The Story of Radim with Asperger’s syndrome and ADHD ****************************************************************************************** * Autism Makes Communication Hard. I Had to Google Gestures ****************************************************************************************** Radim Tauber is a unique character. As a boy with Asperger’s syndrome and ADHD, he struggl throughout almost his entire primary school. Yet he always found “something” that interest that, he excelled. Highly creative, he devises unexpected solutions when given the right e Thanks to the openness of the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics (Matfyz) and supportive t allowed individualized instruction, he is now successfully completing his fifth year of st Did you always enjoy mathematics? Not really. Because I have Asperger’s syndrome—part of the autism spectrum—and ADHD, prima extremely difficult, and I received mostly Ds and Fs in almost all subjects. I could never repetition or tasks demanding short-term memory, which ADHD made impossible. I changed sch Ironically, I ultimately adapted best to the school with the worst reputation, attended mo students. Teachers there were used to behavioral variability, were understanding, and pers to my needs. When were you diagnosed with ASD and ADHD? In fourth grade—but signs were clear from preschool. I remember being asked to draw Baby J kindergarten, and I drew an anatomical cross-section showing all his organs. The teachers follow the assignment—something that happened a lot. People with Asperger’s syndrome do th own way. Our main challenge is that we can’t interpret what others expect, so completing n practically becomes impossible. Our intentions are good, but not always how others expect Did your parents understand? Yes. They never forced me into anything, and it wasn’t needed. I would find something I wa and they wholeheartedly supported that. They arranged private lessons in piano and math. T gave me so much attention—and that kind of approach motivates me to do my best and tackle Once teaching was adjusted to my pace, I performed well in math—and because I did well, I it. Due to poor grades overall, I didn’t go to gymnasium but to an industrial technical sc on electrical engineering—which actually suited me better. There, I learned patience. They term seminar projects, which allowed me to specialize and focus on what truly interested m a ‘cell cultivator’—a device that can preserve living cells in an artificial environment—w award in a national high school science competition. The entrance exam to Matfyz must have been tough. It tested logical thinking, which is fair. But the way problems were worded was completely for someone with ADHD like me. Understanding the prompts was extremely difficult. I’d say exam with the help of divine intervention” (laughs). “The beginning of university was a co I couldn’t engage in typical lectures. I couldn’t sit through more than 15 minutes. The le so fast that I couldn’t absorb anything or even take notes. It was like hearing rustling l faculty was very accommodating. In the first semester, the requirement to advance was a ce credits. I used their slower-paced study option for students with physical, psychological, difficulties—spreading a year’s study load over two years. The beginning of university, I hear, was rough too. It was a complete shock. I couldn’t engage in typical lectures. I couldn’t sit through mor minutes. The lecture pace was so fast that I couldn’t absorb anything or even take notes. hearing rustling leaves. But the faculty was very accommodating. In the first semester, th advance was a certain number of credits. I used their slower-paced study option for studen psychological, or personal difficulties—spreading a year’s study load over two years. Most teachers there are willing to work things out with you. In the first winter semester, two exams—but in the summer semester, I caught up and entered second year with all my cred was more time, which was granted to me, to adjust to university-style studies. I still tak non-standard times. My productivity varies—some months I focus better, some months worse. How does individualized instruction work for you? For example, I ask a lecturer to assign exercises. Then I sit in an empty classroom near t work all day, dropping in to ask questions as needed. It helps tremendously. In one week, an exam without attending seminars or lectures. I don’t receive any reductions—I must comp work. Sometimes lecturers assign more work to me than to others, but I can work at my own What’s key for someone with your challenges? Not being afraid to talk about your difficulties. Explain exactly what they are and what w Teachers often don’t understand why I skip lectures or don’t participate. Once they know i that I care about studying and want to work—they don’t give me concessions, but change the small shift can bridge what would otherwise be a potentially disastrous hurdle. How do your classmates see you? All my life, I’ve made a terrible first impression. In a new environment with unfamiliar p in thought—so I can’t control how I come across. I might over-gesture or change my voice i I may sound off-putting or overshare without realizing it until later. But as I grow close things get better and people like me eventually. You seem solitary. Asperger’s syndrome continues to affect how I communicate. I’ve learned to manage it bette I have an incredibly understanding girlfriend. The same goes for my friends—they’re genera nothing phases them. They accept me as I am. To an outsider, someone with Asperger’s looks human communication remains a mystery to me. It’s better now, but took years to reach this I used to not understand gestures—so I’d google them. I often can’t read facial cues or fi from body language. Do you have to control yourself? Yes, very much. A lot of the time I’d rather do something else—but society wouldn’t be oka don’t go against myself completely—I just do what needs doing, and don’t worry about other Such as? Often, I whistle a tune stuck in my head; if I’m in a good mood, I might smile in a way th appropriate to the situation. Or when thinking, I might tap my foot or walk in circles—I’m my ADHD. It seems normal to me—my classmates might find it unusual. But I’ve learned to ig content with how I function. You’re in your final year now. What are your plans? I have a wide range of interests. For years, I’ve been working on my own mathematical theo foundations of mathematics. To develop it further—and maybe publish it—I’ll need funding. educating myself in programming and computer technologies—to eventually work in IT. I don’ average scientist—I want to do something extraordinary. Maybe it sounds arrogant, but that my life works. I always set the highest goals. Even if I don’t reach them, at least I’ll t to think long-term and be patient. Then I surprise myself with what I can accomplish—somet I ever imagined” (laughs). Author: Jitka Jiřičková [ URL "https://www.ukforum.cz/jitka-jirickova"] Photo: Vladimír Ši Source: https://www.ukforum.cz/rubriky/studenti/8385-autismus-mi-pusobi-potize-v-komunikac musel-googlit [ URL "https://www.ukforum.cz/rubriky/studenti/8385-autismus-mi-pusobi-potiz gesta-jsem-si-musel-googlit"]