new thread
Derf,
Since the thread is buried,
That makes me feel a lot better seeing your last follow up. I know I lashed out hard, and my apologies if I seemed nasty, but I was upset. Negativity like that toward me tends to do that as I had a very rough time as a child. It felt very similar to being labeled as undisciplined because I have ADHD, and not because I have a true disorder. I am not at all undisciplined but the exact opposite. Sure as a kid, my attention span was very limited outside of any interests I had. Plus being very restless and impulsive didn't help things either. Same goes for being label as anti-social and odd because I have Aspergers. I am shy, and I don't open up much until I really get to know someone and feel comfortable around them. People still take me as odd tho, but thats what make me unique.
Yes, I do agree that it is wrong to use a disorder as an excuse or even a crutch. But for some of us, these disorders are very real and can be downright hellish. I had to work twice as hard as most people to get where I am at, but I have much more appreciation for the things I have accomplished too.
I am sure it is hard to comprehend such disorders if you never never been born with one. My sister lacks understanding of me and sometimes I get very frustrated and fed up with her too.
Mike
Mike,
Diversity exists often not because it benefits the individual, but because it benefits the village. Skinny guys chased the game, while the big guys lay in wait to kill it. Everyone knew who the extremely nearsighted guy was, because he was the one who could remove splinters. And long before there were computers, or paper, or even writing, the autistic guy was the one who could remember minute details and make calculations. You may think we don't need him now because we now have computers, but someone has to program them!
Diversity is good. Each of us is made to be valuable.
Bill