New Member to WrongPlanet

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Hi All,

I just joined the board today. As you could probably tell from my nickname, I'm a huge baseball fan. My other interests include photography, writing, computers, hockey, and teaching. I'm 24 and originally hail from northern New Jersey, although I currently reside in State College, PA. I self-diagnosed myself with Asperger's Syndrome 5 years ago after studying autism spectrum disorders in a class freshman year in college. I'm seeking to get an official diagnosis soon. My family members and good friends all agree that I have AS.

I will be starting my first year of a Ph.D. program in information sciences and technology at Penn State (main campus) in a week and a few days. My graduate research focuses on educational technology for students with learning disabilities and special needs, and assistive technology for people with disabilities.

Over the last 2 summers, I taught computing, writing, and social skills to students with AS and HFA in a summer program at Carnegie Mellon--where I earned a master's degree. As a volunteer in the spring, I taught social skills to high school students in an Asperger's/HFA support class.

I would be happy to hear from everyone else. Here is my contact info:

e-mail: smrobert@alumni.cmu.edu
AOL IM SN: hppalm

Hello and Welcome. I'm so happy to hear that you are a teacher and that you are working with other Autistics. How wonderful. Do any of the students know that you are Autistic, too? I think that would be such a inspiration for young people to know that yes, being Autistic can sometimes be challenging and there are difficulties (living in a world geared to NT's) but that it is not a disability that keeps you from living a fulfilling life. Again, welcome.

Welcome! My oldest daughter is 21 years old and just graduated from Penn State in May (Berks/LV campus). She's scheduled to take the LSATs in October and is hoping to get into a good law school next year.