Hi my names Bekki.  I have Aspergers but was not diagnosed until I was 21.  I was actually in prison at the time due to my anti-social behaviour.  I went through all my school life not knowing what was wrong with me.  Despite my mother telling the doctor at 6 months old that she thought I was autistic.  Nobody ever listened.  I ended up rebelling against society, because I blamed them for not allowing me to fit in.  Eventually I ended up in prison, where I was diagnosed as having Aspergers.  I feel that if I had been diagnosed earlier, prison could have been avoided. I found it very hard to adapt to life outside of prison and reoffended twice to get back in.  Due to my AS I found prison offered me a routine, one that I couldn't get out of.  I had no hope for the future and expected to spend the rest of my life in jail, but upon my release in January 2005, I was offered a place at ESPA colleges,  Since starting there I have used my experiences to help other students and became a peer-mentor, student committee respresentative and equality & Diversity committee representive.  I was nominated by the college this year for the Equality North East wards and was one of the fnalists.  I have also completed my level 2 in counselling along with other basic qualifications that i couldnt manage at school.  I believe I wouldn't be standing where I am now if it wasn't for ESPA www.espa.org.uk They offered me a chance in life. I would definately still be in jail if they hadnt given me this chance.  I'm no longer at ESPA, due to the LSC pulling out of a third year funding. But I keep in touch regularly, I am still involved with my fellow students and the equality & diversity committee. I am now writing my book as I feel it is important to get my story out. Nobody should have to wait till its too late for a diagnosis like I did. Watch out for my article in "Pick Me Up" magazine at the end of November.

Check out my website @ www.livingwithaspergers.co.uk