WNYC - Asperger's Syndrome: my life growing up and now (first show) part 1

My name is Emanuel Frowner and I did not know I had Asperger's Syndorme until I was 25. I went to the Seaver and New York Autism Center for Excellence at Mount Sinai in early 2006. I did the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and my mom did the Autism Diagnostic Interview. My IQ was at least 100. Based on this, I met the Criteria for Asperger's Syndrome. I was a bit surprised at first, but then I thought of it as a blessing in disguise. I have read many books on AS and it made me analyze many aspects of my life. A lot of it was like me (not everything). I have had difficulties mainly because of the lack of understanding from the general public and even "educated" people, never mind people who were down right ignorant. But I have stayed strong and overcame many things so far. It has definitely made me a better person.




I joined Adaptations, which is a support group for adults in their 20s and 30s. I have made a few friends and we have done a lot of things together such as going to Knicks games and movies.

A reporter, from WNYC, Gregory Warner found out about me through Dr. Evdokia Anagnostou and others from the Seaver Center in early 2006. I have done many interviews with him. Some of my family members have been interviewed by him. I have been interviewed by Gregory Warner on the following dates:

Gregory interviewed me on Mon. Dec. 11, 2006.
Gregory interviewed Blair, my brother, and me on Sat. Sept. 15, 2007.
Gregory interviewed Dr. Anagnostou and me on Mon. Oct. 8, 2007.
Gregory and Lulu Miller (Associate Producer) interviewed Blaie and me on Sat. Oct. 13, 2007.
Gregory and Lulu interviewed Blair and me on Sun. May 4, 2008,
Gregory interviewed my dad and my mom some on Thurs. June 12, 2008.

Lulu Miller lent me an MP3 player so that I could record my daily activities such as working at the JCC as a recreational assistant in sports, being in an 8-ball pool league and many other things. I did this from Tue. Nov. 13, 2007 through Fri. July 11, 2008.

Here are some interesting clips from the radio show that are worth listening to:

1) Gregory Warner is Introducing himself to my dad and my mom from 0:15-0:20.
2) Gregory is giving me water to drink to clear my throat from 2:23-2:33.
3) Blair Frowner is introducing himself from 3:08-3:13.
4) The New York Knicks logo from 4:15-4:18.
5) The bowling clip from when I was about 13 from 6:56-7:22.

I have some good updates since the summer of 2008:

I have been taking graduate level courses in Psychology at St. John's as a non-matriculate student. I'm taking them for credit. I'm in the process of applying for School Psychology for the Fall of 2010.

Many members from Adaptations, including myself joined CANY (Creative Alternatives of New York), a drama therapy group. We wrote a play early this year called "To Be Seen". We have performed on 3 occasions. The first time was at the JCC on Mon. Mar. 23, 2009. The second time was at a conference at NYU on Sat. Mar. 28, 2009. The third time was at Fordham University on Friday Jun. 12, 2009. We will be performing again soon.

I am also in the process of finding a job that fits my skills and interests. Katrina Reese, a job counselor from JobPath, has been helping me with this for the past few months. I am in the Discovery Program of JobPath. Very Recently, I had my vocational meeting at the JCC with Katrina. My dad, my mom, and my brother Blair were in attendance and they did a profile on me. The meeting went great. This was so that Katrina could send it to many jobs and job places that would suit me.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Asperger's Syndrome
• High Functioning Autism
• WNYC
• Gregory Warner

[sybeve]

I didn't know I had Aspergers until I was 46: WHAT a revelation! LoL... enjoyed the video.

[Emanuelknicks]

sybeve, I'm glad that you enjoyed the video.

[Indigoshands]

Thank you for sharing your video. I was never aware that you were autistic. To me you were this intelligent shy young man. This video will definitely inspire your peers that they too can acheive their dreams and goals with Asperger Syndrome. Kudos to your dad, Byron Frowner for not allowing the system to label/categorize you and for Blair Frowner for his tenacious search for a diagnosis. You are truly loved!

[Aspie37]

I have Asperger Syndrome and good to see more awareness!

[Aspie37]

I have Asperger Syndrome and good to see more awareness!