Aspergers or LD

[luvsterriers]

I know that some of you are professionals that teach aspergers or LD students, or have children that have them. Now I'm wondering if this is a common thing that happens with people with these issues. I have aspergers and LD. I feel totally uncomfortable in training new people at work. That means I have to sit next to them and tell them step by step what to do for a particular task. I hate it! I had to do this in college for a grade! I majored in music, but not doing anything music related now. (Professor told another student that I don't play piano well, so I quit.) In college, I had to teach freshman non piano majors how to read piano music. I had to do individual training for each student. It was so hard and the students told the professor that I was confusing. So this was for a grade! How can you expect someone with aspergers or LD to teach a normal student how to read music??? At this job sometimes I am told to QA/QC the work. That is fine. I don't have to be next to them to tell them how to do a certain task. I just look at their work when they email it to me, and email them what edits need to be done. I don't have to talk to them, just email. Is this normal for people with my disabilities?


Another thing is about meetings at work. I HATE them not only because it's so boring and sometimes long, but it's difficult to understand what people are saying. I can't stand talking in the meeting and having to explain what tasks you currently are working on. It's stupid to me. I hate talking in front of people. So this whole thing about hating meetings because of having to talk must be a sign of aspergers. ?

Thanks

[kadi]

Hi Anna,
I don't have Aspergers, but I'm right there with you in hating meetings! I think most people don't like them. Well, at least no one where I work does! Maybe it's just that our meetings usually suck. We all applaud wildly after each agenda item, not because they're so great, but because it puts us closer to going home.

I think people with Aspergers, like people without it, have a range of what they are comfortable with. I've had students in the past with Aspergers who would rather die than speak publicly or do the kind of things you're mentioning, but a current student of mine who has Aspergers LOVES to talk, is excellent at dramatic readings, and is pretty good at giving instructions (though I have to ask him to slow down & be patient).

I think there's a range. I'm not an expert on Aspergers or anything, but what I've learned about Aspergers students in general is that they are usually average to high intelligence, they usually feel best in a routine or structure, they have very specific interests & pastimes, they sometimes need help getting organized with paperwork, sometimes they need help "reading" other people's emotions & responding appropriately. The several Aspergers students I've taught recently were very self-aware of themselves as individuals and the strengths & weaknesses of having Aspergers. I think that has helped them a lot. One has left for college already, one is currently still in high school.

Anna, you express yourself very clearly here & you have a lovely way about you!
A friend & I were talking today about the budget crisis & how most of us are having to pick up new skills or train coworkers in new skills to deal with the layoffs & extra workloads the remaining employees are taking on. I think what you are doing at work is something many people in the US are dealing with right now.

Just do the best you can & no worries, ok?

[luvsterriers]

Well I work for Dept of Justice as a contractor. It's a small team too, only 12 of us. My current supervisor at the company I work for I don't think he knows I have aspergers and LD. I just emailed him the situation I am in and explained my disabilities. Maybe he will tell the DOJ employees. I can't be force to do something I can't handle, right? That would be illegal? If it clearly states in a psychological assessment that says this person can't do this, then a employee forces them to do it anyways, that is illegal. Parents know I have very weak oral skills and that is why I avoid parties at all costs. I can't stand them even with family too. Next Wed the group is going out to lunch and I declined. I don't like the whole getting together and talking and gossiping and laughing. It's just a bore and such a dumb thing to me.