Asperger Syndrome
October 30th, 2005· Asperger Syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD,) and is on the autism spectrum.
· The disorder is most prevalent in boys, though girls do have it as well.
· Asperger Syndrome doesn’t affect intelligence, language or cognitive skills. It does affect the way that the Asperger sufferer interacts socially.
· Though it was discovered by Hans Asperger, as Swiss scientist during WWII, it wasn’t recognized in North America until 1994.
· The three major areas of difficulty are: problems communicating, socializing and (sometimes) lack of imagination.
· Asperger children excel in academics, but have trouble on the playground and working in groups.
· They also have trouble with overwhelming emotions and need a quiet place to go when they are feeling overwhelmed.
· Those who suffer from Asperger syndrome dislike change intensely and it can turn their world into chaos. Something as simple as rearranging furniture can send them into a major meltdown.
· Asperger sufferers are very comfortable with repetitive routines, but can be taught to cope with change if they are forewarned.
· Asperger sufferers dislike surprises. They like to know what’s coming so they can be prepared.
· Children who have Asperger syndrome do not respond, nor do they understand, body language or facial expressions. Those skills have to be taught.
· Children with Asperger syndrome have trouble making friends and retaining friendships. They are labeled as odd and eccentric. They are often teased and become loners to avoid confrontations with their peers.
· Asperger sufferers take the spoken word literally and don’t understand metaphors or sarcasm unless taught.
· Asperger syndrome is a disorder that is largely misunderstood as bad or inappropriate behavior.
· Those who suffer from Asperger syndrome need instructions broken down into small increments. Instead of saying, “Set the table,” you will need to say, “Put the plates, knives, forks, spoons, glasses and cups on the table.” When we look at a tapestry, we see the entire thing. When they look at a tapestry, they see every thread.
· Those suffering from Asperger Syndrome are often obsessed with things. As children, these things will change. As adults, they usually stick to one obsession.
· Asperger children can be taught to integrate into society.
· It’s suspected that Thomas Jefferson, Mozart and Albert Einstein suffered from Asperger Syndrome. These people are geniuses.
by Mary M. Alward
October 30th, 2005 at 7:51 pm
Amazing facts about a little known disorder. Thanks for the Asperger information. The general public need to be educated and they in turn need to educate their children so Asperger kids don’t have to be teased and ostracized.
October 30th, 2005 at 8:17 pm
Very interesting information and it is all true. Asperger kids have a difficult time, but can be taught life skills that will see them through. Adult Asperger sufferers have it tougher, as they are often never diagnosed. People just think of them as odd people with bad tempers. A shame, really. We need to be more compassionate and less judgemental.
October 30th, 2005 at 8:31 pm
This is a terrific article. My nephew was diagnosed with AS two years ago. We didn’t have a clue why he had such horrific meltdowns, no friends and why he had trouble getting along with his peers in his kindergarten class. Once he was diagnosed and treatment and understanding was put in place, things started to look up. No, he isn’t perfect, a long way from it, but each year he gets just a little bit better.
October 30th, 2005 at 9:54 pm
Thanks for providing this information about a little known disorder that many kids suffer from. People need to be more compassionate and teach their children to be the same.
October 31st, 2005 at 8:26 pm
There are a lot of famous people who have Asperger Syndrome. Bill Gates made a fortune and it’s said that he has it.
October 31st, 2005 at 10:51 pm
I have never heard of Asperger Syndrome, so learned a lot reading this. Thanks for educating people about this disorder.
November 5th, 2005 at 9:55 pm
I had never heard of Asperger syndrome either. Thanks for the reality check.
November 24th, 2005 at 9:58 pm
I have a grandson with AS. He has a hard life. These kids have to be taught so many things that other kids seem to take for granted. They have trouble making friends, which is hard for any kid and harder for them. My grandson was doing better when the school year started but for some reason has seemed to regress. Lately I’ve worried that he may be heading for a nervous breakdown. Any further info on AS would be greatly appreciated. This is a hard one for everyone involved.
March 21st, 2007 at 8:53 pm
My son is 15, and only goes to scholl 2-3 times weekly.usually complains of GI symptoms
March 21st, 2007 at 9:00 pm
My son is 15, and is going to high School 2-3 days a week. Reports of GI symptoms, and isn’t bothered in missing, or have any plans. Any thoughts, i am desperate
April 21st, 2007 at 8:52 pm
To Maureen,
I know how your son feels…. As I have Asperger Syndrome and also Crohn’s Disease which as your probably know which requires me to go see a GI Doctor. I was taken out of School when I was 16 years old to be Home Schooled By my mom … Now I am not saying that’s the right thing nessacarily the case for your son…but it was the right one for me as I ended up on The Tonight Show wiht Jay leno back in September of 2005 impressing Ed Asner..
Anyhow Like I said in the first paragraph I know how your son feels…. I had trouble with my Crohn’s Because in High School the big problem is when I would have a belly ache I would Pass gas…. And I and my parents had so many discussions with the Teachers in High School about whether or not I would pass gas on purpose or not…… It was qutie depressing… But for me taking me out of school to be home schooled was a good thing for me… I even got a homemade computer printed diploma which is even signed by the Regional Superintendent of Schools which makes it some what official…
If I Can be of any further assistance PLMK by contacting me via email at colormefrankenteddy@yahoo.com
By the way a friend of mine took screenshots of me on Jay Leno .. You Can view them at the website below
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