those on the spectrum can be separated and disconnected from the rest of society I wondering.... wait a minute, what if I can bring them together? What if I could make everyone happy?
I researched my condition obsessively and used my own experiences to showcase in how I felt was best. I lost 9 stone in weight, started to feel more confident and then one day someone said to me 'Bryan, you're an inspiration'.
That clicked, and I decided to start Asperger Syndrome Awareness, with no intention of getting it as big as it is today. However, we did grow, and we were succeeding, people liked me.
I then decided that I would like to become an 'advocate' for those with the same condition as myself.
I found out about Temple Grandin and all these other wonderful people on the spectrum that was advocating, succeeding and making people happy. I wanted to do that, I wanted to take myself to another level. I wanted to support and advocate for Asperger's on a global scale.
So guys, followers of Asperger Syndrome Awareness, know that you're not alone. Whether you have Asperger's, Autism, are a parent, a relative, a friend. You are NOT alone.
In order for my dream to be realised I would like to grow our site even further so if you could share this to as many people as possible that would mean the world to me, and you'll be helping me to realise my dream.
My Asperger's makes me very passionate, and you can trust me. I can get Asperger's and Autism in a positive light, I just need to be given that opportunity.
How many of you are willing to share? - Bryan
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