FA+
Shop
2465
Views
Views
95
Favorites
Favorites
Category
Artwork (Digital) / Comics
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 764 x 931
File Size 342.1 kB
Report this content
More from technicolor_pie
Note from 2025: Opinions expressed by me in my early 20s do not necessarily reflect my opinions now. I don’t like deleting things because I think remembering who I was and why I was like that are important. I wouldn’t make a comic like this today.
——
Original text:
I was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome in middle school, around '96. At that time, it was a pretty largely unheard of disorder. As the comic states, it's a neurobiological disorder, a less severe form of autism that affects mostly social behaviors.
At some point in the last few years, diagnosis of the disorder has exploded. Whereas I used to get puzzled looks when I mentioned it, I'm more likely to find scads of people diagnosed with it everywhere I go. While I've had the fortune of meeting many great people with it... my friends and the internet at large have not.
Not a week goes by without some Fandom Wank report featuring someone being a total and complete ass on a forum and then turning around to say WELL I HAVE ASPERGERS. Friends tell me often that they didn't even realize I had it until I casually mentioned it, because other people they've met with it are, to be blunt, insufferable jerks who consider their disorder a free pass to be so. It pisses me off more than a little.
I don't see the disorder as a scapegoat. I don't want people to feel they have to give me special treatment or forgive me for things they wouldn't forgive other people for. They did that to me in high school and you know what? It didn't help. What helped was learning to handle my own problems and facing the consequences like any 'normal' person would be expected to do. I don't think it's asking too much of others to attempt the same.
In short? Don't be an ass.
Special Note: I made a human version of this first, and then made the girl some random animal with random markings for FA. If it looks like a character of yours, it's totally unintentional and I apologize.
——
Original text:
I was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome in middle school, around '96. At that time, it was a pretty largely unheard of disorder. As the comic states, it's a neurobiological disorder, a less severe form of autism that affects mostly social behaviors.
At some point in the last few years, diagnosis of the disorder has exploded. Whereas I used to get puzzled looks when I mentioned it, I'm more likely to find scads of people diagnosed with it everywhere I go. While I've had the fortune of meeting many great people with it... my friends and the internet at large have not.
Not a week goes by without some Fandom Wank report featuring someone being a total and complete ass on a forum and then turning around to say WELL I HAVE ASPERGERS. Friends tell me often that they didn't even realize I had it until I casually mentioned it, because other people they've met with it are, to be blunt, insufferable jerks who consider their disorder a free pass to be so. It pisses me off more than a little.
I don't see the disorder as a scapegoat. I don't want people to feel they have to give me special treatment or forgive me for things they wouldn't forgive other people for. They did that to me in high school and you know what? It didn't help. What helped was learning to handle my own problems and facing the consequences like any 'normal' person would be expected to do. I don't think it's asking too much of others to attempt the same.
In short? Don't be an ass.
Special Note: I made a human version of this first, and then made the girl some random animal with random markings for FA. If it looks like a character of yours, it's totally unintentional and I apologize.
Category Artwork (Digital) / Comics
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 764 x 931px
File Size 342.1 kB
I was formally diagnosed in 2002, although it was just putting a name to an already existing condition at that point. My mother tells me stories about my utter lack of understanding about emotional states as a child, including a game we'd play where she'd point out people in a mall and say "that person is angry" or "that person is happy" and I would be utterly mystified as to how she figured out such a thing based solely on body language and facial expression.
It really annoys me to see stupid kids hide behind mental conditions that I have learned to live with my entire life, especially when most of the real reason is secretly just "being a dumb teenager".
I approve the shit out of this jpg.
It really annoys me to see stupid kids hide behind mental conditions that I have learned to live with my entire life, especially when most of the real reason is secretly just "being a dumb teenager".
I approve the shit out of this jpg.
Far from it, I'm sure. Nice to meet you!
# All the time. I don't like to 'blame' things on the disorder, so usually I'll just assume some quirk is natural weirdness first. There was a long period where I denied having it, even. But eventually I realized there is certainly something socially different about me.
# All the time. I don't like to 'blame' things on the disorder, so usually I'll just assume some quirk is natural weirdness first. There was a long period where I denied having it, even. But eventually I realized there is certainly something socially different about me.
I was diagnosed somewhere around the time when I was in 3rd grade. However, I was never told that until around the 6th grade.
Ever since I found out, I kept questioning what parts of me were just me and my weird self, and what parts I truly couldn't help because of the syndrome.
Despite that though, I made it through college, got married, and landed a job in my hometown where I now make a decent salary and work with technology.
So not too bad on my end. :) Also met Harvey Pekar and Joyce Brabner, two people who are STRONG advocates for Asperger's Syndrome awareness. :)
~Otaku-Man
Ever since I found out, I kept questioning what parts of me were just me and my weird self, and what parts I truly couldn't help because of the syndrome.
Despite that though, I made it through college, got married, and landed a job in my hometown where I now make a decent salary and work with technology.
So not too bad on my end. :) Also met Harvey Pekar and Joyce Brabner, two people who are STRONG advocates for Asperger's Syndrome awareness. :)
~Otaku-Man
I had a friend in high school whose brother had Asperger's. He (my friend) would talk about how his brother couldn't read emotion and social cues and so forth and how awesome it would be if everyone was able to do that, because then we wouldn't have communicative misunderstanding.
He then consciously tried to force himself into a state of mind where he ignored all of these things that he had always been able to see because he felt it would improve him as a person. It was weird. You'd talk to him and you'd know he could tell what people were feeling and read obvious body language, but he would pretend forever that he didn't. It was kind of frustrating; he wasn't incapable of it, but he acted like he was on purpose.
So weird.
He then consciously tried to force himself into a state of mind where he ignored all of these things that he had always been able to see because he felt it would improve him as a person. It was weird. You'd talk to him and you'd know he could tell what people were feeling and read obvious body language, but he would pretend forever that he didn't. It was kind of frustrating; he wasn't incapable of it, but he acted like he was on purpose.
So weird.
The coolest think I have is dystymia, a minor low-key depression that is however cronic (one of the symptoms is lasting 2 years or longer.) It basically affects concentration and motivation. Me being contentious, that's my job...if I'm motivated enough. :P I do have a friend who is borderline schizophrenic, though.
I had first heard of Asperger's from an episode of House M.D. Must be an interesting ailment.
I had first heard of Asperger's from an episode of House M.D. Must be an interesting ailment.
Heh.
Wow.
I have anxiety and depression.
I go to a special school where they deal with shit like that.
And a few of the kids are Asperger's Syndrome kids.
And I just read "Ass Burger" in Augusten Burroughs' book called "Magical Thinking." Which was an amazing story 'cause I go to school with a couple kids with Asperger's.
Yeah.
Just to tell you, that is.
And hahaha @ the comic.
Wow.
I have anxiety and depression.
I go to a special school where they deal with shit like that.
And a few of the kids are Asperger's Syndrome kids.
And I just read "Ass Burger" in Augusten Burroughs' book called "Magical Thinking." Which was an amazing story 'cause I go to school with a couple kids with Asperger's.
Yeah.
Just to tell you, that is.
And hahaha @ the comic.
I agree with you about not using it as a free pass.
I have been diagnosed with it, but being a jerk is not something I ever want to do.
I hope you are well. If you would like to discuss things, just to help each other out, I have YIM and AIM if you wish to speak.
Is that alright?
Excellent job on this! I wish you well!
I have been diagnosed with it, but being a jerk is not something I ever want to do.
I hope you are well. If you would like to discuss things, just to help each other out, I have YIM and AIM if you wish to speak.
Is that alright?
Excellent job on this! I wish you well!
It annoys the hell out of me of how ignorant some people really are. My sis was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has been known to cut her self. She bears the scars on her arm and people laugh at her and call her names like emo and such and I tell them to STFU all they do is make it worst and create a world of hurt for the person.
I myself have problems with depression and lack of focus but I never let it get in the way of my work or hobbies... SO ROCK ON
I myself have problems with depression and lack of focus but I never let it get in the way of my work or hobbies... SO ROCK ON
My family has suggest many times that I have asperger's, mainly because I will oft do something they find socially inappropriate. Frankly I just think i'm callous over asperged.
I mean how do you even know if you have it? I'm kind of apathetic either way as with or without this condition I consider myself a superior human specimen.
I mean how do you even know if you have it? I'm kind of apathetic either way as with or without this condition I consider myself a superior human specimen.
I was officially diagnosed 'round 2000. Before that, the psychiatrists thought I had ADHD or somesuch (Interestingly enough, certain family members thought it was Aspergers at first, but, of course, it took a long-ass time for the psychiatrists and such to agree. And people who use Aspergers (which in many such cases, I suspect, was self-diagnosed) as an excuse sicken me as well.
...Glad I'm not the only person to think 'ass burgers' when I hear the name, tho :D
...Glad I'm not the only person to think 'ass burgers' when I hear the name, tho :D
I completely agree with this. Just because someone has a disorder or something doesn't give them free reign to do whatever they want. Hell, I was diagnosed with it, but they didn't go through the proper procedures, and I was diagnosed with it when I was in a distressed state (Mom had me commited for 25 hours after FurFright x.x;), and looking at the DSM-IV (School shrink, who they never talked to, showed me), and I exhibit the behaviors sometimes.
If you have it, well, it's nice to see that people take it in stride and don't let it limit them. You're also lucky you were diagnosed before it was the new Disorder of the Month, after ADD ;)
If you have it, well, it's nice to see that people take it in stride and don't let it limit them. You're also lucky you were diagnosed before it was the new Disorder of the Month, after ADD ;)
Oh man, yes.
Over the years I've run into people who fall into two groups when it comes to aspergers. One group says 'yeah, I'm wired funny. I learned how to outwit and use it to my advantage. I'm not damaged, but different' the other goes 'OHGOD, I AM COMPLETELY SELFCENTERED, AND MY TERRIBLE AND NEAR FATAL SOCIAL DISORDER MEANS YOU HAVE TO BE NICE TO ME.'
I don't like the second group, and I tend to write them off. If they ask why, I tell them it's because they aren't trying to be functional, they are trying to have aspergers way too hard.
I *like* the first group, as they tend to be a hell of a lot of fun to talk to, as their version of reality is quite different than the one I am used to.
Over the years I've run into people who fall into two groups when it comes to aspergers. One group says 'yeah, I'm wired funny. I learned how to outwit and use it to my advantage. I'm not damaged, but different' the other goes 'OHGOD, I AM COMPLETELY SELFCENTERED, AND MY TERRIBLE AND NEAR FATAL SOCIAL DISORDER MEANS YOU HAVE TO BE NICE TO ME.'
I don't like the second group, and I tend to write them off. If they ask why, I tell them it's because they aren't trying to be functional, they are trying to have aspergers way too hard.
I *like* the first group, as they tend to be a hell of a lot of fun to talk to, as their version of reality is quite different than the one I am used to.
The message couldn't be any cooler. B)
Not to be another me-too, but being diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia has taught me many things:
1. There are some things you simply cannot explain to people; they have to be experienced.
2. Pill-pushing psychiatrists are a useless, corrupt lot.
3. Even if you had the 'worst' thing you could possibly have, it's better just to deal with the hand you were given and try to make the best of it; especially if it's something that'll never go away. Sympathy runs out; admiration for strength of character does not.
Not to be another me-too, but being diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia has taught me many things:
1. There are some things you simply cannot explain to people; they have to be experienced.
2. Pill-pushing psychiatrists are a useless, corrupt lot.
3. Even if you had the 'worst' thing you could possibly have, it's better just to deal with the hand you were given and try to make the best of it; especially if it's something that'll never go away. Sympathy runs out; admiration for strength of character does not.
Whoa.
My situation's much like yours. I've only recently become aware of the drama, and I must confess that I'm irked by this blatant misuse of a legitimate disorder (err, the forum morons, not this comic). Since when should a slight psychological abnormality be used to justify being a belligerent idiot?
My situation's much like yours. I've only recently become aware of the drama, and I must confess that I'm irked by this blatant misuse of a legitimate disorder (err, the forum morons, not this comic). Since when should a slight psychological abnormality be used to justify being a belligerent idiot?
I've got Asperger's myself; I won't bore you with all the details, but it took me years to realize, among other things, that friends don't always treat each other like friends.
Anyway, I'd be ticked off to find out people on the Internet are using a developmental disorder as an excuse to act like a jerkass, if it wasn't so unsurprising. Pretty funny pic.
Anyway, I'd be ticked off to find out people on the Internet are using a developmental disorder as an excuse to act like a jerkass, if it wasn't so unsurprising. Pretty funny pic.
So many fools wear this on their lapels like it's some sort of mark of distinction.
I wonder how many of them saw childhood like this: You know that something's wrong but nobody who should know (ie parents, teachers, doctors) knew, suspected, or apparently cared. These people who go about blaming Asperger's for their behavior sound like the same assholes who made childhood a living hell for those who really have it but didn't know.
So, then I'm told I should "use" this "gift". Gift? Gift that I get called Mister Spock?
I wonder how many of them saw childhood like this: You know that something's wrong but nobody who should know (ie parents, teachers, doctors) knew, suspected, or apparently cared. These people who go about blaming Asperger's for their behavior sound like the same assholes who made childhood a living hell for those who really have it but didn't know.
So, then I'm told I should "use" this "gift". Gift? Gift that I get called Mister Spock?
I just now found this, totally by chance by browsing your gallery.
I was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome in 2003, when I was 20 years old. It was nice to finally start to understand why I'm the way I am. But I agree that it's not an excuse for anything. Merely an explanation.
I also don't understand the "NT" thing. It's supposed to mean neurotypical, and I guess it's supposed to be a different way of saying "normal people," as there is no such thing as "normal." But I think it's over used.
I was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome in 2003, when I was 20 years old. It was nice to finally start to understand why I'm the way I am. But I agree that it's not an excuse for anything. Merely an explanation.
I also don't understand the "NT" thing. It's supposed to mean neurotypical, and I guess it's supposed to be a different way of saying "normal people," as there is no such thing as "normal." But I think it's over used.
My brother was diagnosed with aspergers several years ago and it has limited him pretty hard socially. When he found out he had the disorder he saw it an explanation, not an excuse.
But he's still young, and looking for help on aspie support groups online is probably the worst thing he could have done to gain an understanding of it.
"MOM I WON'T BE ABLE TO GET A GIRL EVER BECAUSE I'M SOCIALLY RETARDED AUGH."
But he's still young, and looking for help on aspie support groups online is probably the worst thing he could have done to gain an understanding of it.
"MOM I WON'T BE ABLE TO GET A GIRL EVER BECAUSE I'M SOCIALLY RETARDED AUGH."
Seeing as how this submission, though longstanding, has remained active I guess I will make the comment that was welling up in me.
I've been told I hav Aspergers Syndrome, I don't really know I have a patent distrust of Psychiatrists and Psychologists, and my Mother. Guess I let you in on how wacked out my life is, anyway. So yeah I guess I'm a little socially awkward, and blunt to a fault, but hey I've learned to get around that stuff, and I'm fairly good at reading faces, although sometimes people's serious, 'I Am Angry With You' faces make me want to laugh. And then there are the times they use a funny metaphor, and I've forgotten where I was going with this. But en-ee-weigh, I agree that blaming random stupid bullshit on having a pecularity (Disorder really isn't the word for it, considering it implies there's something patently wrong with you.)
Yes another wordy commenter, please sue, rape, pillage then burn, and kill me. I deserve it. LOL
I've been told I hav Aspergers Syndrome, I don't really know I have a patent distrust of Psychiatrists and Psychologists, and my Mother. Guess I let you in on how wacked out my life is, anyway. So yeah I guess I'm a little socially awkward, and blunt to a fault, but hey I've learned to get around that stuff, and I'm fairly good at reading faces, although sometimes people's serious, 'I Am Angry With You' faces make me want to laugh. And then there are the times they use a funny metaphor, and I've forgotten where I was going with this. But en-ee-weigh, I agree that blaming random stupid bullshit on having a pecularity (Disorder really isn't the word for it, considering it implies there's something patently wrong with you.)
Yes another wordy commenter, please sue, rape, pillage then burn, and kill me. I deserve it. LOL
What cracks me up is all the people who blame it for why they have trouble making friends; some of them just tend to either be a)Whiny little shits that bitch about how they can't find love/a job/insert other social situation, or b) jerks liek you said that have a tendency to harass people then wonder why they can't find friends.
Hell, I had trouble making friends in high school, but did I have Aspergers? NO. I WAS A FUCKING NERD. I didn't try to find a medical explination for my problem, I FOUND THE OTHER NERDS.
Hell, I had trouble making friends in high school, but did I have Aspergers? NO. I WAS A FUCKING NERD. I didn't try to find a medical explination for my problem, I FOUND THE OTHER NERDS.
My older sister has aspergers, and it annoys both of us when people use that as an excuse. Hell, my brother is autistic and he's good about accepting responsibility for his actions.
If anything, using a neurological disorder as an excuse to be an ass hurts those who are trying to be contributing/productive members of society.
... Although this is a very funny picture either way. ^^;
If anything, using a neurological disorder as an excuse to be an ass hurts those who are trying to be contributing/productive members of society.
... Although this is a very funny picture either way. ^^;
I got in trouble in grade school cause one of my friends went to a different school one day, and my principal came in toexplain why he left all of a sudden. he was like "He left because he has a disorder, its very serious........it's called assburgers." it was so unexpected i couldnt help but laugh i mean "serious serious serious....ASS BURGERS!" -_- anyway hes now a genius programmer making rediculous monies, and im not even out of highschool yet.
wow, sorry for joining the party late but I"m totally up for people taking responsibility for their own asshattery and not blaming it on their disorder.
The only dealing I've had negitivly with someone with Ass-burgers is someone who decided to take pictures of me while I was sleeping over at his house (he was taking me to the airport the next day) and then log onto MY messenger (which I had on my computer, in I'm away sleeping mode) and tell MY boyfriend about how "frustrated" I was and how he wanted to help me and that he wanted to do things to me but he wasn't going to. While I was sleeping.
He told me "oh, I didn't know that that would upset you" "I can't tell the difference between right and wrong in social situations"
I wrote him off as creepy and do not talk to him anymore. I don't care if he had Aspergers or if he had a second head growing out of his stomach... Creepy stalker motives are creepy stalker motives.
The only dealing I've had negitivly with someone with Ass-burgers is someone who decided to take pictures of me while I was sleeping over at his house (he was taking me to the airport the next day) and then log onto MY messenger (which I had on my computer, in I'm away sleeping mode) and tell MY boyfriend about how "frustrated" I was and how he wanted to help me and that he wanted to do things to me but he wasn't going to. While I was sleeping.
He told me "oh, I didn't know that that would upset you" "I can't tell the difference between right and wrong in social situations"
I wrote him off as creepy and do not talk to him anymore. I don't care if he had Aspergers or if he had a second head growing out of his stomach... Creepy stalker motives are creepy stalker motives.
True... True...
I have High functioning Autism and Aspergers thus, I go to a specialist school.
There's a boy in a wheelchair actually in my class who uses his wheelchair as an excuse for insulting me and another person in the school is like 'NU I CANNOT DO 2+2 CUZ I IZ ASPIE AND I IS STUPID.'
FFFFFFFFFFF.
I have High functioning Autism and Aspergers thus, I go to a specialist school.
There's a boy in a wheelchair actually in my class who uses his wheelchair as an excuse for insulting me and another person in the school is like 'NU I CANNOT DO 2+2 CUZ I IZ ASPIE AND I IS STUPID.'
FFFFFFFFFFF.
I went to a child therapist because I had a mild case of Autism...which made me really violent and total pyromaniac. That's mostly resolved itself into Dyscalculia now, which is like Dyslexia, but with maths. I simply do not understand maths. In any form. At all. I even have trouble reading analogue clocks, and telling left from right (which is a pain when driving, let me tell you!).
ALSO
I think its really funny how defensive these people get when you tell them to shut up and stop being a dick.
ALSO ALSO
Apparently true Pyromania is such a rare disorder, hardly anyone actually has it.
ALSO
I think its really funny how defensive these people get when you tell them to shut up and stop being a dick.
ALSO ALSO
Apparently true Pyromania is such a rare disorder, hardly anyone actually has it.
I totally agree with this picture and everything you said below! =3
Was officially diagnosed with Autism myself in '96.
I totally hate people who use it as an excuse for their wrongdoings. I mean, making a 'mistake' is always possible, but most people seem to make trouble just because they can.
Was officially diagnosed with Autism myself in '96.
I totally hate people who use it as an excuse for their wrongdoings. I mean, making a 'mistake' is always possible, but most people seem to make trouble just because they can.
If people are surprised to hear that you have it, you must have an extremely mild case, as most young people with Asperger's are immediately obvious.
I would be careful about telling people who are affected more severely to simply "get over it" and "take responsibility." Most people with Asperger's are too far-removed from the culture they live in to realize when they are causing problems. You seem to have the capacity to see things from both the autistic perspective and the NT (so much as you hate that word) perspective. Most people on the autism spectrum will never be able to do that, and it is cruel to blame them for this.
I would be careful about telling people who are affected more severely to simply "get over it" and "take responsibility." Most people with Asperger's are too far-removed from the culture they live in to realize when they are causing problems. You seem to have the capacity to see things from both the autistic perspective and the NT (so much as you hate that word) perspective. Most people on the autism spectrum will never be able to do that, and it is cruel to blame them for this.
This couldn't be anymore untrue. I went to a special private school which dealt children with Autism (around 80% of which had Asperger's Syndrome) and I never heard "IT'S MY ASPERGER'S SYNDROME!" As a matter of fact, I've NEVER heard anyone do that. You're focusing on the very small group of Aspies that use it as a scapegoat and you're making it more of an annoyance to you than it really should be.
While I agree it's not an excuse to be an asshole, most of the bullying just goes towards more severe cases of it, people who really cannot grasp social cues at all and it isn't their fault. This pic aged very poorly. The fandom has changed a lot in 18 years- someone born when you posted this pic is an adult now. I'd say, it changed for the better, and stuff like this would never be acceptable nowadays.
I also don't like a lot of these commenters accusing people of faking it, especially when many of us did go undiagnosed, even those of us with more obvious cases, and never got the resources we needed, plus some doctors refusing to diagnose adults so we never get the help we need. It's great that you don't need it, and that you don't feel disabled. But that isn't the case for the rest of us.
I doubt you'll see this, and if you do, you'll probably just ignore it or block me or something. I'd like an honest discussion, but furries never wanna do that. We'll see.
I also don't like a lot of these commenters accusing people of faking it, especially when many of us did go undiagnosed, even those of us with more obvious cases, and never got the resources we needed, plus some doctors refusing to diagnose adults so we never get the help we need. It's great that you don't need it, and that you don't feel disabled. But that isn't the case for the rest of us.
I doubt you'll see this, and if you do, you'll probably just ignore it or block me or something. I'd like an honest discussion, but furries never wanna do that. We'll see.
Comments