NOAH AOC

Ok, i am not an albino lets get that out the way first.

I am a mild dyspraxic but thats a diff story.

i am 14 and have been playing wow for about 2 years, i met a boy on thier called Chris who is 15, we were good friends and eventualy we  were talking on skype webcam and xbox

we both knew about our condtions but i knew nothing about Albinoism 

I live in the midlands and he lives in scotland so theres a distance gap, this summer we are meeting for the first time.

We havent reaaly talked about it as it makes him and to be honest him uncomfortble and i dont want him to think i judge him in anyway, becuase i dont, hes my best m8 and sometimes we laugh and joke about it.

im a little nervous meeting him, as i dont know anything about Albinoism, cept that he is very smart and doesnt have too bad vison and stays out of the sun alot(b it like me, im a nerd xD

So you want to know about albinism?

Well.......! First of all, us people with albinism have BAD vision which cannot be corrected. Not all of us have pink eyes, that's a common mythe. Actually most(including me) have blue eyes. Alot of people who have albinism have light skin and hair, this is because we lack the pigment melanin. However there are some who do have normal hair and skin color. To have a child with albinism both parents must carry the gene, Sometimes it can pop up in families who didn't even know about it.

Albinism isn't something you should feel uncomfortable talking about. (=

ive done some reseach, but i want to know what i shud consider when were out and about

it does make me uncomfortable because im talking about my friends 'faults' and he has to talk about it, i for 1 dont like talking about mine, when we meet well be more open.

i know suncream is a must for outside and we shud watch the sun exposure

I don't know how much the following will help, but I'll give it a try!

First meetings in person are hard, whether aperson has albinism or not.  That is just a fact of life.  Everyone is nervous about what they perceive as their "faults"--I use the word "fault" for lack of anything better, as I don't consider my albinism to be a fault, it is just part of what/who I am.

Not everyone likes to talk about their 'weaker' points, even when they are well acquainted.  Some people are more private about themselves than others.  It is necessary to learn to respect this about people as you grow up.  It will make for a lot less awkward situations.

Now, for some practical tips that may help you and your friend, without him even knowing!

When you sit down to talk, be it in your house, a library, a restaraunt, let him choose where to sit first, or better yet, offer him the seat with thlight at his back.  If you sit with your back to the light/son, he probably will not be able to see you at all other than a dark blob, and he will squint terribly from the light!  I am sure you would rather he see what you look like!

I know you mentioned his vision isn't too bad, but that of course is his estimation.  It is really hard to know what the words "too bad" really mean.  While most of us really have no issues getting around and seeing/reading things in general, there are situations where a casual offer of help are appreciated.  Don't just grab him and guide him around if you are wooried, but casually mention things like upcoming steps up or down, particularly if there is no contrast in color in the surfaces.  Something like  "Hey, there's some steps down up ahead!"  If he reacts negatively to such, you can easily not do it anymore. 

Also, if he holds things really close to see them, don't worry.  Most of us do that.  If we can position something close enough, we can read it.  If you think he needs assistance reading a menu, either one in hand or an overhead one at a fast food place--if there are any where you are!--poloietely ask.  Something like, "Would you like me to read that to you?"  Again, this will allow him to answer yes or no and you will know what to do in the future. 

Sunscrren is really a good idea for everyone, as are sunglasses, and even a hat.  If you are looking for a gift to help break the ice when the two of you meet,  you could buy matching hats for the two of you for a team or locality or activity you both enjoy.  It would not only be useful for his visit, but a little rememberance of the time the two of you spent together.

OK, maybe this advice does sound like it is coming from an old lady--but it is!  I'm almost 50, have albinism, and remember those young, awkward years, all too well!

My other advice is to make sure you meet your friend where there are others around the first few times.  This is sound advice whether it is someone you meet from the internet or just someone you meet at church.  There are many ways to meet friends these days, online is one of them, regardless of what everyone says of it's dangers.  You just need to use caution and common sense.  There are good and bad pepole everywhere.  My middle daughter made a very good friend from another state here online, and met after a couple of years.  He came here to visit, but we laid down the rules--he stayed at a motel not to far away. (they were both adults, although very young adults!).  After the first day, we were comfortable, and they went to movies and all kinds of fun stuff together.  After a couple of more visits, she moved to where he lives, and has been there two years. 

Good luck!

Joni