Things You Should Know About Aspergers Syndrome

Health and Wellness - General

By: smayberry 24-Oct-2010

Introduction:

I have Asperger's Syndrome (AS). Actually, there are quite a few of us out there. Although people with Asperger's may act a little differently and you may even consider them (us) strange or different, people with AS can be intelligent, interesting and very loyal. Please, take a moment to get to know us "Aspies" a little better.

Asperger's Is Not a Mental Illness.

Many people think that people with Asperger's are mentally ill or mentally deficient. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Asperger's Syndrome is high functioning autism. It just means that my brain is wired as little differently. I have had some people say terrible things about me because of my AS, but I am NOT mentally ill and I am certainly not mentally deficient.

We Are Usually Quite Brilliant.

It is believed that Einstein had Asperger's. In fact, many of history's more brilliant are thought to be autistic. Many people with AS are exceptionally intelligent and can find unique solutions to problems. My husband says that I don't think outside the box because I don't have a box! He says I am always coming up with brilliant and creative ideas; I am different from anyone he has ever known - in a good way.

We Struggle Socially.

Poor eye contact, unable to pick up on nonverbal cues, literal thinkers, all of these traits make it very difficult for aspies to function socially. I know that I struggle quite a bit. There are so many things that people say and I just don't understand. The whole nonverbal speech, though, fascinates me. I don't understand it, don't understand facial expressions or tones, but in a way it is good. When someone is nasty to me I usually don't even pick up on it.

Some of Us Have Sensory Issues.

Many people with Asperger's have issues with noise, smell, taste, tactile and lights. I know that certain noises bother me a lot and I hear everything. Smell is also a big issue for me. A lot of noise will make me very upset. It can be buzzing lights, the hum of the refrigerator or a loud television next door. Usually, when it is several noises at the same time I get upset. I also can't wear certain fabrics. Some aspies are even worse than I am.

We Are Different, But We Still Have Value.

I may struggle socially. I may talk about certain topics excessively. I may not be able to tolerate certain noises, smells or lights. I may act different. I may think different than you do. But even though I am not like you does not mean I am less of a person. I still have value. Please, I make accommodations every day to try to function in your world. All I ask is that you try to understand me better. Education leads to tolerance and acceptance. I have value. I am just asking that you accept me, autistic brain and all.

Final Thoughts

It is believed that one in approximately every 150 people has some form of autism. New research now shows that girls may present differently than boys, causing misdiagnosis or no diagnosis of Asperger's. In short, the numbers could be greater.

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SimplyAbundantLife 6/25/2012
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Bless you for Listing this! At prayer group yesterday morning my friend announced that her son was just diagnosed with Asperger's. I will certainly share this raw insight with her. Thank you.
tracyann 4/3/2011
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A very well written informative list. Thank you so much for sharing, prayers to all the families dealing with this everyday. H5!
litetender 3/13/2011
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A very nice and informative list. I recently went to hear Temple Grandin and met several interesting people with Asperger's. Thanks for this list!
SaraValor 10/26/2010
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Very good and informative top 5 list! Thanks for letting us know this, it is helpful.