Youthful Asperger Adults of Central Finland - ks.nASa
Since December
1999 a peer group for people with Asperger's syndrome has met in
Jyväskylä. The group was first assisted by the personnel of
the Autism Service Center. Since the fall of 2000 aspies themselves
have arranged the meetings.
This group for Asperger Youth and
Adults is one of the support groups founded by the Autism Association
of Central Finland. Unlike the other groups, Parents of Autistic
Children and Parents of Asperger Children, our group is intended for
those who are themselves concerned.
A dozen aspies and other
interested people of various ages have attended our meetings. We have
discussed a range of topics about life with Asperger's syndrome, such
as strengths and difficulties in everyday life, education and
vocational choices, dealing with the civil service and obtaining a
diagnosis. We have also deepened our Asperger expertise by sharing
information via presentations and videos.
If Asperger's syndrome touches
you or interests you, whether you have a diagnosis or not, you are
most welcome to observe, ask questions and discuss. The greatest
accomplishment of our group no doubt is the mutual support and
practical assistance that we have been able to extend to each other.
Thinking about one's own situation all alone does not lead very far,
at least any time soon. The experiences and tips of others can help
in self-realization and solve problems.
Our future plans include a "white
list" of civil servants who are familiar with Asperger's
syndrome and a database for securing a diagnosis in Jyväskylä.
Our group meets from now on at
Keski-Suomen Autismiyhdistys/AVARA, Kalevankatu 10, 40100 Jyväskylä.
Our meets take place on the
third Wednesday of each month at 6 o'clock p.m.
last updated 0102068