"Strange" may not be the appropriate word..."rare" as in rare gems and rare coins is more fitting description of our true value. Actually in the U.S., AS in considered a "rare disease" by Ntl Inst of Health. Here's the definition they use:
A rare (or orphan) disease is generally considered to have a prevalence of fewer than 200,000 affected individuals in the United States. Certain diseases with 200,000 or more affected individuals may be included in this list if certain subpopulations of people who have the disease are equal to the prevalence standard for rare diseases.
http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/Resources/Rare_Diseases_Information.aspx

Also, National Organization For Rare Disorders http://www.rarediseases.org/ has good resources. They are even recruiting us "rare" ASers for a clinical trial:
http://www.rarediseases.org/research/clinicaltrials

So no, we are not strange, just rare...and you can celebrate your rareness on 2/28/10
Rare Disease Day
http://rarediseaseday.us/about/celebrate/
roll So go kick up your heels roll

Those of us with 2 or more "rare disorders" plan to party all night. grin


Last edited by snowshoe; 01/23/10 12:50 AM. Reason: multiple goofs due to rare diseases