Politics Asperger Syndrome

WARNING: The topic being disgust is a serious one, since I have it, and do not want to see any negative posts like making fun of autism posted. You probably wont read this anyways if you are immature, since it requires a lot of reading. lol
I have discovered recently that I have something called Asperger Syndrome.
Hans Asperger is an Austrian paediatric doctor after whom Asperger's Syndrom is named.
AS is unknown to most people because the symptoms very from person to person so it generally gets misdiagnose or gets diagnosed as something else’s. It is a form of autism.
The reason that I posted this topic is to inform people of what AS is just incase they suffer from it or may know someone who might. The symptoms generally show-up by age 3. Individuals with Asperger Syndrome and related disorders exhibit serious deficiencies in social and communication skills. They often have obsessive repetitive routines and preoccupations with a particular subject. Because of their high degree of functionality and their naivete, those with AS are often viewed by their peers as odd, and are frequently a target for bullying.

I have suffered and continue to suffer from the effects of AS and it has caused be severe grief in my life. Growing-up, I was often picked-on by other students and am still seen as an oddball by most people. I consistently have to fight myself everyday to do basic things. I suffer from such a high level of anxiety that it has caused my health to deteriorate many times.
I am relieved to know that I am not “odd” but actually have a reason for my weirdness. I have found some comfort in knowing that a lot of people who I admire have had this too.

These are the symptoms of AS all people with it generally share. There are other symptoms but these are the main ones.
·
Socially awkward and clumsy in relations with other children and/or
adults
Naive and gullible
· Often unaware of others' feelings
· Unable to carry on a "give and take" conversation
· Easily upset by changes in routines and transitions
· Literal in speech and understanding
· Overly sensitive to loud sounds, lights or odors
· Fixated on one subject or object
· Physically awkward in sports

They may have:· Unusually accurate memory for details
· Sleeping or eating problems
· Trouble understanding things they have heard or read
· Inappropriate body language or facial expression
· Unusual speech patterns (repetitive and/or irrelevant remarks)
· Stilted, formal manner of speaking
· Unusually loud, high or monotonous voice
· Tendency to rock, fidget or pace while concentrating
The most commonly used diagnostic terms include:·
Asperger Syndrome
· High-Functioning Autism
· Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)
· Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified
· Atypical PDD
· Autistic



People who have/has AS:
Beethoven
Mozart
Alfred Hitchcock
Jim Henson (created the Muppet’s)
Albert Einstein
Vincent Van Gogh
Isaac Newton
John Nash
Howard Hughes
Andy Warhol
Bobby Fisher (Chess champion dude)
Bill Gates

Other famous people who most likely had/has AS (I narrowed this list down, it was too long):
Jane Austen, 1775-1817, English novelist, author of Pride and Prejudice (see above)
Alexander Graham Bell, 1847-1922, Scottish/Canadian/American inventor of the telephone
Emily Dickinson, 1830-1886, US poet
Thomas Edison, 1847-1931, US inventor
Henry Ford, 1863-1947, US industrialist
Thomas Jefferson, 1743-1826, US politician
Ludwig II, 1845-1886, King of Bavaria
Isaac Newton, 1642-1727, English mathematician and physicist
Mark Twain, 1835-1910, US humorist
John Denver, 1943-1997, US musician
Glenn Gould, 1932-1982, Canadian pianist
Andy Kaufman, 1949-1984, US comedian, subject of the film Man on the Moon
Charles Schulz, 1922-2000, US cartoonist and creator of Peanuts and Charlie Brown
Woody Allen, 1935-, US comedian, actor, writer, director, producer, jazz clarinettist
Bob Dylan, 1941-, US singer-songwriter
Al Gore, 1948-, former US Vice President and presidential candidate
Keanu Reeves, 1964-, Lebanese/Canadian/US actor
Oliver Sacks, 1933-, UK/US neurologist, author of The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Awakenings
James Taylor, 1948-, US singer/songwriter


If you have any questions regarding AS, feel free to make a post or PM me if you want to keep it private.


~~Spongy -_-
 
I have some of those symptoms in both categories. I also notice some people like Al Gore has it, I would never known this by looking at him. I guess you can’t tell by looking at someone, can your doctor test you for it??? Is it a bad thing will it affect you if you want to get a job? Do you need to tell your boss you have it? Thanks for making us aware of this!! Now I'm worry about it. :(
Melissa
:blush:
 
Melissa said:
I have some of those symptoms in both categories. I also notice some people like Al Gore has it, I would never known this by looking at him. I guess you can’t tell by looking at someone, can your doctor test you for it??? Is it a bad thing will it affect you if you want to get a job? Do you need to tell your boss you have it? Thanks for making us aware of this!! Now I'm worry about it.  :(
Melissa
:blush:

I have some of those symptoms in both categories. I also notice some people like Al Gore has it, I would never known this by looking at him.

The symptoms of AS are not always easy to recognize unless you know enough about the syndrome. I have noticed a lot of characteristic in Al Gore that would prove that he has it, like the way he talks, I find that Keanu Reves does the same thing.

Speech: Children with Asperger's Syndrome generally talk at the age expected of typical children. Grammar is acquired at a typical age or a bit later; however there may be a tendency to use "you" or "he/she" instead of "I". In general the form of language is typical but the content is not. Children may talk at length about a favourite subject or repeat a word or phrase over and over again

Non-verbal communication: People with Asperger's Syndrome may have few facial expressions apart from anger or misery. Their voice may be monotone and droning or exaggerated. Comprehension of the facial expressions or others is also poor. As well, gestures may be clumsy and exaggerated.

Social Interaction:
The rules governing social interaction often pose a mystery to someone with Asperger's Syndrome. The impairment of two-way interaction is perhaps the most obvious characteristic of the person with the syndrome.

Motor Coordination: Gross motor movements are usually clumsy and uncoordinated. About 90% are poor at sports. Some may have difficulty writing and drawing. Asperger also mentioned stereotypic movements of body and limbs as characteristic

Skills and Interests:
Most people with Asperger's Syndrome have excellent rote memory and become intensely interested in one or two subjects (sometimes to the exclusion of other topics).

Experiences at School:
The impairment of social interaction and communication, in particular, work against the child with Asperger's Syndrome. The children are often targets of teasing and bullying at school. Many will be acutely aware that they are different, and can become over-sensitive to criticism, especially as teens.

can your doctor test you for it???

I’m not sure if a local family doctor is allowed to diagnose AS. Psychiatrists/psychologists would
Probably is your best bet if you wanted to be tested for it.
I am almost 20 and have never been officially diagnosed with it but I am 100% sure I have it because I have almost all of the symptoms and have talked with people who have been diagnosed and we are the same.
I will most likely go see a Psychiatrists/psychologists to be officially diagnosed even though there isn’t a lot they can do for me at my age, it would be helpful to have professional advice on the matter.

Is it a bad thing will it affect you if you want to get a job? Do you need to tell your boss you have it?

It isn’t a bad thing. Yes, people will probably never understand you if you have it, you will generally allows be the easy target; but there are many bonuses to having AS. I see it more as a blessing than as a curse, because people with AS are (most of the time) on a higher level intellectually and occasionally academically as well. When people with AS become aware of their syndrome, they can use it to their own abilities. If you find a subject or/and career that intrigues you, you will generally be more motivated and inventive which will allow you to surpass others in your field. Also, people who have AS usually never get bored because we always find something to do or/and think about.
No, you don’t need to tell your boss you have it. The law does not allow employers to discriminate against people with any mental disabilities.


EDUCATION
People with Asperger's Syndrome, like those with autism, respond best when they have a regular, organized routine. It is important for everyone concerned to understand that the person with this syndrome will have difficulties in comprehension of abstract language and to make modifications and adaptations so the person will grasp what they are trying to communicate. Teachers are advised to find a balance between insisting that the student conform and allowing the student some time to develop his own interests and self esteem. How to handle teasing and bullying, both on the student's part and as a classroom or school-wide issue will also need to be addressed.
EMPLOYMENT
The best job for someone with Asperger's Syndrome will most likely be one with a regular routine. Co-workers and employers will need to be sensitive to the person's "eccentricities".


If you still believe that you have AS, feel free to tell me your symptoms and maybe I can tell you indeed to have it. It may be something else. Such as social anxiety.


~~Spongy
 
wow thats scary... I'm sorry you have it..

omi gosh and i have some of the main symptoms.. :eek:

Naive and gullible ( ...ahem)
Unable to carry on a "give and take" conversation (when i'm talking to someone and its my turn to say sumthin i usually cant think of anything to say.. like ever. and it makes ppl think i'm stingy and dont like them.)
Overly sensitive to loud sounds, lights or odors (an acorn hit my window and i jumped 3 ft in air)
Fixated on one subject or object (AIM became more important than studying for finals... )
Physically awkward in sports (im not involved in any sport b/c i'm soo clumsy especially when it comes to teamwork. i take gymnastics but the level i'm on is truly pathetic.. :Ph34r: )
Unusually accurate memory for details (i can recite a conversation i had with a former friend from way back in june but cant remember if i did my math homework or not)
Sleeping or eating problems (how about staying awake 6 nights in a row without the help of caffiene or sugar?)
Tendency to rock, fidget or pace while concentrating ( *lookks down at my pitiful stubs i have for finger nails* )
:Ph34r:

:eek: thats sorta freaky :thinking:
 
I've got a couple symptoms, but i doubt it's enough to say i've got AS...and wow, a lot of famous people had it!

Socially awkward and clumsy in relations with other children (that's so me!)

Often unaware of others' feelings (unless a person is autually crying or something, i cant tell what they're feeling.)

Unable to carry on a "give and take" conversation (Bebri, i have the same problem. i have nothing to say when it's my turn to say something and it makes people think i'm stuck up.)

Fixated on one subject or object (Oh, I can be. I dunno if this means fixated in vision or thoughts, but i'll just start staring at say, a pencil or the ceiling and i'll be all transfixed in looking at it.)

Physically awkward in sports (hmm....what do you consider psysically awkward? cuz i'm not ery coordinated, and i'll like try to hit back a volleyball and it goes pass me, or i'll try to kick a soccer ball thats RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME, and i'll miss. i'm just not that grgeat at sports overall.)

Unusually accurate memory for details (sorta sounds like me. like, yesterday, i found out this guy in my 9th grade bio class was in my 1st grade class a while back, and when he said that, i remembered his face from back then...and it wasnt like i was friends with him or anything.)

Sleeping or eating problems (for eating problems, is eating even when you're not hungry, and just because something looks good, or eating until you feel sick, considered an eating problem? cuz thats what happens to me. i just cant seem to stop.)

Trouble understanding things they have heard or read (definetely)

Unusually loud, high or monotonous voice (yeah, my voice is so high and loud!)

Tendency to rock, fidget or pace while concentrating (well, if i'm nervous or i'm trtying to remember something or whatever, and i'm standing up, i'll start rocking and getting dizzy and feeling like i'm going to fall. And i cant seem to stop moving anyways.)
 
Hmmm, it sounds like most of you are pretty normal :lol:

Difficulty with social relationships. Many people with Asperger syndrome try hard to be sociable and do not dislike human contact. However, they still find it hard to understand peoples behaviour; non-verbal signals, including facial expressions and mannerisms. Socializing and forming relationships with others can be very difficult.

Difficulty with communication.
People with Asperger Syndrome may speak very fluently but they may not take much notice of the reaction of people listening to them; they may talk on and on regardless of the listener's interest or may appear insensitive to other people's feelings.

Difficulties with abstract thinking. Although many people with Asperger Syndrome have excellent imagination or a love of science fiction, some people with Asperger syndrome find it hard to think in abstract ways. This can cause problems for children in school where they may have difficulty with certain subjects, such as literature or religious studies.

Special interests. People with Asperger Syndrome often develop an almost obsessive interest in a hobby or collection. Usually their interest involves arranging or memorising facts about a specialist subject, such as train timetables, Olympic medal winners, or the dimensions of cathedrals. O.C.D (Obsessional Compulsive Disorder) probably plays a part

What Asperger syndrome is NOT

Many ordinary people have little eccentricities, certain obsessions, or a tendency to be shy in large social gatherings. Asperger syndrome is not simply normal eccentricity. People with Asperger syndrome usually do not want to be different, but do not know how to fit in better with those around them. The pattern of difficulties appears to start early in life, and people with Asperger syndrome have persistent social and communication problems from early childhood onwards. It is not just a bad phase. This means that an individual with previously close good friendships and normal everyday communication and going through a 'bad patch' is unlikely to have Asperger Syndrome. Knowing in detail about a person is important in diagnosing Asperger syndrome, because other disorders may resemble the condition.

More Information on AS


~~Spongy/Christine
 
When did you learn that you had this AS?

And how do you feel about it? Is it hard for you to live with?

What about school ?

I don't mean make you incorfortable , so you are free not to answer , what I'm asking is very personnal.
But since you've shared this with us , maybe you want to talk about it , so....we're here for you!!!!
 
marie said:
When did you learn that you had this AS?

And how do you feel about it? Is it hard for you to live with?

What about school ?

I don't mean make you incorfortable , so you are free not to answer , what I'm asking is very personnal.
But since you've shared this with us , maybe you want to talk about it , so....we're here for you!!!!
:lol:
Thanks Marie for the support. I'm not ashamed to talk about it at all. I'm actually relieved to since I now know that I have a reason for my dorkiness :lol:

When did you learn that you had this AS?

Just a few days ago. I was actually looking-up info on my obsession Mozart (laugh if you want :lol: ) and found out that he had (most likely) AS. I than search for info on AS to find-out what it is. I was shocked to see that I matched all the symptoms. Even the odd ones like seeing lights that aren’t there and being sensitive to sound. It also explains my anxiety. I told my mom about this and she told me that I probably do have this since she took me to see a doctor when I was young and he told her that I may suffer from autism.

And how do you feel about it? Is it hard for you to live with?

I'm actually relieved to know that I'm not the only one who had this. That I'm not a freek :lol:
It has been hard. Most of my life I have been singled-out by my peers and even adults. My parents have always had problems with me since I do not respond to things the same way "normal" people do. At times I find it hard to tell if someone is mad at me or not. I laugh at them because I think they are being funny when they are in fact up-set. I don't want to come off as a "bit*h" but AS can do that.

What about school?

School has always been very difficult for me. Especially when we have to do group work and presentations. I find it extremely difficult to express my opinions appropriately and I sometimes offend people verbally without realizing that I am doing so. Presenting is a whole other story. Lol. I can’t even talk about what I am trying to say, I get so tong twisted and gitterish that I feel like I am going to faint.
The pressure of trying to “fit in” in high school is much harder for AS people. We generally can’t initiated conversations and have trouble make eye contact. So our peers usually ignore us.

The bonuses of AS are that we tend to be more artistically or/and academically gifted than regular people. We are able to see a finished product in our minds.
People with AS usually mature faster than regular people. Many AS children talk at a university English level. This may seem like a blessing, but in a world where stupid people make-up the majority, it is hard to develop relationships. Most people with AS have few friends and the ones we have are generally people who are a lot like us. It is also hard to have many friends if you have AS because we are incapable of being socially motivated. Some people with AS are very outgoing but can have an offensive personality, like Mozart who was “out-there” but came off as vulgar to most people.


It's far more comfortable for me to communicate via the internet since people can't visually see what a klutz I am :lol:


~~Spongy!
 
Oy! I'm sorry Spongy that you have to deal with this and I'm glad, though, that you know now what is going on so that you can have something concrete to go on.


As a note to everyone else (and in no way am I doubting that Spongy has this), but just so it's said. When people read the symptoms of various syndroms and diseases, etc... it is not uncommon for them to develop or see in themselves the same symptoms, this happens alot with people studying psychological disorders. So, it somewhat concerns me that alot of the people who have responded to this think they have AS. If you think you do, you should get it checked up, but keep in mind for a lot of psychological things it's not about having displayed the symptom, its about duration and severity.

~Princess :king:
 
Princess Jeanie said:
Oy!  I'm sorry Spongy that you have to deal with this and I'm glad, though, that you know now what is going on so that you can have something concrete to go on.


As a note to everyone else (and in no way am I doubting that Spongy has this), but just so it's said.  When people read the symptoms of various syndroms and diseases, etc... it is not uncommon for them to develop or see in themselves the same symptoms, this happens alot with people studying psychological disorders.  So, it somewhat concerns me that alot of the people who have responded to this think they have AS.  If you think you do, you should get it checked up, but keep in mind for a lot of psychological things it's not about having displayed the symptom, its about duration and severity. 

~Princess :king:
:lol:

So true, so true. As I was reading through some peoples comparisons to AS symptoms, I was laughing! I was like, that's just normal. he he
My parents have always known that I most likely suffered from a form of autism as well as doctors. The only problems was that they couldn't figure out what form of autism I had. I even remember all those trips to the phycologists and to my schools councelor.
However, Jeanie is right, don't diagnose your self with such a condition. Most of you are still very young and these symptoms can be related to the unconfidence's of youth :lol:
I suggest that if you truely believe that you may suffer from AS that you go see a physician of some sort.


~~Spongy!
 
My brother has Aspergers, and he's (relatively) normal, merely rather annoying at times.

Although I think that's more to do with the whole older brother thing. :smiley:
 
Frogboy_Lives said:
My brother has Aspergers, and he's (relatively) normal, merely rather annoying at times.

Although I think that's more to do with the whole older brother thing. :smiley:
:lol:
Yah, there are different degrees of AS. Some people have a mild form, others a more severe form.

"I think that's more to do with the whole older brother thing" :lol: :lol: :lol:


~~Spongy!
 
obsessetion said:
well i know that if ma mum or dad tell me that i come on here 2 much i can say i'm learnin stuff!!! lol!!!!
does it affect ur everyday life??
:lol:
Well, it's hard to say if it affects my everyday life since I've lived with it everyday! :lol:

~~Spongy!
 
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