[nursingstudent317]

I am a student nurse due to get my BSN next May. Although this isn't something I would undertake immediately, I've been pondering whether my own experience with Aspergers could play a role in consulting parents or teens with the condition. I'm not interested in DD in general (I don't see Aspergers as a disorder, but rather a difference that can cause great challenges and also great rewards). It seems, from looking at forums where parents of AS parents talk about their concerns, that they have never met an adult with Aspergers. They also seem to have little context for the mind set of these kids, only looking at behaviors. Any thoughts on that?

[traumaRUs]

Hi there - I definitely think you have a lot to offer to parents. Have you:

1. contacted your local NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill)?

2. what about community support groups?

3. special ed coordinators in your area?

Take care - congrats on your education also.

[mercyteapot]

You might want to contact developmental pediatricians in your area. I live in a large metropolitan area and we have a couple of them that specialize in Asperger's. Or if there's a large university in your area, there might be some options in their disability services programs.

You could also look into other counseling practices and see if there isn't a niche you could fill as a nurse. These are things you could start out doing a few hours a week in addition to a more traditional nursing position, until you build up some connections.