Tally Report post Posted August 13, 2010 I've just got home from my annual conference/retreat for people with autism and Asperger's. It's just about the only opportunity I get to meet other autistic adults like myself. I went this year for the 5th time, and it's amazing to see the difference in myself and how much I have grown in confidence. The first time I had so little confidence I hardly spoke to anyone at all. People were very nice and friendly and tried to chat to me, but I was not able to keep a conversation going. This year I found myself looking out for new people, approaching them and having a little chat because I wanted to make them welcome. It made me feel happy that I was able to do this for other people, and also showed me that I have more confidence now and I am feeling proud of how far I've come. I even jumped in the swimming pool with all my clothes on, but it's OK because I shouted "incoming" first We stayed up watching shooting stars. It's great because you don't really have to say anything other than, "ooh." We hung glow sticks from a tree in a game called "sparklies in the dark," and we had a huge game of frisbee with about 20 players and light-up frisbees. Imagine that; people who have a disability that makes socialising difficult, 20 of us playing a game all together! And we had a light sabre fight. Someone was taking arty photos in the dark, he got one of me spinning the light sabre round in a big circle with a slow shutter speed, so it look as though I am in the middle of a perfect circle of light! I will post it if I can get a hold of a copy. Had a wonderful time, completely exhausted now, but a happy and very worthwhile kind of exhausted, because it was having so much fun that exhausted me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stella63 Report post Posted August 13, 2010 Tally, That is amazing!! You are quite right to feel proud of yourself and to not only enjoy your stay there but be able to make other people, who may not have been before, more relaxed and at ease with the conference/retreat. It sounds an amazing experience and I hope you can get hold of some photos. Stella xx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
justine1 Report post Posted August 13, 2010 Welcome back Tally <'> That sounds like alot of fun glad you had such a good time Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ScienceGeek Report post Posted August 13, 2010 That is great Tally Hoping to make it next year, couldn't this year Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
call me jaded Report post Posted August 13, 2010 I even jumped in the swimming pool with all my clothes on, but it's OK because I shouted "incoming" first I've just promised myself I'm going to do this before my next landmark birthday. So much easier than jumping out of an airplane, but satisfying none-the-less. Well done for participating so fully. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gordie Report post Posted August 13, 2010 Really well done, Tally. Sounds like something I should maybe think about checking out next year ... James Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tally Report post Posted August 14, 2010 My cat ignored me yesterday as punishment for leaving her home alone. When I went to bed she came and sat with her bum in my face and wagged her tail in the way when I was trying to read my book. I think I am forgiven now Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baddad Report post Posted August 14, 2010 You stayed up watching shooting stars? Blimey - it's on at nine o'clock at night! ... hardly a late one. Anyhoo.. .this should bring back some luvverly memories for you. glad you had a good time L&P BD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites