Asperger Syndrome: Reflections

Gay Eastoe was born on 30/10/53, the youngest of female twins and the fourth child of seven children. Her twin does not have Asperger Syndrome. She comes from an academic family, where educational success was important. Having survived school she went on to gain a B. Sc. in Geology (Leicester University); a Ph. D in Experimental Petrology (Sheffield University) and also a B. A. in science and maths courses (Open University). In 1980 she married Richard and they now have four children of school and university age. She was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at the age of 48 years after experiencing panic attacks. To get a medical label was a relief, because at last she could be herself! As well as being a keen runner, swimmer, fell walker and cyclist she is pursuing her fourth and fifth degrees. Her voluntary work at a local special school is very important to her.