Being Me: A Woman's Viewpoint on Asperger's Syndrome

By Ruby Redd

A true story of a woman with Asperger’s syndrome’s struggle to make sense of the world. A powerful and moving memoir of upheaval, renewal, and self-acceptance. Sad and inspirational, it will give hope to many. A good read that will be hard to put down. You will be wanting more. It is emotive and evokes a strong sense of empathy in the reader. The author has given honest descriptions of incidences that have happened throughout her life and how this has impacted due to her Asperger’s syndrome. She reached the darkest depths but managed to overcome problems and go forward. She sees life in a positive way even though she is still healing. Some people will relate to it and realise they are not on their own. There are others experiencing the same. Diversity should be celebrated and not denied. A must-read for those that are interested in learning the truth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Nov 30, 2022
• ISBN: 9781398453661

Ruby Redd

The author has Asperger’s Syndrome which was diagnosed at the age of 65 years. In the past she has been a registered childminder, nurse, English teacher and lecturer in early years childcare and education. She gained her degree, BA (Hons) Humanities with English language at the age of 58 years. This is her first book to be published but she comments that this will be ‘one of many’. She hopes that some people will relate and be inspired by her books.

Book preview

Being Me

A Woman’s Viewpoint on

Asperger’s Syndrome

Ruby Redd

Austin Macauley Publishers

Being Me

About the Author

Dedication

Copyright Information ©

Acknowledgement

About the Author

The author has Asperger’s Syndrome which was diagnosed at the age of 65 years. In the past she has been a registered childminder, nurse, English teacher and lecturer in early years childcare and education. She gained her degree, BA (Hons) Humanities with English language at the age of 58 years. This is her first book to be published but she comments that this will be ‘one of many’. She hopes that some people will relate and be inspired by her books.

Dedication

My son, Kevin. My daughters, Kelly and Jenny. My grandchildren, Mila, Margot, Harvey, Lola and Daisy. My sons-in-law, Sam and Mark.

My daughters, Teresa, Catherine, Valerie and Jackie. My son, Steven. My grandchildren, Connor, Kyle, Reece, Dylan, Luke, Ella, Abbie, Zoe and Steffanie. My sons-in-laws, Glenn, Gary, Scott and Gary. My daughter-in-law, Alexia.

My mother and father.

Copyright Information ©

Ruby Redd 2022

The right of Ruby Redd to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

All of the events in this memoir are true to the best of author’s memory. The views expressed in this memoir are solely those of the author.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781398453654 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781398453661 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published 2022

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd®

1 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5AA

Acknowledgement

My husband, Brian, who supported and encouraged me to write.

Jenny, my daughter, who designed the book cover.

I suppose I should start at the beginning and then deviate all through as a usual sign of Asperger’s. How do I feel about myself? GOOD. I have bad days and good days. But mostly, my life is full of funny incidences with me going off my rocker and then after realising that I was completely wrong, having to apologise profusely in a very charming, if not aggravating, manner to the person that I have taken the wrong way.

It is extremely frustrating not picking up signs, especially when I got the sack as I was more knowledgeable than my superior who felt inferior as she was unable to carry out her duties effectively. She came up with accusations that were not true. The staff did not believe her. They cried as I was escorted out of the building by security guards and given a cheque for £800 which was nowhere near my salary. I was told to remove myself from the premises. But and there is always a but! The higher ups discovered what an excellent job I had done shortly after I left so you can fool the people some of the time, but you can’t fool the people all of the time. This made me stronger. I decided to gain more qualifications and go even higher in my career, which I achieved.

One of my colleagues had a breakdown. She knew the truth and never stuck by me but that is part of having Asperger’s. It is very rare to have a very good friend who you can confide in and who will be there for you no matter what. Mostly you are taken advantage of as you have a vulnerability that just attracts a certain person who looks for their victim. They think you want their job, their husband, their clothes, car, etc., but, in fact, all you want is a true friend that you can rely upon. I have found this very strange and have not been able to understand this the whole of my life.

I have also been taken advantage of by my children. Yes. I know it seems unbelievable, but they are very guilty. You see, I would have given them anything of mine, including body parts. My love for them is very deep, but not theirs. Do not get me wrong, I do not mean all of my children, just a couple. They have tried their very best to poison the other children against me.

Oh! I knew you would guess. I have many children. I knew when