I am no Shelley, Keats or Wordsworth when it comes to writing but in the past, I have been asked what my life would have been like if I didn't have Asperger's Syndrome. At first, I found it a ridiculous question, but then I thought about it. Having contemplated it, during the first days of January 2001, I decided to write a poem. I completed it on Sunday 7th January 2001. I have posted the original version on my blog in June 2009.

If I didn't have Asperger's Syndrome it is unlikely I would have had mental overload problems.

If I didn't have Asperger's Syndrome it is unlikely I would have been hypersensitive to certain sounds, smells or touch.

If I didn't have Asperger's Syndrome it is unlikely I would have found it very difficult to understand the rules of social interaction.

If I didn't have Asperger's Syndrome, it is unlikely that I would have been confused by metaphors and cliches.

If I didn't have Asperger's Syndrome it is unlikely I would have found it near impossible to do two things at once.

If I didn't have Asperger's Syndrome it is unlikely I would get in the shower at 9.30pm exactly on every Sunday night like I do.

If I didn't have Asperger's Syndrome it is unlikely I would have found it difficult to hold down a job.

If I didn't have Asperger's Syndrome it is unlikely I would have been misunderstood as I have been by many people.

Alternatively........

If I didn't have Asperger's Syndrome I may not have had an exceptional memory for dates and some things like I have.

If I didn't have Asperger's Syndrome I may not have been able to view issues in the rational, detached and logical manner as I do.

If I didn't have Asperger's Syndrome I may not have been able to see through the two-facedness and hypocrisy of the society that I live in.

If I didn't have Asperger's Syndrome I might have been in prison.

If I didn't have Asperger's Syndrome, it is unlikely that I would have written this poem.

And if I didn't have Asperger's Syndrome, it is unlikely that you would have read it.