Hi there, a new face here so I figure I'd better introduce myself.

I'm Martin. I admit, that's not my real name but it's what I go by and online Martin (or Marty) will get my attention faster then my real name would . I'm 18 and at the moment in the final year of high school. I live in the Netherlands so the schooling is a little different but that's what it translates too. (my final exams start Monday in a week) (I'm a dual citizen American-Dutch and have with that been raised bilingual with English as my first language for the people curious as to why my English is so good for a person not living in an English speaking country). After that I'll be studying Aerospace Engineering at the Technical University in Delft. I'm also a volunteer lifeguard at a local beach. With that I've learned a lot about boats, saving people and first aid (or even second aid).

At 6 I was diagnosed with ADHD and at 16.5 I was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and because of those (mainly the latter) I have quite severe sensory problems. You will hardly see me without a cap and most often I will have sunglasses and earplugs at least on me. (Recently got a pair of molded earplugs from my parents which I'm very happy with )

So, next obvious question would be what I am doing as an admin? Well, I manage several other sites and forums (both admin and moderating) I will not mention the sites due to privacy reasons for the people who the sites belong to and the members of the forums. Through one of those forums I met Dan and after talking for a while I was helping him with setting some stuff up and it's easier when you don't have to explain how to do stuff but just do it yourself. So that's why I'm an admin here, just for the technical stuff. I'll leave the forum moderating to Dan and all the other staff members who I'm sure are more then competent. Except of course if it requires immediate action.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask. (yes, I know I'm a bit too fond of brackets)

Martin, you have been such an incredible help to me in setting up this site! Can't thank you enough!

While you may not be familiar with most of the people who will be joining this site, you are certainly going to be accepted and well received in this community . You may not feel too comfortable here socially yet, but there are a lot of really good people that I've met in the online SPD world. It's certainly a different kind of community, and about 99% of my experiences with people have been good ones. I hope this group serves you as well as you have served this group by steering me in the right direction when I needed it the most.

I salute you. You are an amazing example of a person who is 'twice exceptional' - with amazing gifts, and nasty disorders. It's a hard life, but you make the best of it. You not only survive, you thrive! I admire you greatly, and I strongly believe others will here too. As soon as some of them start posting .

Welcome to the group Martin [that you... helped set up... yeah]. I hope this community proves to be as surprisingly warm and helpful for you as it has been for me.