Asperger's Diary

Life through the lens of Asperger's Syndrome.

By Lynne Soraya

Bridging the Gulf of Autistic Adulthood

By Lynne Soraya on June 15, 2009 - 8:57pm in Asperger's Diary

For those not familiar with the landscape of autism politics, fellow PT blogger Stanton Peele's recent post, "Why We Can't Solve Autism," provided an excellent snapshot. The article which he references, "Growing Old With Autism," by Karl Greenfeld brings up yet another facet of the discussion - adults with autism. Reading it drove home my own misgivings about the lack of information, programs and support for adults on the spectrum. Read More

Gardening, Asperger Style: Learning When Not To Follow The Rules

By Lynne Soraya on May 5, 2009 - 9:33pm in Asperger's Diary

Well, it's spring again and the gardening bug has definitely bitten me. While the weather is still too unpredictable where I live to plant, that didn't stop me from stopping by a local nursery to dream. While making my great plans for the season ahead - I found myself reflecting on the origins of my interest in gardening, and my disastrous early attempts. I wondered...how much of it was typical, and how much of it was Asperger's? Read More

Sheldony or Aspergery?: Big Bang Theory

By Lynne Soraya on April 20, 2009 - 8:43pm in Asperger's Diary

When talking about portrayals of Asperger's in the media, whether it be here, or in other forums, there are certain shows that keep coming up time and again. The one I had heard of most recently was CBS's comedy Big Bang Theory. I've been trying to catch it for months now, but never seemed to manage to, partially because it's scheduled directly opposite another of my favorites - House. Finally, on a plane, I managed to catch an episode. All I can say is...Oh, my! Read More

It's Just A Stupid TV Show: Why Pay Attention?

By Lynne Soraya on February 24, 2009 - 7:02pm in Asperger's Diary

Several readers commented on my last post, about Asperger's portrayals in shows such as Boston Legal, and Grey's Anatomy, questioning why I should concern myself with shows that are melodramatic at best, surreal at worst. It's just fiction, can't you just trust that adults will tell truth from fiction? Not necessarily. Not if they have no truth to compare it to. Let me give you an example... Read More

When Will ABC Get Asperger's Right?

By Lynne Soraya on February 10, 2009 - 10:57pm in Asperger's Diary

One of the measures of inclusion of a specific culture is the quality of media portrayals of members that culture. The transition from merely stereotypical, to more complex, multi-dimensional characters is all important. Despite multiple attempts, ABC, much lauded in recent years for its culturally diverse casting and development ideas, has not yet accomplished this in its portrayals of characters with Asperger's.

An Interest in Serial Killers

By Lynne Soraya on January 19, 2009 - 10:43pm in Asperger's Diary

In an earlier post, Asperger's Awareness for Assistance Professions, I touched on the importance of professional awareness of certain behaviors in Asperger's, and how they can be misunderstood. Read More

The Wisdom of Billy The Kid

By Lynne Soraya on January 11, 2009 - 11:40pm in Asperger's Diary

I first learned about Jennifer Venditti's documentary, "Billy The Kid" some time ago - when I was pleasantly surprised to find a link to my personal blog on the movie's blog site. Reading through the blog, my curiosity was piqued. I was driven to find out more. What was this movie? And what was it's angle? What was the connection to Asperger's?

Googling the film, I learned that the documentary followed a few days in the life of a 15 year old from Maine named Billy. Billy is eccentric, loves movies, rock and roll, and martial arts. He also happens to have Asperger's, although it's never mentioned in the course of the film. Read More

Making A Pearl

By Lynne Soraya on December 14, 2008 - 10:23pm in Asperger's Diary

While driving to work the other morning, I had one of my "moments." One of the moments in which my otherness overwhelms me, and I find myself thinking there's no place for me in the world. At least, no place where I fit in. Early on, it was easy to let those types of thoughts slip me into self-pity, but this time, I found myself stopping to think. Sure, it hurts to be an outsider - but is it really necessary to fit in? Read More

The Positive Side of Reader Comments

By Lynne Soraya on November 23, 2008 - 11:41pm in Asperger's Diary

Stanton Peele's recent post, "What I have learned from writing a PT blog" got me thinking about my own experience here in the Blogosphere. From the day I began my first blog several years ago, I was surprised by the feeling of community I got from readers, commenters and other writers. Mr. Peele's commentary on the contentious tone many readers can take shows how rare that can be. Given that this is Thanksgiving week, it seems fitting that I take some time to express my appreciation for all those who have made my online experience so memorably positive. Read More

Joe and The Mega-Sized Smoothie: Language and Asperger's

By Lynne Soraya on November 6, 2008 - 9:38pm in Asperger's Diary

Recently, I read fellow PT Blogger Edouard Machery's posting, Intentional Action and Asperger's Syndrome. In it, he delineates the results of a recent study he conducted with Tiziana Zalla designed to measure differences in how people with Asperger's perceive intentionality. While I find the study's results interesting, I believe the differences indicated have less to do with mindreading abilities, but rather highlight the unique differences in pragmatic language that manifests in those with Asperger's. Read More