Hello, Internet! My name is Cole Szymonik, and I have autism Asperger’s Syndrome. Normally, the term “syndrome” implies a debilitating mental condition that the victim must deal with for his or her entire life, but Asperger’s is different; Asperger’s is a debilitating mental condition that the victim must deal with for his or her entire life that can make him or her smarter. That’s right – Asperger’s has pros (like making me a nerd) and cons (like making me a nerd). Of course, in order for this passage to make sense, I will have to elaborate on this idea.
One of the greatest benefits of having Asperger’s syndrome is a boost in cognitive ability and learning skills. I find this very useful when going to school, playing video games, or interpreting modern art (Okay, that blob is red and weird, so… does it represent the artist’s anxieties, or…). The ability to learn quickly is very useful in a workplace environment, so Asperger’s helps in that regard, as well.
That said, Asperger’s syndrome has its downsides, too. One of the biggest problems caused by Asperger’s is the intensification of natural emotions – good for watching drama, but bad for keeping quiet in school. I sometimes get in trouble because of my feelings, so I have to go to a special class called “Social Skills”. The class is an uncomfortable tradeoff – It helps me deal with my emotions at the cost of my intelligence and my sanity. It is also very difficult to find people similar to myself, so I feel like a social outcast.
But you kind of are a social outcast.
Oh yeah, punk?
Yeah.
And what makes you think I’m a social outcast?
Well, for one thing, you’re talking to yourself. Typing to yourself, even.
Why, you —
*SLAP*
…Thanks, I needed that. Anyway, I often feel like a social outcast, so…there’s that.
As can be seen, Asperger’s syndrome has both upsides and downsides. Insert good conclusion sentence here. See ya!
Cole is 14 years old. He attends Holman Middle School. He was accepted to Deep Run IT specialty center next year. He dearly loves pet sitting, and is a total pet whisperer!