Aspergers Syndrome

Artism for Autism artwork created by adults with autism in 2006 - Aspect & The Jammy Gallery ^


Aspergers Syndrome is an acute form of Autism. Most people don't know this, but it is something I struggle with every day - and it is also very misunderstood. I dislike how most texts just vaguely describe aspergers and at the same time making someone with aspergers sound like cold-hearted, unempathetic, anti-social freaks or something. That's definitely not the case, and it should always be remembered that there are so many variations to Aspergers' as well as Autism in general. I've also heard many 'know it all' guys who have no first hand experience attempt to describe what its about, when they have no idea at all - thus inspiring me to write this.

Symptoms listed by WebMD:

* Not pick up on social cues and lack inborn social skills, such as being able to read others' body language, start or maintain a conversation, and take turns talking.
* Dislike any changes in routines.
* Appear to lack empathy.
* Be unable to recognize subtle differences in speech tone, pitch, and accent that alter the meaning of others’ speech. Thus, your child may not understand a joke or may take a sarcastic comment literally. Likewise, his or her speech may be
flat and difficult to understand because it lacks tone, pitch, and accent.
* Have a formal style of speaking that is advanced for his
or her age. For example, the child may use the term "beckon" instead of "call," or "return" instead of "come back."
* Avoid eye contact.
* Have unusual facial expressions or postures.
* Be preoccupied with only one or few interests, which he or she may be very knowledgeable about. Many children with Asperger's syndrome are overly interested in parts of a whole or in unusual activities, such as doing intricate jigsaw puzzles, designing houses, drawing highly detailed scenes, or astronomy.2
* Talk a lot, usually about a favorite subject. One-sided conversations are common. Internal thoughts are often verbalized.
* Have delayed motor development. Your child may be late in learning to use a fork or spoon, ride a bike, or catch a ball. He or she may have an awkward walk. Handwriting is often poor.
* Have heightened sensitivity and become overstimulated by loud noises, lights, or strong tastes or textures. For more information about these symptoms, see sensory integration dysfunction.

"Although the condition is in some ways similar to autism, a child with Asperger's syndrome typically has normal to advanced language and intellectual development. Also, those with Asperger's syndrome typically make more of an effort than those
with autism to make friends and engage in activities with others.

Symptoms during adolescent and teen years
Most symptoms persist through the teen years, and although teens with Asperger's can begin to learn those social skills they lack, communication often remains difficult. They will probably continue to have difficulty "reading" others' behavior.
Your teen with Asperger's syndrome (like other teens) will want friends but may feel shy or intimidated when approaching other teens. He or she may feel "different" from others. Although most teens place emphasis on being and looking "cool," trying to fit
in may be frustrating and emotionally draining for teens with Asperger's. They may be immature for their age and be naive and too trusting, which can lead to teasing and bullying." -WebMD


My experience with Aspergers':

I remember having such a hard time in public school growing up. In elementary school, I remember other kids or the teacher speaking to me and it sounding like a foreign language to me. I couldn't comprehend the words. I didn't understand jokes at all. Went through most of school with people thinking I was uppity or stuck up because of lack of eye contact and I wouldn't talk to them. Most others made fun of me, talked behind my back, and bullied me.
Another thing I struggle with is clumsiness. My coordination is so off and a drop and fumble things a lot - even with music, I'm very rhythmically challenged. I can do it, but its very difficult for me. I'm actually very talented in music and can play various instruments - I have no trouble with pitch, tone, or playing music in general. It's just the dang rhythm that's hard.
That's however, a minor inconvenience compared to how hard it is to really relate to anybody. Most people have misunderstandings about me or are confused. I get sick of the wierd looks I get if I'm saying something or doing something that's not of the social norm or is not within a social filter. I'm also sick of people thinking I'm depressed if I don't smile back. (Sometimes I'd like to say to those people,'well, I'll smile if you would actually make me laugh - and I don't just mean your face.') *Sigh*
Another big struggle is the inflexible thinking. It gets me in trouble when trying to follow directions while walking or driving. I get lost VERY easily and when I find one route to my destination, I memorize that specific one and stick to it. I can NOT take another route because I will get extremely confused and probably lost for hours. Even if the newer route is a short cut. It's basically like if I found a route on certain streets or highways, I can NOT deviate from the same path - my mind won't allow me to think harder and problem solve the NEW way to get to the same location. This might also incorporate memory problems, which my short term memory is nearly non existent.

I think that also goes along with multi tasking. Which I can NOT do at all. I get so frustrated when I'm cooking and someone is trying to talk to me, or driving and someone is trying to talk to me. My mind hurts when I try and do it, and I'll just end up burning something or crashing into something.

I have it hard enough just to approach someone in a social situation a foot or 2 away from the person, but what's worse is when someone tries and shout something to me from long way across the room with tons of people staring. If someone does that, I will NOT shout back. My voice is very monotone and soft spoken, so I like talking in more intimate environments.

One big thing that sucks is that a lot of people I've noticed think I'm lying or that I'm a liar sometimes. Mainly because my body language is off, I don't have eye contact, I speak stiffly, and most of my movements are just... well, awkward. All I can say is that the true friends I have who know the real me, know that I'm the most honest, upfront person out there. In fact, I'm too honest for my own good! =) So, my true friends know me. Those who don't, your loss.

I also can't stand sarcasm jokes. I just don't get it, it seems literal to me. Also, I'm always the last one to get a joke anyway! It kind of depends on the joke though. Another frustrating thing is when talking to someone who changes the subject too quickly like every 5 minutes or something. My mind can't transition fast enough and I get confused. I can talk about one subject for 10 hours straight. (^_~)

Explaining things is very hard for me to do orally. I can't tell a story unless I write it down on paper because then my mind can unscramble it for me as I write and it comes out nicer. I've always been a natural writer because of it. I can't verbalize things and describe things well orally because my mind can't unscramble the mess of words fast enough in my head for it to come out right and make sense. And I tend to stumble on words and stutter sometimes. This is why job interviews are so hard for me because they expect you to answer promptly after they ask a question, expecting a clever response - but i would need about ten minutes or so to think about the answer. Or just write it down and hand them a note. Hey, we all have different ways of communicating - I just wish this was more known and accepted in society.

My biggest problem with Aspergers has been my naivety. MANY people have seen my openness, sincerity, kindness, and generosity - and have used me, drained me, taken advantage of me, and just walked all over me. I used to be too trusting and never thought anyone would do me wrong, because I don't think that way and I wouldn't do that to someone - so I just thought everyone on this planet was good. About 100x later of being screwed over time and time again, I've learned to not be a doormat anymore and recognize between someone sincere and someone who just wants something from me. But I haven't become an azzhole like some people who shall remain nameless. I simply keep negative people out of my life. I only pity them.


Famous people with Aspergers':

Essentially, Asperger's syndrome causes behavior that can best be described as “quirky.” Bill Gates, Woody Allen, Bob Dylan, Keanu Reeves, Al Gore, and Garrison Keillor are some of the many notable public figures who experts believe show symptoms of Asperger's syndrome. There is also some evidence to suggest that Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton suffered from the condition as well.



Some more light was shed on Aspergers' syndrome on the Tyra Banks' reality hit, America's Next Top Model Cycle 9, depicting one of the contestants, Heather, struggling with Aspergers'.












Poem:

The Misunderstood Child
A poem about children with hidden disabilities

by Kathy Winters

I am the child that looks healthy and fine.
I was born with ten fingers and toes.
But something is different, somewhere in my mind,
And what it is, nobody knows.

I am the child that struggles in school,
Though they say that I'm perfectly smart.
They tell me I'm lazy -- can learn if I try --
But I don't seem to know where to start.

I am the child that won't wear the clothes
Which hurt me or bother my feet.
I dread sudden noises, can't handle most smells,
And tastes -- there are few foods I'll eat.

I am the child that can't catch the ball
And runs with an awkward gait.
I am the one chosen last on the team
And I cringe as I stand there and wait.

I am the child with whom no one will play --
The one that gets bullied and teased.
I try to fit in and I want to be liked,
But nothing I do seems to please.

I am the child that tantrums and freaks
Over things that seem petty and trite.
You'll never know how I panic inside,
When I'm lost in my anger and fright.

I am the child that fidgets and squirms
Though I'm told to sit still and be good.
Do you think that I choose to be out of control?
Don't you know that I would if I could?

I am the child with the broken heart
Though I act like I don't really care.
Perhaps there's a reason God made me this way --
Some message he sent me to share.

For I am the child that needs to be loved
And accepted and valued too.
I am the child that is misunderstood.
I am different - but look just like you.




Sources:

WebMD
aspergers symptoms

Asperger advice
great detailed info on aspergers

If you only knew
Get more info and order the book, Aspergers - if you only knew, by author Sophia Summers - discusses her struggle with aspergers and how she found out she had it after her son was diagnosed with aspergers