Why the name Ordinary Aspie?

When my kids were born, the type of food allergies they have (Food Protein Enterocolitis Syndrome…if you were wondering) caused them to have some crazy reactions to different types of food. We were seeing a lot of behaviors and issues that weren’t quite typical, and I started looking into autism. I found out a LOT of information about autism and how it looks different in girls. I found out that there’s a whole generation of “lost women” who get an autism diagnosis, or a self-diagnosis, later in life. As I was reading, something in me just clicked. I had always felt different, like I was from another planet, but because I made eye contact and got good grades in school and mostly passed with semi-normal social skills, no one questioned it. I was always the loner, or the shy kid, but even today, if I didn’t tell you that I’m autistic, you probably wouldn’t know it. 

Back when I was researching, this type of autism was called Asperger’s. I was in a Facebook group with other women who were diagnosed later in life (20’s and up mainly) and Aspie was a sort of endearing nickname we used for ourselves. Since then the diagnostic criteria has changed, and now Asperger’s is just part of the more broad classification of autism spectrum disorders. It’s ok. I still identify as Aspie. And I’m definitely ordinary. 

Why the blog?

That’s my family up there, smiling and happy. That picture is actually a few years old, and we aren’t always smiling and happy. But we are blessed, and I don’t mean that in the way that most people say, “oh yeah, I’m blessed”. I mean that we have truly been blessed beyond what we deserve by God Most High. You have been too. If you don’t know that yet, I hope you figure it out after sticking around here for a little while. Because what He did for us, He did for you too. 

For a few years now, I’ve been hearing the Lord whisper that I need to be writing. I don’t know whether this will ever reach beyond my dining room, but even if not, that’s ok. This isn’t about being found or impacting others (although I hope that’s a side effect) it’s about obedience. 

So, if you’ve found this, and you’re still reading, check out the posts here on the blog page. I’ll be showing up here every now and then with more musings and stories as the Lord prompts me to write. See ya soon!

  – Amber