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Asperger's... really?

I've never been one who believes in labels, Once heard that labels were for soup cans. Humanity will record it as the way it is, and the labels helped identifying a persons life. Some were good labels. To be educated, a teacher is one that comes to mind. Teachers are, to me, whoever is helping another. In medical fields, school books (maybe that is just a link now) or mentors. It's bettering tomorrow in some way.

But other labels not so pleasant. By race, sex, rich, poor. Others by behaviors and how people lived and existed.

Life is a two-edged sword. One is not born for failure. Mental Health has a ton of labels, all by numbers, literally. Sometimes they deal with it with medications, sometimes by locking people up.

I wasn't in a hurry to learn about any so called label being attached to me. Maybe of the good kinds. Use your voice and follow your heart. When you fail you get back up. Sometimes you get judged too quick by others, and labeled wrongly.

Asperger's was first researched by a Doctor in 1944 (I think). It was like a broken toy. Some sort of mumble jumble. It didn't play a role in my life. Being labeled "a retard" (by others when 10) is one that'll never really go away. At the time I didn't know what it meant. I heard that.

Didn't think much about it. Lived life on life's terms and did the best in the 24-hours that existed. Some good, some not so good. Only a few really know us as people so what they think matters the most. The word aspergers kept coming back at me. I researched it in a serious way, over a long period of time, the more prevalent it became. The puzzle symbol is perfect. Not only for others to understand why some people act, who are different, but it helps the person challenge by it able to understand the past. Think of the imagery of that. Just colored pieces. I finally understand so much. Aspergers wasn't about being "broken". I had to understand and accept it. It a label people put on me, but I call it just living. All of us have a mountain to climb. Nobody is given the golden ticket. As meatloaf song "Their is no Coupe De-Ville" at the bottom of a Cracker Jack box"'

The past contains some dark and windy storms. Finding peace and happiness is the key. It's something you feel... you don't find. It's doing what your good at full-steam ahead. It's believing in what you believe. For me, I try to be an advocate for the voices who have none. I was the voice heard under the wooded door. My view was just a strip of light and of a floor (and the smell). How could humans treat others like this? Nonetheless a child?

Some years back, while correspondence with Tony Attwood, he shared it hasn't really changed. He was discourage in how some people were still treated. It made me sad. I also had interaction with 2 men, receptionists of world known peace prizes. One talked of shame and with a heavy heart of yesterday, one spoke of hope in tomorrow. I learned from all three. People are still being discarded and marginalized. Made to feel separate and alone. Some locked behind doors.

I don't care who knows about today. My family and friends, people that matter. How I get deal with others leads my understanding my triggers. What sets me off. What can literally shut me down. Noise is a big one with me. When younger a loud noise would seal the deal.

I'm not going to allow my challenge to beat me. I had to learn life was about different roads. Some would lead to hallways, which in turn to wooden doors. I have to say I was that voice to be one now. Who better to be heard?

I became a success because of what I did, not by what I failed at. How I treat others. I can't let having a challenge (which comes with a severe mental penalty) define me. I wasn't going to use it as an excuse in my today. It all goes back to the triggers. What leads to what. If it's noise, patterns, little frustrations. Step away and think things through. Not with rosed colored glasses but good clear ones. Don't expect perfection before progression.

More needs to be done for mental health throughout the world. In our own backyard and with our neighbors. With our family. Pick a phone up, text a message, put pen to paper, and be heard. That's the only way real change happens.

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Mike Stouffer
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