Turner Syndrome & Socializing

    I understand that some with TS struggle with socializing. Because of various developmental issues, it can be difficult for those with TS to relate to their peers and vice versa. Luckily there are programs parents can look into to help their child if they are struggling with this.

I personally have never struggled with it. I will say though I'm a little shyer now that I'm older, but I doubt that's a TS thing. I grew up with three sisters, two older and one younger. I think that having siblings probably helped me. I also had a lot of cousins I had spent time with when I was younger as well. I was also enrolled in Pre-School before attending Kindergarten which I feel helped give me a head start when it came to socializing outside of my family.

I also feel as though other non-TS-related things play into socializing. Some people are just more introverted where others may be more extroverted. TS doesn't necessarily have anything to do with it. No one person is exactly alike and that's okay. TS doesn't necessarily control every aspect of our lives it only does if we let it.

"Normal"

 I don't think about what it would be like to be "normal" because what is "normal" anyway? The concept of "Normal" is purely subjective. To me having Turner Syndrome is "normal", I have never not had Turner Syndrome so I don't imagine what life would be like without it. Being told I have Turner Syndrome from such a very young age it was always just something that was a part of my life. I was probably told when I was like maybe around preschool age. I don't even remember being told. It felt more like I was born with the knowledge already ingrained into me. Turner Syndrome has been more like something that is just in the background of my life. Most people that know me treat me just like anyone else. Lots of people I deal with probably don't even know I have Turner Syndrome. I don't hide it or anything, but I don't feel the need to bring it up if it's not necessary or relevant. Those that do know I have TS don't see me as someone who has TS they just see me Sami to them I am "normal". I grew up with three sisters, two older and one younger. I wasn't raised any differently than they were or treated any differently just because I have Turner Syndrome. As I was growing up I was always treated age-appropriately, when I was five I was treated like I was five, when I was ten I was treated like I was ten, and when I was thirteen I was treated like I was thirteen. I was never mollycoddled or babied or given special treatment just because I have Turner Syndrome. I would say that normalcy has always been something that I have had in my life.