Monday 19 April 2010

Hello everyone, and now for a little introduction...

My name is Katrina Fox, i'm 22 years old and I was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome in December 2008. Aspergers Syndrome is part of the Autistic Spectrum and affects three key areas:
  • Social Communication
  • Social Interaction
  • Social Imagination

I spent alot my childhood in and out of therapy trying to figure out what was wrong with me and spent hours of my time and a countless amount energy trying to 'get better'. When I was diagnosed I felt a huge amount of relief-finally I knew what was wrong with me. Unfortunately this sense of relief was short lived, I then decended into a despressive cycle, thinking, why me? why can't I snap out of this? I so desperately wanted to 'be normal' and do things the 'normal way' accepting that I have Aspergers Syndrome means accepting that I will always struggle socially. I'm not being defeatist and saying my life is over, I know that I can still achieve things in life and be happy, just not in the way I expected to.Accepting that the life I thought I would have when I 'got better' is no longer a possibililty breaks my heart everyday.Thinking about Aspergers in a positive light is very difficult for me at the moment which is why I have decided to take on this fundraising project. I hope that this project will teach me to value myself and my talents whilst also raising awareness of Aspergers Syndrome and Autism.I hope the money I raise will go towards helping people with Autism Spectrum Disorders acheive a better quality of life and improved support.

So, this is the Grand Reinventions Craft Challenge.

I spend alot of time in the house and it gets very boring. I've always had a creative streak so to fill my time I started crafting.People with Aspergers tend to get obsessed with things and I would have to say crafting is a big obsession of mine! I also like to challenge myself. I've been in education all my life and have GCSEs, A levels, an Advanced Counselling Certificate and I'm currently studying for an Arts Degree.

I like to take on alot and push myself, helps me to feel like I'm part of the world.So this challenge is my next task. I aim to raise £1000 for the National Autistic Society by turning people's junk and unwanted items into beautiful items people would love to own. I have given myself from April 2010 to April 2011 and when this timescale is complete I will be hosting an exciting event where the creations will be displayed and sold for the National Autistic Society.

Thank you for taking the time to read through my blog and I hope you choose to follow and become a much needed supporter.Thanks again,

Katrina x

4 comments:

  1. HI Katrina first of all I want to say you come across as an amazing woman full of determination and strength and I really admire your spirit. My son aged 10 has recently been diagnosed as Aspergers and I have 2 younger brothers also autistic. I would love to help you in anyway with your fundrasing, I'll have a good sort out of all my stuff but if you want help or advice on projects how to make stuff or pick another crafty brain please dont hesitate to contact me :o) wishing the best of luck xxbirgitta

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  2. I hope your fundraising challenge goes well Katrina - you sound like a very determined person. I wish you all the best. I'd like to help with materials too. I'll leave my details on Folksy. Shaz. x

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  3. I just wanted to wish you luck with this, im now following your blog and shall make up my wee parcel at the weekend! best wishes Kellie (itsthelittlethings) xx

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  4. Hi Katrina, am now following your blog, and have pm'd you on Misi. Will sort out some bits and bobs and put them in the post to you in a few weeks! (have to have massive sort out anyway!!!) I am sure you will raise the £1000 as I think that many people will donate things to you, and you sound like a very inventive person!! Best of luck, Debi (handmadeharry)

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