Asperger grads love Russia, Asia, South America...New York

Just talking with a graduate of Keene State College today who had participated in our Peer Mentoring Program.  He's thinking of moving to China to teach english and I shared my views on Asperger folks moving overseas...nearly all have had positive experiences!  And I'm wondering why that is so...it seems that many folks overseas are tolerant of more "quirky" types of folks...perhaps chalking up their differences to cultural rather than more "personal" differences.  Put simply, many of my Asperger college students or grads have felt welcomed in their host countries.  I've recently heard that about students visiting New York City as well, where I was visiting myself this past week: Of course New York is such a diverse place...just walking down Broadway in lower Manhattan you can hear scores of languages within minutes.  I often encourage my recent grads with AS to consider moving there:  no need to drive, lots of diversity, lots of folks who might share one's special interests...Heaven!

Comments

[matt clark]

Not only is New York a haven for those with Asperger's but it can be the cure for many types of disorders and phobias. Just being around people can help a depressed person feel more welcome and someone who has a phobia of being alone can't ever be alone. I feel more connected to those strangers walking down the streets of Manhattan or Harvard Square in Boston than I have ever felt in my own high school growing up

[Warren]

Hello, I just found this blog and I have Aspergers disorder. I am finding it affecting my maariage and I was wondering if there is anything out here that could help me.

[Liz Aucoin]

My daughter chose to live in Montreal, rather than our small Canadian town, because she says it is a more welcoming atmosphere. So many people are from other places and have language and culture adaptations to make that those with idiosyncrasies like Asperger's don't stand out so much.