The video and narrative below are the second in a special series on five individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome as told through the lens of photographer Leah Nash. The project was made possible in partnership with the Regional Arts & Culture Council in an effort to chronicle the diversity of this complex diagnosis of autism, illustrating the challenges and beauty of an unconventional life.
The first installment of this series appears in the current edition of Street Roots, "Catching a snowflake: A photo story of Asperger's Syndrome." Look for more of this five-part series in the newspaper and on-line from now through Jan. 6.
The Comfort of Acceptance from Street Roots on Vimeo.
By Anna Bauer: The Comfort of Acceptance
Hello everyone, my name is Anna Bauer and I have done this project because I have Asperger’s Syndrome and I want people to understand Autistic people like me. Living with Asperger’s is not easy and I have mixed feelings about my Asperger’s.
What I don't like about my condition is when I'm not accepted and people refuse to understand me. As a child, people would often pick on me and I was abused because I'm different and some people thought I was mischievous or mentally unstable. Being scolded or disrespected is painful for me. Struggling on my schoolwork due to the lack of understanding is frustrating. Plus I had behavioral problems and I regret that. I am trying to move forward from the past, but it's difficult because I was treated harshly for years, which scarred my life.
Luckily I don't have legal problems. Things in general are better and I'm respected and accepted more. It's nice to be around people who are kind, understanding, and accepting toward me. I want to be someone who is kind hearted and well behaved at all times. I don't like being mean.
What I like about my condition are my hobbies and interests. Since I was little I had a strong interest in unusual things. As a child I was fond of swimming pools and it was a pleasure to go swimming. I have liked scoreboards and shot clocks since I was thirteen because I like how they work and they're nicely designed and plus it comforts me. I currently volunteer at the Beaverton Hoop YMCA as a scorekeeper, which I enjoy. Because I like scoreboards so much, I like working with them. Because I like shot clocks so much, I got my own shot clock from ebay and enjoy spending time with it.
In my free time, I enjoy playing video games, going on roller coasters, being on my laptop and hanging out with my shot clock. For a long time I have liked Super Mario, Pokemon, The Legend of Zelda, Disney, and Kirby. Plus I've been a Harry Potter fan since fifth grade. I am a student at PCC Sylvania and I am enjoying college.
Right now I appreciate who I am and having Asperger’s makes me more special. It's great to be unique and creative, especially taking pleasure with scoreboards.
Have a great day and take care. God bless you.
Visit other stories in this series.
Street Roots Asperger's Syndrome Series:
From Nov. 18th until December 23rd, Street Roots will run a weekly photographic series documenting the lives of five people with Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of high-functioning autism.
Catching the Snowflake is the first in a special series on five individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome as told through the lens of photographer Leah Nash.
Autism is the fastest growing disability in the U.S. with an economic impact of more than $90 billion. The Center for Disease Control reports that now one in 110 children are being classified with autism spectrum disorders, compared to one in 10,000 in the 1970s, and according to the Autism Society of Oregon, our state has one of the highest rates of autistic diagnosis in the country.
First documented in 1944, many with Asperger´s Syndrome can be quite gifted, but are often socially awkward and unable to make friends. Frequently misunderstood, those affected live in a world of missed social cues and difficult exchanges. Called “little professors” by their namesake, Hans Asperger, who noted their talent of acquiring expertise in specific topics. Those with the syndrome usually want to fit in and have interactions; they simply don’t know how.
The objective of this series is to explore the diversity and complexity that exists across this spectrum, for it is often said that people with autism are like snowflakes — no two alike. This work is especially relevant given controversial revisions proposing to do away with the Asperger’s diagnosis altogether in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the diagnostic encyclopedia of American psychiatry.
As history changes, a record must be kept, these stories must be told. Through the support of Street Roots and the Regional Arts & Culture Council, the goal of this series is to encourage viewers to question their perceptions of both Asperger´s and autism and challenge themselves to gain a deeper understanding of the people behind the label.
Please join us as we give a voice to those that often have none.
Leah Nash is a documentary photographer based in Portland. More of her work can be found at www.LeahNash.com.
The project was made possible in partnership with the Regional Arts & Culture Council in an effort to chronicle the diversity of this complex diagnosis of autism, illustrating the challenges and beauty of an unconventional life.