My Life with Asperger Syndrome (page 2)

With the help of some very creative assistants and teachers, I was able to make friends and get more involved with my classmates. By fifth-grade graduation, I was voted male student of the year!

Then came dreaded middle school, but there I came across an opportunity that had a profound effect on me and has changed my life for the better—band. My special interest has become musical instruments. I have quite a collection, especially of brass instruments. I play the French horn and found a group of peers who were very accepting—the band geeks! I started helping the director with younger band members and gained a reputation for my work with them. In eighth grade, he even let me direct a song for the sixth-grade spring concert! That year I also had the opportunity to march with the high school band, which gave me a wonderful chance to get to know and be accepted by kids already in high school. That helped with that transition so much.

Before entering both middle and high school, I had opportunities to visit the schools and get comfortable with where my classes were, who my teachers would be and how to open my locker (this is a big one!). I usually help with registration to get back into the swing of things before school starts. I have always had permission to step out of class if I get stressed too much. My teachers know I will not abuse this privilege. I know where some classrooms are that are “safe” if I have a problem at any time. I have spoken in many of my classes over the years about my AS. Many of my peers know about it and have asked questions. They accept me for who I am and, for the most part, help me along when I need it.

I plan on attending college. I’m not sure where or what accommodations I’ll need there, but I’ll cross that bridge as I come to it. I want to be an educator—maybe in music or my other interest, social sciences, like history and government, or even psychology!  Like everyone else, I have hopes and dreams for the future. I still struggle with organization and some sensory issues, especially with noise, but I believe in the infinite potential of all and know there is much I can do if I am willing to work hard and not get too frustrated with the obstacles in my way. They just make me work harder and find ways around them that lead me where I am supposed to go. AS brings with it challenges, but they are challenges that can be overcome.

Cameron Blackwell is working towards a high school honors diploma. He began speaking about AS by age 10, and has presented with his younger brother and family at autism conferences.