User:AndrewLerner

Andrew Irving Lerner (1958 to present) Andrew I. Lerner was born in Roslyn, Long Island*, New York, U.S.A. On February 21, 1958. His Father was a CPA IRS Agent. He was born in 1915. in a Jewish Ghetto, technically part of Poland. His Mother was born in 1918, in The Bronx, in NYC. Her Father was a Journalist from Lithuania, and her mother, a Registered Nurse from Hungary. He lived in *Syosset, also a town in Nassau County, until 1977. The Schools he attended, included Alice P. Willits Elementary School, Midway Jewish Center, and Harry B. Thompson Jr. High School. He was Bar-Mitzvahed, and Best Man at his brother's Wedding, in 1971. 1976 is the year graduated from Syosset High School.

Had a very difficult lonely life socially, emotionally, and academically. Was not diagnosed as being Autistic until 2006. Most influence and education in my life is credited via the media, and my Brother Richard. His interests included The Beatles, Star Trek, and politics. Since a little boy, Andrew's interests have been in communication, Science, Advertising art and design. Completed a 675 hour course in Computer Programming on 9/11/81. Colleges also attended, were S.U.N.Y. @ Farmingdale, and Borough of Manhattan Community. Graduated from Fiorello F. LaGuardia Community College of C.U.N.Y. in 1987. Earned an A.A.S. in Computer Programming in 1987. Odie Zephron was a Whippet/Shepard mix, adopted in 1987. Marriage was to Laurie Neil Vaiana, via the Star Trek Fan club, on 7/18/92. Richard was his Best Man.

Living in Queens since John Lennon's death on 12/7/1979. Worked at Fortunoff* and Hoffritz for Cutlery (defunct). Purchased two cooperative apartments. His first was a 2.5 room studio in Rego Park in 1986. The second, in 1992, was a 3.5 room in Bellerose with Laurie and Odie. After renting out his former home to problem tenants a few years, he sold his shares, to instead own one home free and clear.

Job positions included Driving Instructors, Bank Tellers, Cashiers, Pizza delivery, and Retail Counselors. Longest employers of 2-3 years included Manufacturers Hanover Bank, Bed Bath, & Beyond, and Circuit City*. Purchased his first brand new car, 1999 Escort. Resigned these two jobs to work at Gateway* and The Wiz*, who closed their stores within two years. He missed his last day at The Wiz, flying to Florida. His mother died days later on 9/19/2002. This was during his separation and impending divorce(5/9/2003). He brought Odie to die on 6/3/2004 with Richard. A buyer for the one-bedroom was found at the end of that same year. The losses of these three once greatest friends, jobs, and leaving NY, provided the greatest empowerment and relief. He started the blog www.andrewlerner.blogspot.com.

On 01/05/2005, he sold his only home, and drove to Florida near Orlando. His current two-bedroom, two-bath condominium in Lake Mary, was purchased in cash, on 5/31/2005. The second bedroom was rented out during his longest employer, at a call center one mile away. During that time, he was empowered by finding his Aspie identity. Now pursuing my 35 year interest in Graphic Design, with my computer and the Internet (best friend). On 12/01/2008 his nemesis father, and greatest economic benefactor, died alone near my sister in Florida. "&rew" met his last Roommate, the previous month, from Craigs-List and Convergys. After 3.5 years, I was laid off from Convergys on 02/23/2009. *Fortunoff and Circuit City close during this time.

Andrew continues to receive Unemployment benefits. I am further taking advantage of the Stimulus bill, Pell Grant and inheritance. I replaced with brand new, the following: my furniture, refrigerator, 2010 RAV4, added 2 PCs, 3HDs, Colbert Cat, joined gym, + hired personal trainer. I have found LOVE in FLOrida, and also by adding a _VE below FL. I married my Roommate, Margaret, on 02/02/2010. Richard was the only non-Floridian to attend our wedding. I am currently in college towards a Bachelors degree, to pursue my first career. 56 jobs at age 52 is too much. This is also due to the persecution, discrimination, and intolerance suffered throughout life, due to Asperger's Syndrome. I have never felt so secure and confident, and had as many good friends, as I do now. Ironically, Convergys continues to provide me money, insurance, and my best friends.

I am empowered by what I call, the Aspie Operating System. I, A-Lerner, raised myself up via the media just by Being There, a favorite movie. My name is in, and I use, "A.LtERNativE Reasoning." Being AutiStic, I ASPIrE to LeArn the fundamentals, that Neuro-Typical people ASsume known. My interaction is not like YOU THINK. Help keep A in Lerner. I am not an Alien SPecIEs. LeArner is Fitting in and standing out. I AM audacious, calm, consistent, creative, cynical, deliberate, disciplined, direct, gentle, honest, irreverent, INTJ, literal, non-traditional, open, organized, responsible, stable, sincere, unconventional, and unpretentious Individual. I could be considered self-centered, narcissistic, competitive, confident and individualistic. I am NOT rude, hyper, shy, retarded, lazy, psychotic, or evil. AS an Aspie, I have a unique perspective, am A LERNER different. Animals, natural environment, individual rights, liberties, and independence are most important.