Saturday, February 28, 2009

MakeBeliefs Comix: Are you messing with me?

Comic strip in two panels. In the first panel, a woman asks, "Do you live around here?" A human-looking cat answers, "No." In the second panel, the woman has a mean expression and asks, "Are you messing with me?" The cat has a sad look on her face and her thoughts are represented with four question marks.

MakeBeliefs Comix is a Web site that allows the user to create his or her own comics using an interactive control board. It provides everything you need: several characters, each with a range of facial expressions, story prompts, speaking and thought balloons. This cartoon illustrates my confusing encounter with a woman who got angry when I honestly answered her question.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Written assessment for Asperger's syndrome

I got my written assessment in the mail from Marjorie Solomon, Ph.D., assistant clinical professor with the U.C. Davis MIND Institute. I completed the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-G) -- Module 4, a semi-structured play session that is used to diagnose autism spectrum disorders. My score was 10, which is above the autism spectrum cut-off score of 7.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Asperger's syndrome assessment at U.C. Davis MIND Institute

Wednesday afternoon I participated in a study I'd volunteered for at the U.C. Davis MIND Institute, about the learning and decision-making abilities of adults with Asperger syndrome. Part of the study included a formal assessment; the researcher told me I definitely have AS. The determining factor for her was that I had no friends in school and that I absolutely don't know why this was so. She's going to send me a written documentation in the event that it's ever necessary as a prerequisite for treatment or services.