Some people see the condition Asperger’s syndrome as a disability or a difficulty but there is another view.
People with the condition have shown that their different view of the world or their different way in thinking means they have exceptional talents. And this is the case with school boy Isaac O’Riordan who used his creative imagination to become a top fashion designer at just 16.
“It is a way for me to be myself and excel at something, and if I didn’t have Asperger’s I wouldn’t be the same way.”
Isaac’s story
The Daily Star reported on Isaac’s story and describes how he learned to sew when he was just five and started designing and making his own fashion line when he was only 12. Isaac saw a lot of bullying from fellow schoolchildren for being autistic but he has turned his different way of thinking into catwalk fashion shows attended by hundreds.
He has already started work on his first haute couture line and has already won praise from the London Fashion Show bosses – all from his bedroom.But the gifted teenager insists he isn’t held back by his Asperger Syndrome, which he says helps him create his unique designs by making him look at the world differently.
Isaac, from Brighton, said: “I find fashion is an outlet, a way to express myself… It is a way for me to be myself and excel at something, and if I didn’t have Asperger I wouldn’t be the same way.”
“The way I am means I am able to make these clothes and express myself – I can have more imagination.”
Isaac was inspired to start dressing making after he saw Lady Gaga – famed for her bizarre outfits – performing on the 2012 MTV Awards. His art teacher helped him improve his drawing skills while his mum Melanie, 52, helped him brush up his sewing technique.But within a few months the teenager was knocking up stunning catwalk outfits from his bedroom, teaching his mum new sewing tricks.
His first catwalk show in November 2011 was in front of 50 friends and family but his last performance in February attracted hundreds of buyers. He has so far organised six shows, and has made hundreds of dresses which sell for up to £80 each.
Speaking from his home in Brighton, Isaac said: “I always felt different when I was younger. I was bullied for being different but I didn’t want to look the same as all the other kids, so I wore fancy dress.”
“When I saw Lady Gaga I saw she had outrageous taste and I wanted to see if I could create clothes that were as wild..I believe all women are beautiful and my work is designed to make them feel they have entered another dimension of grace and elegance.”
Creative Isaac draws inspiration from nature and sci-fi and his latest collection goes on show next month – a line called ‘Over The Rainbow’ inspired by the Wizard of Oz. Despite only finishing his GCSEs this summer, the young designer has already attracted praise from The British Fashion Council – organisers of London Fashion Week.
Josef Jammerbund, head of events at the council said: “I think Isaac is displaying a great eye for detail and is able to compose well-fitting and wearable items..Some of the designs are reminiscent of classic fairytale characters which he cleverly compliments with origami silhouettes.”
“I am intrigued to find out what he can come up with next!“
Asperger Syndrome
The National autistic Society describes Asperger Syndrome as a form of autism, which is a lifelong disability that affects how a person makes sense of the world, processes information and relates to other people. Autism is often described as a ‘spectrum disorder’ because the condition affects people in many different ways and to varying degrees.
Asperger syndrome is mostly a ‘hidden disability’. This means that you can’t tell that someone has the condition from their outward appearance. People with the condition have difficulties in three main areas. They are:
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social communication
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social interaction
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social imagination.
They are often referred to as ‘the triad of impairments’
While there are similarities with autism, people with Asperger syndrome have fewer problems with speaking and are often of average, or above average, intelligence. They do not usually have the accompanying learning disabilities associated with autism, but they may have specific learning difficulties. These may include dyslexia and dyspraxia or other conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and epilepsy.
With the right support and encouragement, people with Asperger syndrome can lead full and independent lives.
More information
For more information go to autism.org.uk or to read the full story go to the Daily Star
Written by Rachel Harrison on behalf of Integrated Treatment Services
