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Are you Aware Yet?
Published on 2012-04-01 20:21:35
The purpose of this post will be to update everyone on my whereabouts and to also outline my plans for Autism Awareness month! First of all, I apologize for being so absent from my blog and from making videos for … Continue reading → > read more
Aspervlog #6: Hidden Disorder
Published on 2012-01-05 13:07:21
Just talking about some of the downsides of being high-functioning and issues I faced this semester. I wrote a blog post a while back discussing this as well, if you prefer to read something cohesive: Link I forgot to mention … Continue reading → > read more
Aspervlog #5: Meltdowns
Published on 2011-12-09 21:15:21
I should have been a little more specific and said that the type of overstimulation that I experience is just one type and there can be many other different reactions to stimuli. > read more
Aspervlog #4.1: Diagnosis and Frustration
Published on 2011-12-03 16:25:02
The reason I was so irritated in this video was because right before filming I received a distressing e-mail. I’m not going to share the details of that message, but I will say that I was incredibly misunderstood by an … Continue reading → > read more
Aspervlog #4: Social Difficulties
Published on 2011-12-02 15:44:56
Aspervlog #3: What is Asperger’s?
Published on 2011-11-23 09:13:50
This week I answer three viewer questions relating to how Asperger’s works. Enjoy! > read more
Aspervlog #2: Autism vs. Asperger’s
Published on 2011-11-19 16:58:17
I meant to put this up yesterday and to add some fancy editing, but due to technical errors neither of those things happened. Huge thanks to my good friend Chris for trying! Here’s a link to his channel. I recommend … Continue reading → > read more
Does Asperger’s Define Me?
Published on 2011-11-18 13:39:56
It is very common for people who have autism spectrum disorders to state that “Autism does not define them.” For a long time I have struggled to understand what is meant by this, and have recently decided that what these … Continue reading → > read more
Aspervlog #1: Introduction
Published on 2011-11-11 19:22:46
I’m starting a new Internet series called Aspervlogs where I will discuss how I am affected by Asperger’s Syndrome. I decided to make these videos A) because I am trying to get over my fear of cameras, and B) because … Continue reading → > read more
Bassoon Concerto
Published on 2011-10-04 08:12:42
Von Weber’s Bassoon Concerto (Mvmt 1), performed by Nicole D’Angelo on Monday, October 3rd on bass clarinet. This was for my performance practicum class and afterwards I received feedback from peers and from the professor (who was, YIKES, a bassoon … Continue reading → > read more
Does Sugar Motta Have Asperger’s?
Published on 2011-09-30 22:13:35
No. Absolutely not. Sugar Motta, the latest character on “Glee,” has made herself known as having “self-diagnosed Asperger’s,” which, according to her, allows her to say “pretty much anything she wants.” Here are three reasons that I can assure you … Continue reading → > read more
Preparing for College on Asperger’s
Published on 2011-06-29 16:09:34
As I recently graduated from high school, my focus lately has been on preparing myself for college. I have found it necessary to take extra steps in this preparation process as to avoid the transitional mental breakdown of epic proportions … Co > read more
Happy Autistic Pride Day!
Published on 2011-06-18 13:03:54
I am celebrating Autistic Pride Day today by wearing the shirt that I made that reads “Don’t be sorry because I’m autistic, be sorry because you’re not.” on the front and “Proud Supporter of Asperger’s Syndro > read more
The Best Night of Their Lives
Published on 2011-06-01 20:48:58
Tomorrow is the night of my high school prom. Hundreds of girls from my grade will go out together for hairdresser’s appointments and for manicures. Their dates will meet them at the door of their houses with corsages and matching … Conti > read more
Questions Answered
Published on 2011-05-22 18:36:01
Many of my blog views come from Google searches, and looking at these searches lately has made me realize what kinds of specific things people plug into search engines and has made me want to answer these people’s questions directly. … Co > read more
Well, Thanks Anyway
Published on 2011-05-09 20:29:48
As with compliments, criticism can be a difficult concept to accept especially for a person with Asperger’s. In my case it has been an emotion I have had to grapple with recently as an experimental video I created has not … Continue readi > read more
Thanks for the Kind Words
Published on 2011-05-09 19:59:12
Being both a performer and a public speaker means that I am frequently approached by people who have seen me play my instruments or give a talk. Though I am not trying to sound pretentious, an issue I inevitably face … Continue reading → > read more
Quick update
Published on 2011-05-05 20:30:59
I apologize for the lack of posts this week, but I have been quite exhausted because this is AP testing week and I have had to take a three-hour literature exam plus a five-hour Spanish exam. Hopefully I will feel … Continue reading → > read more
5 Ways Playing Piano has helped me to succeed with Asperger’s Syndrome
Published on 2011-04-30 21:42:04
I widely attribute my connection with music to be what has helped me to be so high-functioning. This connection began with my early exposure to the piano thanks to my parents. The piano itself as an instrument, though, has helped … Continue rea > read more
What’s an Autism?
Published on 2011-04-29 22:35:55
Because autism is a spectrum disorder that encompasses hundreds of varieties (with infinite variations within these varieties) it can be confusing for a person who does not experience ASD on a daily basis, either by having ASD or a close … Cont > read more
Catsperger’s
Published on 2011-04-28 21:50:02
Ever since I was young my mother always told me that while my sister was like a dog, I was like a cat. As a die-hard dog lover this sentiment always offended me greatly as I hated cats. But now … Continue reading → > read more
Day 27: Prelude to Suite No. 1 for Unaccompanied Bass Clarinet
Published on 2011-04-27 21:32:05
I performed this piece for my college audition and plan to perform it again at an upcoming scholarship audition and at my solo recital. > read more
Do I Know You?
Published on 2011-04-26 21:13:11
One of the most annoying and impractical symptoms of any autism spectrum disorder is prosopagnosia. This condition is more commonly known by the title “face-blindness.” Having prosopagnosia means that it is very difficult to recognize peo > read more
Quick Break
Published on 2011-04-26 21:13:11
I was planning today on making a post about facial recognition issues in people on the spectrum, but unfortunately I was faced with more work than I anticipated and became overwhelmed. After having a minor fit, I am not feeling … Continue readi > read more
Day 25: Chopsticks!
Published on 2011-04-25 21:11:18
A few weeks ago at my piano competition I performed in several different categories, including the Open Pop Solo category. I play in this category every year and every year I struggle to find a piece to play that is … Continue reading → > read more
Stop! Panic Time!
Published on 2011-04-24 21:30:36
A unique contradiction of my mental health is that I do have both Asperger’s Syndrome and an anxiety disorder. Any Autism Spectrum Disorder implies the ultimate in rational thinking while a part of my anxiety disorder (whose symptoms mimic thos > read more
Day 23: I Learn Cello
Published on 2011-04-23 20:56:43
Now, I have had my cello for about three or four years, but it was not until a month or two ago that I really began to study the instrument. I bought myself Book 2 of the Suzuki Cello School … Continue reading → > read more
Under Pressure
Published on 2011-04-22 20:32:06
Physical pressure is a powerful treatment technique for people with autism and can have remarkable calming effects despite its simplicity. Studies conducted, most notably by Temple Grandin with her squeeze machine, prove that many people on the spect > read more
To Prom or Not to Prom?
Published on 2011-04-21 19:43:25
The most defining event of the senior year of any high school is probably the prom. It is something that students look forward to for years beforehand. Girls begin fantasizing about their dresses, the afterparties, and, most importantly their dates & > read more
Are you sure you have Asperger’s?
Published on 2011-04-20 19:43:28
I’m not Adam Lambert, I’m James Durbin. I don’t want to be Adam Lambert, I’m James Durbin. I’m never going to be Adam Lambert, because I’m James Durbin. For being down-to-earth and one-sided people, we Aspies can b > read more
The Prodigal Daughter
Published on 2011-04-19 20:32:55
Autistic people tend to be extremely moral people. I once had a camper, who, although being non-verbal, would refuse to begin the day if his room was not clean. You may call it obsessive or stubborn or whatever you want, … Continue reading U > read more
The Prodigious Son
Published on 2011-04-18 20:57:15
There are a few terms commonly associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders that are frequently confused and misunderstood. I too struggle to comprehend the difference between a prodigy and a savant and whether there is any difference at all, so I ̷ > read more
Day 17: Forget You–Bass Clarinet Multitrack
Published on 2011-04-17 12:21:15
I used Audacity, a free recording software, to perform my own arrangement of Cee-lo Green’s “Forget You,” a 60′s-esque song that was originally recorded under a different name. I usually am not a fan of modern popular music (b > read more
…How do we know if it is Asperger’s?
Published on 2011-04-16 21:21:00
The diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome or any other Autism Spectrum Disorder can be quite complicated. This is partially due to the wide range of disorders and also due to the lack of understanding of the spectrum. As you are probably … Con > read more
…and Sounds like Asperger’s…
Published on 2011-04-15 21:16:15
The most fascinating sense of mine is probably my sense of hearing, as I am indeed a musical savant and hear music much differently than everybody else. I often receive questions relating to my sense of hearing, which is so … Continue reading & > read more
…Feels like Asperger’s…
Published on 2011-04-14 21:11:05
Tactile hypersensitivity is something that I have clearly struggled with literally my entire life. My mother has told me stories of my hatred of lacy dresses even as a baby, and I can remember having a fit when I was … Continue reading → > read more
…Tastes like Asperger’s…
Published on 2011-04-13 20:29:56
As I have mentioned previously my diet is less than ideal for a soon-to-be adult woman. I attribute this largely to my hypersensitive taste buds. My intolerance of foods that are too spicy, too sweet, or generally too flavorful is … Continue re > read more
…Smells like Asperger’s…
Published on 2011-04-12 21:27:28
As with most symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome, my sense of smell can be a gift and a curse. While it does come in handy when I go wine tasting with my parents or when I visit the Hershey’s Chocolate Factory, … Continue reading → > read more
If it looks like Asperger’s…
Published on 2011-04-11 21:00:56
I decided a few months ago that at some point I would like to make a week-series highlighting and detailing specific sensory perceptions in Asperger’s Syndrome. Autism Awareness Month seemed like the perfect time to pursue this series. A signif > read more
Maybe I’m the only one…
Published on 2011-04-10 20:45:14
There was an interesting article in yesterday’s edition of the New York Times Magazine highlighting the diagnosis of a rare autoimmune disorder in a young girl. The girl went to her doctor after noticing that her hair was falling out, … C > read more
Excuse me, Miss, your Asperger’s is showing…
Published on 2011-04-09 20:11:57
I am a person full of contradictions. I am the vegetarian who doesn’t eat vegetables and the atheist who goes to church. But today I realized possibly the oddest contradiction of all: I am the virtuoso pianist with a fine … Continue readi > read more
Day 8: A Day in the Life
Published on 2011-04-08 19:34:14
This song (if it can even be considered a mere “song”) is tied for my favorite song by the Beatles (with “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite,” naturally). Sgt. Pepper’s is my favorite album as well, so this was … Co > read more
Driving on Asperger’s
Published on 2011-04-07 20:52:18
There are so many reasons that I probably shouldn’t be allowed to drive. Out of the many Aspergian talents I have read about, I am yet to read about a savant driver with Asperger’s. This is because driving was not … Continue reading > read more
Eating on Asperger’s
Published on 2011-04-06 19:58:09
It is always interesting for me when I am dining for the first time with people, as this is the time when one glaringly obvious trait of mine usually makes itself most present. This is about the time when said … Continue reading → > read more
Day 5: Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Post
Published on 2011-04-05 22:13:08
Here is another video from my piano competition. I am currently in Maryland and recovering from a four-hour drive, but I will try to make an actual post tomorrow. Don’t forget that I am having a fundraiser at www.elephantsforautism.tk! Please & > read more
Under Control–A short bit of prose
Published on 2011-04-04 20:36:04
As I was on a ferry today from Jersey City to Ellis Island with my family an event that occurred in a recent presentation popped into my head. I was asked by one high schooler if I have any phobias, … Continue reading → > read more
Today’s Post
Published on 2011-04-03 22:12:16
Today I was competing in a piano competition and did not have time to write a post, so I decided I would post a video from the competition. Due to a YouTube uploading error, it probably will not be up … Continue reading → > read more
World Autism Awareness Day–Are You Aware?
Published on 2011-04-02 21:17:49
I understand that today is World Autism Awareness Day. All across the world nations are supporting the cause: the Empire State Building and Sydney Opera House are lit in blue, radios and news stations are conducting interviews and spreading awareness > read more
Autism Awareness Month Announcement!
Published on 2011-04-01 15:14:06
In honor of Autism Awareness Month I will be posting on my blog every day of April! These blog posts will either be discussions of aspects of autism spectrum disorders or posts of videos I have made. I will also … Continue reading → > read more
The Not-So Social Network
Published on 2011-02-06 21:42:31
Facebook is an entire virtual world in which people halfway around the earth can connect and chat and share enough information about each other that they are practically next to one another. The concept of a profile page in which … Continue rea > read more
The Blind Beholders of Beauty
Published on 2011-01-31 21:11:57
The vanity of modern American society has been on my mind a lot lately. Just like in the famous “Twilight Zone” episode, “Eye of the Beholder,” the general opinion of the masses as to what is “beautiful” has become > read more
Why did Jared Lee Loughner do it?
Published on 2011-01-18 21:15:24
[DISCLAIMER: I am in no way supporting nor condemning the actions that Jared Loughner took. This is not an article about politics or about the aftermath of his actions, but an inquisition as to what drove him to commit the … Continue reading &# > read more
Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Medley
Published on 2010-12-12 18:19:00
“Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” is a short (45-minute) movie that was published on iTunes during the writers’ strike. If you have not seen it, it is very good. My friend Jeremy showed it to me (this post is dedicated to ̷ > read more
Autism Talk October 5th!
Published on 2010-09-26 19:38:15
I will be giving a talk on October 5th about autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and synesthesia at the Warren Township Public Library from 7 to 8 PM. There is no entrance fee. I will be discussing my experiences with synesthesia and … Continue > read more
The Best Time To Tell
Published on 2010-09-05 23:10:18
A comment on a YouTube video I watched yesterday disturbed me greatly. The video was an interview with a 10-year-old with Asperger’s. The interviewer asked the boy if he enjoyed having Asperger’s, and he said “Yes.” A commente > read more
Regarding Relationships
Published on 2010-08-22 17:25:24
Something strange has been happening to me lately. Instead of underestimating my age (at first glance, my 13-year-old sister admittedly looks much older than me due to her sophisticated style and her make-up) people have been mistaking my age to R > read more
Chicago (And All That Jazz!) Sheet Music
Published on 2010-07-28 16:05:32
On the Outside Looking In
Published on 2010-07-21 21:53:40
It can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between a child who appears to be misbehaving due to a disability and a child who is actually misbehaving. Both can throw tantrums, both can hit (or kick or even bite), … Continue reading → > read more
Monk: The Ultimate OCD?
Published on 2010-07-12 22:25:09
When I was in sixth grade I was captivated by USA Network’s hit show “Monk.” The show chronicles the antics of a former detective whose life is run by his Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Many of his symptoms, such as … Co > read more
Say What You Mean; Mean What You Say
Published on 2010-05-15 21:26:38
One of the character traits of Aspies is that we are honest. It is not something that we strive to be; it is just hard for us to understand why anybody wouldn’t be honest. Our honesty is a gift and … Continue reading → > read more