Special Report: Photo stories of Asperger’s Syndrome

Below you will find five feature stories produced by Street Roots, Leah Nash and the Regional Arts and Culture Council on understanding Asperger’s Syndrome.

The project was made possible in partnership with Street Roots and the Regional Arts & Culture Council in an effort to chronicle the diversity of this complex diagnosis of autism, illustrating the challenges and beauty of an unconventional life.

When you ask 11-year-old Willie Rates about life with Asperger’s, he seems comfortable with his place in the world, both figuratively and literally.

Part I: Catching the snowflake: A photo story of Asperger’s Syndrome

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Part II: The comfort of acceptance: A photo story of Asperger’s (Part two)

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Part III: Pretending to be normal: A photo story of Asperger’s Syndrome

Thomas Olrich, 35, was diagnosed with Asperger’s four years ago. He says he always knew he was different. “I knew something was up. I was always upset, always scared. Something was not clicking.”

Part IV: The man I am: A photo story of Asperger’s Syndrome 

Diagnosed with autism in fourth grade, Leska says, “I knew I was different but I didn’t know why and I had no idea how different I was. I realized that everything I wanted socially, to talk to other little kids and play with them, never happened. It did not happen.” Leska’s autism symptoms were not at the forefront until an unexpected divorce led to an autism regression and subsequent Asperger’s diagnosis almost 40 years later.

 Part V: New Found Aspigations: A photo story of Asperger’s Syndrome

About this series: Autism is the fastest growing disability in the U.S. with an economic impact of more than $90 billion. The Center for Disease Control reports that now one in 110 children are being classified with autism spectrum disorders, compared to one in 10,000 in the 1970s, and according to the Autism Society of Oregon, our state has one of the highest rates of autistic diagnosis in the country.

New Found Aspirgations: A photo story of Asperger’s Syndrome

Leska Emerald Adams, 51, lives with friend, boss and domestic partner Lynn Szender and Leska’s Newfoundland service dog, Orka, in Oregon City.

This is the final of five installments from Street Roots and photographer Leah Nash on Asperger’s Syndrome. See the first four installments here.

The project was made possible in partnership with Street Roots and the Regional Arts & Culture Council in an effort to chronicle the diversity of this complex diagnosis of autism, illustrating the challenges and beauty of an unconventional life.

Diagnosed with autism in fourth grade, Leska says, “I knew I was different but I didn’t know why and I had no idea how different I was. I realized that everything I wanted socially, to talk to other little kids and play with them, never happened. It did not happen.” Leska’s autism symptoms were not at the forefront until an unexpected divorce led to an autism regression and subsequent Asperger’s diagnosis almost 40 years later.

In her own words: Leska Emerald Adams

The first time I read about another being having anything near the same experiences and consciousness as me was the vampire revelation, as a teenager reading Anne Rice’s first vampire book, “Interview with the Vampire.” It was a delicious lightning bolt recognition that let me know that somebody out there could relate, albeit a mythical character in fiction. 

Catching the Snowflake: A photo story of Asperger’s Syndrome (Part one)

by Leah Nash

When you ask 11-year-old Willie Rates about life with Asperger’s, he seems comfortable with his place in the world, both figuratively and literally.

“Well, you’re indeed not usual, which I’m perfectly OK with,” he tells me. “It’s like I’m Portland unusual, or Los Angeles unusual.”

It was more than two years ago that Willie first donned his now trademark Nemes, a striped headcloth fashioned after the pharaohs in ancient Egypt. It is a reminder of his obsession with Ancient Egypt, though now Willie says he wears it more out of habit than anything else.

Willie working on a movie set.

The Comfort of Acceptance: A photo story of Asperger’s Syndrome (Part Two)

The video and narrative below are the second in a special series on five individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome as told through the lens of photographer Leah Nash. The project was made possible in partnership with the Regional Arts & Culture Council in an effort to chronicle the diversity of this complex diagnosis of autism, illustrating the challenges and beauty of an unconventional life.

The first installment of this series appears in the current edition of Street Roots, “Catching a snowflake: A photo story of Asperger’s Syndrome.” Look for more of this five-part series in the newspaper and on-line from now through Jan. 6.

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By Anna Bauer: The Comfort of Acceptance

Hello everyone, my name is Anna Bauer and I have done this project because I have Asperger’s Syndrome and I want people to understand Autistic people like me. Living with Asperger’s is not easy and I have mixed feelings about my Asperger’s.

Extra! Extra!

Hopefully, you have a little extra leisure time for the holiday weekend, which is a good thing, because Friday’s edition of Street Roots will be one to savor. Here’s a rundown of what’s rolling on the press right now:

Catching a snowflake: A photo story of Asperger’s Syndrome by photographer Leah Nash. This is the first in a five-part series in partnership with the Regional Arts & Culture Council to chronicle the lives of people living with the often misunderstood and extraordinary diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome. Look for the print edition features, along with online shows starting next week.

Eileen Brady: The grocery executive talks big bridges, urban renewal and creating jobs in her bid to become Portland’s next mayor. The latest in our series of interviews with local candidates.

Psychology in warfare, for better or worse: A Portland filmmaker looks at the military’s foray into mental health treatment in the field.

Federal cuts continue downward spiral on housing assistance: A report by the Western Regional Advocacy Project outlining the cuts in the works to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. More tough times lie ahead.

Plus, another insightful column from the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, a review of the book EcoMind and the potential in being a “possibilist,” plus poetry and artwork from the streets. The paper will be on the streets early Friday, so don’t forget to tuck a buck in your back pocket before you head out and save a smile for your friendly neighborhood vendor. Thank you!