The document is a blog post by Matt Friedman discussing his experiences with Asperger's syndrome, aimed at children. It explains what Asperger's is, how it affects social interactions, and describes both the challenges and positive aspects of living with it. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding and acceptance for people on the autism spectrum.

1. MATT FRIEDMAN http://www.dudeimanaspie.com/ DUDE, I’M AN ASPIE! (KIDS’ EDITION)
DUDE, I'M AN ASPIE.
Thoughts and illustrations on living with Asperger's Syndrome.
http://www.dudeimanaspie.com/
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About Me
MATT FRIEDMAN
Matt
Asperger's advocate, cartoonist, and writer. Nonprofit fundraiser-marketer.
View my complete profile
About This Blog
This blog promotes a greater understanding of people on the autism spectrum. All deserve to
be treated with dignity and compassion. My goal is to give you a window into my everyday
life, its highs and lows, with both honesty and humor.
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http://www.dudeimanaspie.com/2012/04/dude-im-aspie-kids-edition.html
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Dude, I'm An Aspie! (Kids' Edition)
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2. MATT FRIEDMAN http://www.dudeimanaspie.com/ DUDE, I’M AN ASPIE! (KIDS’ EDITION)
My name is Fuzzy and I have Asperger’s syndrome. What’s that mean, you ask?
Well, you’re in luck, cause I’ve made this helpful guide!
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3. MATT FRIEDMAN http://www.dudeimanaspie.com/ DUDE, I’M AN ASPIE! (KIDS’ EDITION)
Asperger’s is a type of autism. Sometimes it makes me look different from others.
Like when I have trouble being around other people, putting my thoughts into words,
or knowing what other people are thinking. But other times, it seems invisible, and I
blend in with everybody else. So, some say Asperger’s is like having “a dash of
autism.”
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4. MATT FRIEDMAN http://www.dudeimanaspie.com/ DUDE, I’M AN ASPIE! (KIDS’ EDITION)
Why do I have Asperger’s? No one is sure where it comes from, but it's not a disease,
just a difference in how my brain works. It isn’t my fault, just something I’ve always
had and always will. Like having a big nose. I was BORN with Asperger’s, and I’m
PROUD of it!
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5. MATT FRIEDMAN http://www.dudeimanaspie.com/ DUDE, I’M AN ASPIE! (KIDS’ EDITION)
Asperger’s is sometimes called Wrong Planet syndrome. That's because I act and
think so differently from others, it can make me feel like an alien! But there’s
nothing wrong with the way I am, and I’m not the only one who feels this way. I just
see the world differently, that’s all.
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6. MATT FRIEDMAN http://www.dudeimanaspie.com/ DUDE, I’M AN ASPIE! (KIDS’ EDITION)
It’s not easy to be different, but it can be a good thing too. Now that I know what
Asperger’s is, I have a name for why I'm different. It explains why I am the way I am.
So it kind of makes me happy! Like finding a box I fit in.
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7. MATT FRIEDMAN http://www.dudeimanaspie.com/ DUDE, I’M AN ASPIE! (KIDS’ EDITION)
People can often misunderstand me. They might think I’m being rude because I don’t
look them in the eye. But this is part of being an Aspie! I need to look away because
it’s the only way I can concentrate on what you’re saying.
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8. MATT FRIEDMAN http://www.dudeimanaspie.com/ DUDE, I’M AN ASPIE! (KIDS’ EDITION)
It’s easier for me to be around one person than many. When someone’s talking,
they’re not only using their mouth, but also their face and their hands. That’s a lot
to pay attention to! Being an Aspie means my brain works harder to understand all
that. The more people in the room, the harder it gets to keep up!
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9. MATT FRIEDMAN http://www.dudeimanaspie.com/ DUDE, I’M AN ASPIE! (KIDS’ EDITION)
When I’m in a crowded or noisy place, I can get very uncomfortable! Sometimes it
feels like I’m spinning out of control. I need to leave and go somewhere quiet, or I
might have a meltdown. It’s best to let me have some time out and some space.
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10. MATT FRIEDMAN http://www.dudeimanaspie.com/ DUDE, I’M AN ASPIE! (KIDS’ EDITION)
Aspies can also have super-senses. I can hear things others can’t hear, like the
refrigerator running. If there's a sudden loud noise, I might jump out of my seat.
There are lots of other things I notice that others don't.
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11. MATT FRIEDMAN http://www.dudeimanaspie.com/ DUDE, I’M AN ASPIE! (KIDS’ EDITION)
Other times, I can be super-sensitive to scratchy clothing, or fluorescent
lighting, or certain food textures.
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12. MATT FRIEDMAN http://www.dudeimanaspie.com/ DUDE, I’M AN ASPIE! (KIDS’ EDITION)
Repetition and routine are very relaxing to me. When I feel anxious, it helps if
I fidget, or “stim” by rocking, or tapping my foot. Also, I like to perseverate
on certain words or sounds, or repeat them over and over, if I like how they
sound.
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13. MATT FRIEDMAN http://www.dudeimanaspie.com/ DUDE, I’M AN ASPIE! (KIDS’ EDITION)
Did you ever notice most people love playing with lots of friends? The more they run
around, holler, and act crazy, the happier and more excited they get! Well, many of
us Aspies are the opposite way. Being around lots of people tires me out, and I often
need time alone to “recharge my batteries.”
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14. MATT FRIEDMAN http://www.dudeimanaspie.com/ DUDE, I’M AN ASPIE! (KIDS’ EDITION)
Aspies usually have special interests or hobbies that we like to do on our own, and
spend lots of time on. We can go on and on talking about our interests. This can be
anything from trains, to foreign languages, to mollusks, to duct tape.
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15. MATT FRIEDMAN http://www.dudeimanaspie.com/ DUDE, I’M AN ASPIE! (KIDS’ EDITION)
Are there good things about being an Aspie? Yes! We are honest. We pay attention to
the little things. We are good listeners, and good problem-solvers. Often, we become
experts in our special interest area. Einstein, Beethoven, and Michelangelo are some
of the famous folks believed to have had Asperger’s.
So that is a glimpse into my world. I hope it has helped you better understand
me and others like me. If we were all the same, the world would be a boring
place. Dude, I’m an Aspie, and I can be whatever I want to be, and do
whatever I want to do!
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16. MATT FRIEDMAN http://www.dudeimanaspie.com/ DUDE, I’M AN ASPIE! (KIDS’ EDITION)
Posted by Matt at 10:49 AM
Labels: asperger's, autism
http://www.dudeimanaspie.com/2012/04/dude-im-aspie-kids-edition.html
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