NationStates Jolt Archive

>_>

Holla.

Umm, what are Asperigians?

People who have Asperger's Syndrome >_<

People who have Asperger's Syndrome >_<

Do you?

If I didn't, would I be asking?

If I didn't, would I be asking?

I don't know, that is why I asked you. If I knew would I have asked you?

If I didn't, would I be asking?
Asparagus? What? Do I have asparagus? Do you?

>_>

What is Asperger's Syndrome? I can't be bothered Googling.

What is Asperger's Syndrome? I can't be bothered Googling.
Low grade autism

Low grade autism

Somewhat. Or, in a certain sense, a medical term for being a geek.

Low grade autism
Oh, I see. Then no, I'm not a fellow Asperigian.

Low-grade autism seems insulting. Really, the more accurate term is to literally call it "geekdom". Not that some wouldn't consider it insulting to be called a geek (I don't - some of my best friends are geeks), just that the term fits it better.

Somewhat. Or, in a certain sense, a medical term for being a geek.

So, you know... nothing about Asperger's?

Low-grade autism seems insulting. Really, the more accurate term is to literally call it "geekdom". Not that some wouldn't consider it insulting to be called a geek (I don't - some of my best friends are geeks), just that the term fits it better.

I rather be called autistic than a geek.

Then my fellow Asperigians, we are not fellow Asperigians. For I do not have Asperiger's Syndrome.
On a side note, I do not have asparagus either.

Somewhat. Or, in a certain sense, a medical term for being a geek.
hehe I never thought of it like that before.

But I am! Would explain why new RP characters (Riftspace related and not) keep bubbling up. But thanks to the brilliant guys at the HYKS decide that I have to spend a week on a children's ward full of little retarded kids because I wasn't quite old enough (a few months 'til 16) to be with people who don't run around, screaming and dribbling. Fags. :headbang:

On a side note, I do not have asparagus either.
Which is a shame, really, for it's delicious.

So, you know... nothing about Asperger's?



I rather be called autistic than a geek.

One of my friends recently forced me to read a wiki on the condition. It fits "geek" pretty well, assuming "geek" is socially awkward, timid, and all the other qualities Asperger's description on Google and Wikipedia has.

One of my friends recently forced me to read a wiki on the condition. It fits "geek" pretty well, assuming "geek" is socially awkward, timid, and all the other qualities Asperger's description on Google and Wikipedia has.

So a mentally retarded person is just an idiot to you?

18TH CENTURY ALERT!

So a mentally retarded person is just an idiot to you?

18TH CENTURY ALERT!

I never said such a thing. An idiot could indeed turn out to be mentally retarded, but a mentally retarded person would in turn be someone who can't help but have a smaller mental capacity than that of a normal person. An idiot is someone who has the ability and opportunity to have the intelligence of a normal person but acts like they don't. Someone who neglects their own intelligence. Someone who refuses to learn, when no obstacle is before them, preventing them from doing so (such as a mental disability).

So it's another one of those made-up diseases parents came up with when they can't bring up their kids properly? Like ADD?

I'm kidding, guys.

One of my friends recently forced me to read a wiki on the condition. It fits "geek" pretty well, assuming "geek" is socially awkward, timid, and all the other qualities Asperger's description on Google and Wikipedia has.

Asperger's is a real medical condition with symptoms that when seen are not similar to that of the stereotypical "geek". I have only seen a couple of real cases myself, but one of the things that they both demonstrated was a total obversion to being touched. They almost always have normal IQ's and seldom have the exceptional talents that some of the other forms have in common.

So it's another one of those made-up diseases parents came up with when they can't bring up their kids properly? Like ADD?
No, the symptoms are being timid in the presence of aspargus because those that have it were not exposed to it at an early enough age. Its actually scientifically proven.

Asperger's is a real medical condition with symptoms that when seen are not similar to that of the stereotypical "geek". I have only seen a couple of real cases myself, but one of the things that they both demonstrated was a total obversion to being touched. They almost always have normal IQ's and seldom have the exceptional talents that some of the other forms have in common.

The being touched thing is more in high-level Asperger's, I think. Mine's pretty low, and I mostly don't mind being touched.

No, it's an actual disorder. I'm not sure of the specifics concerning causes and such, though.

I was going to write a paragraph or so about how this disorder explains how so many "geeks" are in the school system (after thinking it weird that there be an entire genre of people who act in essentially the same way and experience essentially the same thing - being bullied and vilified, having the same social ineptions, etc), then I continued the train of thought and realized there are many other types - jocks, preps, assholes, etc - and I wouldn't be quick to place a medical term for their behavior, as widespread as it may be.

So yeah, uh... maybe it really is a bullshit term to describe a type of person, but I dunno. It fits. Make more, until we describe and catagorize every archetype of human there can be.

The being touched thing is more in high-level Asperger's, I think. Mine's pretty low, and I mostly don't mind being touched.

Just for my own knowledge, does being place in an unfamiliar enviorment around strangers in a high stress situation such as a police station tend to increase the symptoms or do they remain constant?

Just for my own knowledge, does being place in an unfamiliar enviorment around strangers in a high stress situation such as a police station tend to increase the symptoms or do they remain constant?

If it does, I don't think it's because of the Asperger's, so much that people just become irritated in high stress situations, causing them to be less tolerant of something random like someone touching their head without first asking permission - even then, the person is likely to be annoyed that they were just asked if someone could touch their head.

Just for my own knowledge, does being place in an unfamiliar enviorment around strangers in a high stress situation such as a police station tend to increase the symptoms or do they remain constant?

Personally, I'm pretty low-level Asperger's, so I can't speak for all. But unless I'm with strong allies (such as my group of friends), I can be very quiet in those kind of environments.

Personally, I'm pretty low-level Asperger's, so I can't speak for all. But unless I'm with strong allies (such as my group of friends), I can be very quiet in those kind of environments.

I was curious only because the second case I ever saw was a young man who by doctors orders had to be dressed only in cotton. He couldn't tolerate anything else touching his skin as I understood it.

Anyone here read 'The curious incident of a dog at night time'?
It's a pretty good read about a teenager suffering from autism, written from his perspective.
If you ever want to know what it's like to be autistic, it's a good place to start.

Sometimes, I think I suffer a bit from low-level aspergers. A lot of the stuff the kid does the book mentined above, I do. Like counting things even when I'm thinking of other things. Place I used to live I had to walk up 7 flights to the apartment. It was 120 steps from the down floor (138 strides). Each step had little tiles on them, 440 to be exact. Each landing had 2364 tiles. So I walked over 78 480 tiles every time I left the apartment.
I know. I counted them. I didn't even realise I was doing it.
Some times I find it very hard to empathise or care about others. And I usually take most things people say to me literally.


All things which scream aspergers. But I can be very sociable if and when I want. Then again I can go for days without speaking to anyone (or wanting to). I get wrapped up in my own world and have no inclination to leave it.

I was curious only because the second case I ever saw was a young man who by doctors orders had to be dressed only in cotton. He couldn't tolerate anything else touching his skin as I understood it.

Sounds a little bit like me. I REALLY hate anything irritating, like seams.

Anyone here read 'The curious incident of a dog at night time'?
It's a pretty good read about a teenager suffering from autism, written from his perspective.
If you ever want to know what it's like to be autistic, it's a good place to start.


It is the best book I have read on the subject of Asperger's Syndrome. Asperger's, for those of you making light of it, is a real and debilitating condition. It is not shyness, or awkwardness, geeks are just geeks. ADHD and Asperger's are not made up diseases. ADHD tends to be a little overdiagnosed, but both are real.

Aspergers is characterised by an inability to recognise emotions in others, a near complete inability to comprehend concepts such as metaphor, average to high levels of intelligence, a dislike of being touched, and some language delay, and difficulties in communicating.

Here is the criteria from DSM-IV:

Diagnostic Criteria For 299.80 Asperger's Disorder
A. Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:
marked impairments in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction
failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g. by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people)
lack of social or emotional reciprocity
B. Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following:
encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus
apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals
stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)
persistent preoccupation with parts of objects
C. The disturbance causes clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning
D. There is no clinically significant general delay in language (e.g., single words used by age 2 years, communicative phrases used by age 3 years)

E. There is no clinically significant delay in cognitive development or in the development of age-appropriate self-help skills, adaptive behavior (other than social interaction), and curiosity about the environment in childhood

F. Criteria are not met for another specific Pervasive Developmental Disorder or Schizophrenia

_________________________________________________________
The rest of the information on this site might help to broaden your minds, and teach you some tolerance:

http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/aswhatisit.html

Asperger's does have some bonuses, though. Generally, Aspergians are hyperlexic, and are highly gifted in their fields of interest.

Asperger's does have some bonuses, though. Generally, Aspergians are hyperlexic, and are highly gifted in their fields of interest.

They are incredibly focussed when they want to be too. Unbelievably so.

Another forum I attend has as one of the most respected members an Asperger's Syndrome man by the name of Loren. He does gold/silver work as well as teaching said skills. From what he has said, he too fails to grokk some less than literal meanings, and yes, he does seems like quite the focused individual. You'll be wanting to look at this site...

http://www.golden-knots.com/

in particular, look at the rings he makes..

http://www.golden-knots.com/ring2.html

Although to my knowledge I have not been officially diagnosed as such (though I have met with psychiatrists, psychologists specialist and not) and have not not been officially diagnosed as negative, I reckon myself (and I suspect the experts aforementioned also reckon) that I am an obvious case of Asperger's syndrome. The syndrome/disorder is classified in different ways in respect to classic autism somtimes close and sometimes more of a seperate categorization. However I think it's clear to the students of the condition that the proportion of the overall population (at least in so-called western countries) is approximately 0.6% i.e. about 1 in 166 people on average. Personally I don't think application of 'Geek' is useful or particularly accurate, though it may be closer than a totally arbitrary one-word description. I think one thing about Aspberger's - and speaking as I see it as a typical case myself, is the Egocentrism and certainly another is the focus I have read mentioned in this post. There is surely a 'craze' interest in Aspberger's at the moment as I see it whatever the actual nature of the beast.

Another thing- in case anyone here may be able to help at all- I never seem to be sure whether what I have said or written or expressed has been understood well or even much at all - is this associated at all with Asperger's? Sometimes it feels like I'm talking to a brick wall.

Another thing- in case anyone here may be able to help at all- I never seem to be sure whether what I have said or written or expressed has been understood well or even much at all - is this associated at all with Asperger's? Sometimes it feels like I'm talking to a brick wall.

No, we all suffer from that. Mostly cause its true. Uh, i dont know. It may be a trait, but i'd chalk it up to the drooling idiocy of people in general.

I don't want to debase the serious condition, when I might well just be... well... be maladjusted in completely different ways, but it would certainly explain some of my personal incongruities if I were very mildly Aspergic in some key ways...

I find that my best interactions with people is keyboard-to-keyboard, not face-to-face... Real world relations is limited to work and pasttimes, not 'social' mixing of any kind. I'm particularly bad at facial recognition, which might be the cause or merely a symptom of my social insecurity...

I also tend to immerse myself within my limited horizons to the expense of all other things. For example, I'm on here, rather than being productive in several other ways I'm very much aware I should be concentrating on at this time.

I can also identify two very separate voices in my head. Not verbal, but there's the bit that (say) lays in bed knowing that I should now be getting up and doing $blah, and is the one I can best describe as 'me', while the other one is the one who is refusing to move my limbs in any "get out of bed" manner (or even does do so, in order to wander out to the landing and snooze the alarm clock before returning) and then gets 'me' thinking about all the various 'immersive' things (coding plans, story concepts, 3d modelling, etc) that make up my 'ideal' world, not the parctical one... An I'm not explaining that quite in the right way... Basically I can see myself focussing on the esoteric creativities that might (if I were a true 'savant') be showstopping in their scope, but are really no more than a hinderence, given my inability to follow convention...

So. I'm either trapped in a 'worst of both worlds' situation (or I've not risen high enough on the radar to be accoutned for) or I'm just plain lazy and socially inept... I rather fear it's the latter, but can't think of any reason to celebrate the former, either...

I don't want to debase the serious condition, when I might well just be... well... be maladjusted in completely different ways, but it would certainly explain some of my personal incongruities if I were very mildly Aspergic in some key ways...

I find that my best interactions with people is keyboard-to-keyboard, not face-to-face... Real world relations is limited to work and pasttimes, not 'social' mixing of any kind. I'm particularly bad at facial recognition, which might be the cause or merely a symptom of my social insecurity...

I also tend to immerse myself within my limited horizons to the expense of all other things. For example, I'm on here, rather than being productive in several other ways I'm very much aware I should be concentrating on at this time.

I can also identify two very separate voices in my head. Not verbal, but there's the bit that (say) lays in bed knowing that I should now be getting up and doing $blah, and is the one I can best describe as 'me', while the other one is the one who is refusing to move my limbs in any "get out of bed" manner (or even does do so, in order to wander out to the landing and snooze the alarm clock before returning) and then gets 'me' thinking about all the various 'immersive' things (coding plans, story concepts, 3d modelling, etc) that make up my 'ideal' world, not the parctical one... An I'm not explaining that quite in the right way... Basically I can see myself focussing on the esoteric creativities that might (if I were a true 'savant') be showstopping in their scope, but are really no more than a hinderence, given my inability to follow convention...

So. I'm either trapped in a 'worst of both worlds' situation (or I've not risen high enough on the radar to be accoutned for) or I'm just plain lazy and socially inept... I rather fear it's the latter, but can't think of any reason to celebrate the former, either...

Some of what you have described, particularly the inability to comprehend facial expressions (if this is what you meant by facial recognition), are related to Asperger's. However, if you find yourself able to do creative writing (particularly using metaphor and the like), I would be somewhat doubtful that you present with Asperger's. People with Asperger's tend to demonstrate limited ability to understand emotion, they typically cannot read body language at all.

Another thing- in case anyone here may be able to help at all- I never seem to be sure whether what I have said or written or expressed has been understood well or even much at all - is this associated at all with Asperger's? Sometimes it feels like I'm talking to a brick wall.

In combination with other indicators, this can be a characteristic of Asperger's. Key words IN COMBINATION. If it is in isolation, it might just be insecurity.

My Asperger's is very mild, and I was never diagnosed, but I almost definitely have it, because two other members of my family have it. One became a doctor; the other, not so lucky.

I always used the term "Aspergic" to describe myself.

So it's another one of those made-up diseases parents came up with when they can't bring up their kids properly? Like ADD?

I'm kidding, guys.

:D

Actually you´re not so far from the truth

:D

Actually you´re not so far from the truth


I'm vacillating between asking why you and a few others are being so obnoxious, and assuming you simply aren't understanding what you've read here. But let's suppose you really don't understand.

Saint Jade saved me the trouble of quoting the diagnostic criteria for Asperger's syndrome. Those criteria, properly used by diagnosticians in combination and with regard to other observations about someone, point to a genuine condition which sometimes has been called "high functioning autism", although this term is generally less used now. Asperger's syndrome isn't simply geekiness, "being work-shy", social ineptness, or a load of other things with which people confuse it, even though there are certain superficial similarities. The diagnostic criteria speak for themselves; "Asperger's" isn't some kind of euphemism for the awkwardness, oddness or "differentness" that afflicts many adolescents and marks out a few people throughout their lives.

Just in passing, it should be said that the DSM description is of Asperger's syndrome as a disorder, where "disorder" has a specialized meaning and use. Put simply, in "psych-speak", a disorder is a condition that interferes significantly with an individual's ability to function in the world around them. So, notice point "C" of the criteria: "The disturbance causes clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning". [italics added]

Asperger's syndrome need not remain a disorder permanently* and for an increasing number of people it doesn't. Once the Asperger patient is helped to compensate for the any debilitating effects of the condition, and to make use of certain of its traits, the Aspergian can live with it positively even if some people might think of them, "they aren't like us". There is wide scope for the individual with Asperger's syndrome to exploit this element of compensatory exchange between the traits of the condition. The result is that while he or she may not have certain aspects of life non-Aspergians regard as essential, he or she will have other aspects that are largely unattainable by non-Aspergians.

To give just one example of an Aspergian who has done this, someone who has chosen to go public about having Asperger's syndrome, is the rather well-known case of an assistant professor of animal sciences at Colorado State University named Temple Grandin. Google her. Read her book. Read Oliver Sacks' book about her. Dr. Grandin was diagnosed (years ago when the distinction wasn't made) as autistic, is now recognized as having Asperger's syndrome, and has been willing to put herself in the public eye for the purpose of helping others with the syndrome. She's an amazing woman.

Don't mock though. It's people like you that make it harder for someone with Asperger's syndrome to overcome the disordering aspect of the condition.

* I'm speaking here of its functional impact.

Disorder? Hell, for the first couple of years its godawful, but once you realise how you can exploit it its bloody fantastic.

I wasn't diagnosed until I was seventeen and as you can imagine life was pretty shitty up until then. Once I knew what it was, things took off. Free stuff from the government for uni, laptop in school and for all my exams - plus, carte blanche to play the system and sympathy for whatever I need out of it. Didn't get an essay in on time? Aspergers, sorry dude, stress attack. Freakin' w00t.

I can outthink or con almost anyone I meet. I took drama lessons, developed a persona with carefully selected habits and traits and was even able to run it past a psychologist. She didn't know I was an Aspie until I honestly answered a psych test. Good huh? Because I have no instinctive personality traits I have total control over everything I put out. Poker games are hilarious, not to mention what can happen to the opposite sex.

It certainly wasn't all smooth sailing. I've got amazing friends and I've even found something that functions a little like a cure - it's certainly boosted my interpersonal abilities significantly and forms a nice cover story for any odd behaviour that slips out.

Yeah, I've got Aspergers and things are great. The only minor qualm is that the vast majority of the human herd seems so limited, it makes relating to most people as equals hard. So mainly I just stick with my mates and live the high life.

:cool: Holla!:cool:

Holla Holla!

Diagnosed as ADHD with Aspergic traits (only thing I was missing for pure Asperger's was the ability to ramble expertly about a certain subject or 'savantism' as some call it. Bah. Probably not aware of my subject or haven't found it yet.)

Anywho, meds I'm on are wonderful and I am beginning to experience life for real.

We have a guy with Aspergers (SP) at school and unfortuntly he has become very withdrawn, you get hit is you touch him, he swears if you talk to him...This dosn't make him popular, most kids just think he's werid which makes thigns worse....

Then my fellow Asperigians, we are not fellow Asperigians. For I do not have Asperiger's Syndrome.
On a side note, I do not have asparagus either.

Kind of funny to the the Mick out of folk with stuff like this isnt it?
Errrr, no it isnt. You infer these guys are vegatables? Read up, educate yourself or stop posting on this thread. If these guys dont rip you to shreds, I will.
No smillie for you, not even a bad one.
O.k. just a bit of one ;)

I have a cousin with Asperger's. He's the only person I know with a better memory than me, which is quite scary. Most of my extended family are scared of him because he can always work out when they're lying (you could make a soap opera from the strange goings-on in my extended family) - fortunately I don't have that problem (I decided several years ago that lying doesn't pay off, so stopped). He tends to become obsessed with certain subjects for months at a time, and has the standard lack of social skills, but seems to get on fairly well out there in the real world.

Sorry to disappoint you, but I don't have Asperger's Syndrome. I do have OCD.

I have (amoung many other psychological problems) Asperger's. I wasn't diagnosed untill I was 16 though.

We have a guy with Aspergers (SP) at school and unfortuntly he has become very withdrawn, you get hit is you touch him, he swears if you talk to him...This dosn't make him popular, most kids just think he's werid which makes thigns worse....Then leave him in peace, and tell others to do the same. It's very likely what he wants, and in any case will be an improvement for him. Don't try to drag him into socializing against his will; it will just make things much worse. For many people with Asperger's, including me, socializing isn't neccessary, and if it doesn't pay off in some way, it's just a useless burden. As for being popular, that is incredibly hard for anyone more than slightly different to achieve, (as being popular requires you to act and think according to this (http://uncyclopedia.org/wiki/Get_a_life) to atleast some degree) and if he's ever seen it as a goal, (unlikely) he has likely given up by now, or will in the relatively near future.

The more of a loner he becomes, the better, in the end. And if things progress further along the current direction, then, in a few years, he will mayhaps become a bitter misanthrope, just like me.:)

Then leave him in peace, and tell others to do the same. It's very likely what he wants, and in any case will be an improvement for him. Don't try to drag him into socializing against his will; it will just make things much worse. For many people with Asperger's, including me, socializing isn't neccessary, and if it doesn't pay off in some way, it's just a useless burden. As for being popular, that is incredibly hard for anyone more than slightly different to achieve, (as being popular requires you to act and think according to this (http://uncyclopedia.org/wiki/Get_a_life) to atleast some degree) and if he's ever seen it as a goal, (unlikely) he has likely given up by now, or will in the relatively near future.

The more of a loner he becomes, the better, in the end. And if things progress further along the current direction, then, in a few years, he will mayhaps become a bitter misanthrope, just like me.:)
I just feel sorry for the guy, he's never going to have any fun...

I just feel sorry for the guy, he's never going to have any fun...


Don't take this the wrong way, but maybe the problem is in what you just said? I mean, it's easy for most people to look at what someone else is doing and think "that's not fun", when really what is meant is "that wouldn't be fun for me". With the majority of people the results of that may not be too bad, but with a minority of "ordinary" people (whatever they are) including people with Asperger's it doesn't work.

Forgetting Asperger's for a minute, even for "ordinary" folks one person's "fun" can be another person's boredom or agony or embarrassment. I guess a lot of people here might be including parties in that "fun" you're talking about when you think of socializing.

Me? I hate parties. Does that mean I have no "fun"? No. It means that since I stopped trying to "enjoy" them, I have a lot of fun, I get to know people whose company I like and that like mine, and I have a satisfying social life according to my own needs and wants, without the strain of trying to be Mr. Party and without the strain of even trying to pretend I enjoy being in a crowd of people I barely know.

Now let's take someone diagnosed with Asperger's who has some kind of discomfort and/or disinterest in an "active social life" as defined by the majority. Feeling sorry for someone with Asperger's probably means you're missing the point; maybe most of the time he's actually happy even though you wouldn't be happy doing what he's doing.

Maybe you just mean you're concerned about the times when this person genuinely isn't happy because he's not able to function as he needs to, but from here it sounded like you were being more general.

Divine Imaginary Fluff was was right. Being forced into "fun" social situations when really all you want to do is to be left alone and when there's no value in going against your preference is pointless. The fact that some activities are called "fun" by majority consensus, and others are only called "fun" by small groups of people doesn't mean anything.

When we start talking as if "fun" means -- or should mean -- the same kind of things to everybody, we end up saying things like "I just feel sorry for the guy" when he doesn't need our pity, and we sound patronizing or worse.

Even for the ordinary "shy" person or "loner", all this feeling sorry for people who don't enjoy what the majority enjoys can seem like "fun fascism". For the Aspergian, well, people are different even if they have Asperger's Syndrome. I think Divine Imaginary Fluff and others here have said it best for themselves.

[/rant]

I have an a cousin with severe Autism and one with ADD. It has certainly given me a better perspective on mental disorders.

I have what people here seem to refer to as "high-grade" Aspergers. On a scale of 1-10 (zero being "normal"), I'm about an 8.5.
I took two years out school in order to learn how to interact with people without freaking them out. It's wored so well, that only the people I spent hours with at a time ever notice anything amiss with me. Most people, my grandmother included, wouldn't believe that there was anything wrong with me if I hadn't been diagnosed three separate times.

As a side note:
My Asperger's is very mild, and I was never diagnosed, but I almost definitely have it, because two other members of my family have it. One became a doctor; the other, not so lucky.

Unless anyone's proved this wrong in the last four years (which they may well have done), Aspergers is not hereditary. My younger sister is as far from being an Aspie as you can get, and yet she has some Asperger-ish tendencies simply because she lives in a house with three other people, all of whom have "high-grade" Aspergers.

I don't even like asparagus.

I just feel sorry for the guy, he's never going to have any fun...Never? Fun != socializing. For me, my intrests are what gives me joy, and the same thing very likely goes for him. Socialization can at rare times be a bit of a bonus, but that's all.

During my freetime, I have plenty of fun by myself, typically sitting in front of my computer. It can be atleast as fun as the best social occasions are to other people. In school, however, there typically is nothing of intrest at all. And there's nothing that can be done about that.

Assuming he has a hobby he's greatly intrested in, there's no doubt he could have as much fun as you. School likely is a place where he's stripped of nearly all opportunity of experiencing joy, however. It has been so for me, and it will likely remain so during the 1.4 years left.

Likely, school will leave him scarred for life, in one way or another. It's pretty much inevitable. The best way to help him would be to help keeping others from damaging his psyche too much. He won't have much opportunity to repair it, and might end up pretty screwed up if the damage keeps accumulating over the years. I'm in that situation myself. I manage to go through it for now, however, in quite unusual ways of my own, altought I have no idea how much longer I can last before I snap.

EDIT: I was writing this when Pure Thought posted. Oh well...

Never? Fun != socializing. For me, my intrests are what gives me joy, and the same thing very likely goes for him. Socialization can at rare times be a bit of a bonus, but that's all.

During my freetime, I have plenty of fun by myself, typically sitting in front of my computer. It can be atleast as fun as the best social occasions are to other people. In school, however, there typically is nothing of intrest at all. And there's nothing that can be done about that.

Assuming he has a hobby he's greatly intrested in, there's no doubt he could have as much fun as you. School likely is a place where he's stripped of nearly all opportunity of experiencing joy, however. It has been so for me, and it will likely remain so during the 1.4 years left.

Likely, school will leave him scarred for life, in one way or another. It's pretty much inevitable. The best way to help him would be to help keeping others from damaging his psyche too much. He won't have much opportunity to repair it, and might end up pretty screwed up if the damage keeps accumulating over the years. I'm in that situation myself. I manage to go through it for now, however, in quite unusual ways of my own, altought I have no idea how much longer I can last before I snap.
Pretty much the same here. Although I am rather cold-blooded, so snapping is not much of a likelihood for me. I got through high school luckily. Hated it. :)

Low grade autism
Ah! Another invented "illness" designed to supress those who are in some way "different." :rolleyes:

Me? I hate parties. Does that mean I have no "fun"? No. It means that since I stopped trying to "enjoy" them, I have a lot of fun, I get to know people whose company I like and that like mine, and I have a satisfying social life according to my own needs and wants, without the strain of trying to be Mr. Party and without the strain of even trying to pretend I enjoy being in a crowd of people I barely know.

...

[/rant]
Exactly. I am that way too. It's pointless trying to pretend enjoying something you clearly don't. Agreed on the rest too.

I'm not, but I know someone who is and my dad might have it. Also, I like your name...sort of (the Kiev part, All Hail Ukraine! lol)

Ah! Another invented "illness" designed to supress those who are in some way "different." :rolleyes:It is real, but I agree with you when it comes to the "illness" part. I would concider it a natural variation. If you would imagine a spectrum, most people are somewhere in the middle. The exact location vary from person to person. Women are generally slightly closer to one side, and men to the other. (that is, in general. some women are far to the "manly", ie. systematizing side. that is the case of most female geniuses) Further in the "manly" direction come nerds and loners, and eventually people with Asperger's. Further in the other direction come narcissists, and people with the "opposite" of Asperger's, William's syndrome, and eventually psychopaths.

I'm Dyslexic, but suspected to have AS-type problems besides that. I may get diagnoed soon. Who else is AS and Communist? I believe if there was a country called "Aspergia", most Aspergians would prefer to live under MY IR... I mean.. a communist ideology. I'm up for making a region called "Aspergian Empire". Anyone with me?

It is real, but I agree with you when it comes to the "illness" part. I would concider it a natural variation. If you would imagine a spectrum, most people are somewhere in the middle. The exact location vary from person to person. Women are generally slightly closer to one side, and men to the other. (that is, in general. some women are far to the "manly", ie. systematizing side. that is the case of most female geniuses) Further in the "manly" direction come nerds and loners, and eventually people with Asperger's. Further in the other direction come narcissists, and people with the "opposite" of Asperger's, William's syndrome, and eventually psychopaths.
Can't you be a mix of both? I am more or less an anti-social loner, but I'm also narcissistic and psychopathic in some regards.

Ah! Another invented "illness" designed to supress those who are in some way "different." :rolleyes:

You sound like Thomas Sasz there, Eutrusca.

Can't you be a mix of both? I am more or less an anti-social loner, but I'm also narcissistic and psychopathic in some regards.The spectrum I described is that of general proportional differences in the brain. It's quite a simplification. And even to that simple model, there is much, much more to it. I guess you could see that as width. And then, there is height and depth, too. And even possibly much more.

It is real, but I agree with you when it comes to the "illness" part. I would concider it a natural variation. If you would imagine a spectrum, most people are somewhere in the middle. The exact location vary from person to person. Women are generally slightly closer to one side, and men to the other. (that is, in general. some women are far to the "manly", ie. systematizing side. that is the case of most female geniuses) Further in the "manly" direction come nerds and loners, and eventually people with Asperger's. Further in the other direction come narcissists, and people with the "opposite" of Asperger's, William's syndrome, and eventually psychopaths.
Placing people in categories is an inherenly dangerous proposition. At the extreme it leads to things like discrimination, racism and "kill the Jews!"

You sound like Thomas Sasz there, Eutrusca.
And he would be???

Pretty much the same here. Although I am rather cold-blooded, so snapping is not much of a likelihood for me. I got through high school luckily. Hated it. :)I used to get depressed. And once suicidal for a period of time. Then, as I developed quite sophisticated self-control, (I can now both fully control my thoughts, and control my emotions in themself to some degree) I eventually changed some irrational thought patterns, thereby effectively stopping, in certain aspects, myself from directing harmful things inwards. After regaining my ability to feel anger a couple of months ago, (after a period of depression during which I completely lost it) I have turned what would have become suicidal thoughts into homicidal thoughts. Now, hopefully my self-control will last. If not, I am done for.

And he would be???

A psychologist who asserts that mental illnesses are not really illnesses. He has written several books on the subject, the main point being that psychiatry as it is today seperates people based their behavior and allows for society to cast them aside as "mentally ill" instead of either helping them or even asking if they really are ill.

I mentioned him because I've been reading his book, "The Myth of Mental Illness", and your earlier post sounded just like something he would have said.

I used to get depressed. And once suicidal for a period of time. Then, as I developed quite sophisticated self-control, (I can now both fully control my thoughts, and control my emotions in themself to some degree) I eventually changed some irrational thought patterns, thereby effectively stopping, in certain aspects, myself from directing harmful things inwards. After regaining my ability to feel anger a couple of months ago, (after a period of depression during which I completely lost it) I have turned what would have become suicidal thoughts into homicidal thoughts. Now, hopefully my self-control will last. If not, I am done for.
I am that way too, save the redirecting my thoughts into homicidal ones. :p I merely disregard them altogether. I still get depressed and suicidal from time to time, yet I get over it quite fast. Still, I need to do something about it eventually. Perhaps hypnotherapy. It takes a lot of self-control to remain in a positive mood.

Diagnostic Criteria For 299.80 Asperger's Disorder
A. Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:
marked impairments in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction
failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g. by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people)
lack of social or emotional reciprocity
B. Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following:
encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus
apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals
stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)
persistent preoccupation with parts of objects
C. The disturbance causes clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning


A. Check
- i am not very good at reading body language, and i really can't look people in the eye when i am talking to them
- i dont say very much unless its to people i know well (see post count) although i find talking on msn easier

B. Check
- when i was younger i used to get really intensly focused on the windscreen wipers going back and forth. same thing happens with the markings down the middle of the road and i stop myself looking at them now
- bouncing my knees for hours on end, rearranging fingers in patterns

C. Check
- i dont like meeting new people, which is why i have only one proper uni friend and have been putting off getting a job

...also i can get really focused on a subject and reel off facts about it and i used to get depressed and suicidal; not so much lately :)

w00t - now i have a name for my weirdness

A psychologist who asserts that mental illnesses are not really illnesses. He has written several books on the subject, the main point being that psychiatry as it is today seperates people based their behavior and allows for society to cast them aside as "mentally ill" instead of either helping them or even asking if they really are ill.

I mentioned him because I've been reading his book, "The Myth of Mental Illness", and your earlier post sounded just like something he would have said.
His theories sound interesting. I'll check his work out.

I've been diagnosed with it.

People who have Asperger's Syndrome >_<

I have it. :(

I just feel sorry for the guy, he's never going to have any fun...

Why feel sorry for the blind man, his soul is a bird on the wing. You may have eyes like an eagle, but never see a single blessed thing.
Why feel sorry for the lame man, in fear he may fall down? You may have legs like a race horse, but never touch your feet to the ground.

Asperger's Syndrome isn't strictly a mental illness. It's quite organic. Asperger's kids, like the ones at my school, are just incapable of dealing with social interaction. They can't process all the conversational cues in social interaction.

For instance, on a prac, I told an Asperger's kid to pull his socks up. He said, "but Miss, I'm not wearing any socks." I spent half an hour trying to explain to him that I didn't actually want him to pull up his socks.

Asperger's kids also can't cope with change. They just don't. Today, an ASD kid from the learning support class next to my LOTE classroom went off his brain because the desks got moved. He just could not process the change.

Asperger's Syndrome isn't strictly a mental illness. It's quite organic. Asperger's kids, like the ones at my school, are just incapable of dealing with social interaction. They can't process all the conversational cues in social interaction.

For instance, on a prac, I told an Asperger's kid to pull his socks up. He said, "but Miss, I'm not wearing any socks." I spent half an hour trying to explain to him that I didn't actually want him to pull up his socks.

Asperger's kids also can't cope with change. They just don't. Today, an ASD kid from the learning support class next to my LOTE classroom went off his brain because the desks got moved. He just could not process the change.

I hate change. I prefer singles and twenties.

Unless anyone's proved this wrong in the last four years (which they may well have done), Aspergers is not hereditary. My younger sister is as far from being an Aspie as you can get, and yet she has some Asperger-ish tendencies simply because she lives in a house with three other people, all of whom have "high-grade" Aspergers.

I know it's not hereditary. But I figure we have fuxed up blood or something. Runs in the family.

I know it's not hereditary. But I figure we have fuxed up blood or something. Runs in the family.

Well, since I'm the third generation in my family to have it, I think you may be onto something there ;)

I know it's not hereditary. But I figure we have fuxed up blood or something. Runs in the family.

I'm not trying to be argumentative, but do you see some of the issues with this statement?

Asperger's kids also can't cope with change. They just don't. Today, an ASD kid from the learning support class next to my LOTE classroom went off his brain because the desks got moved. He just could not process the change.

You're confusing Asperger's with autism.

I'm not trying to be argumentative, but do you see some of the issues with this statement?

Well, hereditary diseases usually have a direct line of... "infection" (couldn't think of a better word). Asperger's isn't directly hereditary, but I do think family history can affect your chances of having it.

You're confusing Asperger's with autism.

Actually, I do have a little anxiety when something familiar is changed. But not usually. My room was renovated not long ago, and I don't mind that. :)

Actually, I do have a little anxiety when something familiar is changed. But not usually. My room was renovated not long ago, and I don't mind that. :)
How old are you by the way?

How old are you by the way?

17.

17.
Just 2 years younger than me.

Although I've never been diagnosed I might have a mild/very mild form of it. For example, I have the following peculiar traits:
I'm always noticing/memorizing patterns.
I sometimes get this unerasable "urge" to just DO something very symmetrically, like if I take two steps in a certain way with my left foot, I just HAVE to repeat it with my right foot too. Or I'm compelled to start breathing in a certain way, with a certain rhythm (this one is the most difficult urge for me, also the most painful because my chest starts to hurt).
If I start working on something, and I encounter a problem, I get stuck on it. My mind cannot forget about the problem until I fix it. So it keeps me from sleeping properly, concentrating on my college work, etc. :mad:
I have a very vivid imagination, and it scares the hell out of me in the dark, even though I know that the fear is completely irrational. I thought I'd grow out of it, but I'm 18 now and I still have it.
I'm excellent at computer programming and algorithmic stuff, and I'm also developing my own physics theory (geekdom here?).
I'm very good at linguistics, specially grammar and getting the "tone" or "accent" of phrases/words.
I have an exaggerated sense of humor.

I'm not sure if that's enough to classify me as an Aspergian, maybe someone with Aspergers here could elaborate on that?

Although I've never been diagnosed I might have a mild/very mild form of it. For example, I have the following peculiar traits:
I'm always noticing/memorizing patterns.
I sometimes get this unerasable "urge" to just DO something very symmetrically, like if I take two steps in a certain way with my left foot, I just HAVE to repeat it with my right foot too. Or I'm compelled to start breathing in a certain way, with a certain rhythm (this one is the most difficult urge for me, also the most painful because my chest starts to hurt).
If I start working on something, and I encounter a problem, I get stuck on it. My mind cannot forget about the problem until I fix it. So it keeps me from sleeping properly, concentrating on my college work, etc. :mad:
I have a very vivid imagination, and it scares the hell out of me in the dark, even though I know that the fear is completely irrational. I thought I'd grow out of it, but I'm 18 now and I still have it.
I'm excellent at computer programming and algorithmic stuff, and I'm also developing my own physics theory (geekdom here?).
I'm very good at linguistics, specially grammar and getting the "tone" or "accent" of phrases/words.
I have an exaggerated sense of humor.

I'm not sure if that's enough to classify me as an Aspergian, maybe someone with Aspergers here could elaborate on that?

My god. You're exactly like me.

My god. You're exactly like me.
Or me, save the physics/mathematics/symmetrical movement/breathing stuff. I guess I have a mild form of Asperger's too.

Alot of the symptoms are things that I have, however I think I'm just me.

I can be very podantic, I tap my fingers in ever increasing patterns - 200+ actions long with minature patterns in it - and I am generally awkward around people I haven't met before, but of course, to me this is all normal (had to do a search to make sure I spelt awkward right o_O)


Edit: Some posts were made whilst I was writing mine, just thought I'd add, yes symmetry is important, and knowing how to do something isn't enough, must know why it happens like that (I cannot do logarithms)

Or me, save the physics/mathematics/symmetrical movement/breathing stuff. I guess I have a mild form of Asperger's too.

A lot of the time it's just you. I have something else I do that makes me a likely Aspergian, but it's hard to explain.

A lot of the time it's just you. I have something else I do that makes me a likely Aspergian, but it's hard to explain.
What exactly? I am not sure if I am or not really, but I have a lot of the symptoms mentioned there. It would at least explain why I am such a loner.

Alot of the symptoms are things that I have, however I think I'm just me.

I can be very podantic, I tap my fingers in ever increasing patterns - 200+ actions long with minature patterns in it - and I am generally awkward around people I haven't met before

I have the same tapping thing, except that I do it with my feet, toes, hands, and even eyelids and breathing/sounds...

I have the same tapping thing, except that I do it with my feet, toes, hands, and even eyelids and breathing/sounds...
:confused: I just do it with my feet and hands lol

Well I have to go deliver 180 Pieces of mail to 48 houses, ill be back soon.

By the way, thanks for taking what I said and using it to talk about yourself, I would have freaked if people started analysing me by what I had said.

NJZK

What exactly? I am not sure if I am or not really, but I have a lot of the symptoms mentioned there. It would at least explain why I am such a loner.

Well... I "twiddle." I take this little metal wire around with me, I spin it between my fingers. Just having it makes me feel calm. Without it I feel fidgity, annoyed and a little anxious. Although curiously I have no urge for it at school, but when I get home, I need it. My cousin had it too, and she's been diagnosed as Aspergian.

Wow, I just wrote about 4 Paragraphs and deleted it because it didn't sound good... anyway, I'm back, feel free to message me for any reason - imagined or not - never done the wire thing, but I have imagined beams reflecting off surfaces and where they would go....

NJZK

Wow, I just wrote about 4 Paragraphs and deleted it because it didn't sound good... anyway, I'm back, feel free to message me for any reason - imagined or not - never done the wire thing, but I have imagined beams reflecting off surfaces and where they would go....

NJZK

It's not always wire. It can be various things.

This thread has been very encouraging to me. I too have been diagnosed with Aspergers, though I think my case may be a little lighter. I've got all the social awkwardness, the difficulty with recognizing expressions, can become very focused on something, etc etc. There are strange differences with me, though. Someone said that people with Aspergers wouldn't be very good with creative writing; writing is something I enjoy immensely and I'm pretty good with that. My english skills are very high (though I am deplorable when it comes to mathematics and numbers). Also, though I cannot stand being in social settings, I really want some sort of companionship. It can get really lonely at times.

I was diagnosed at about fourth grade, but until I was in high school I didn't think I was different than other people. I was always a loner, but I was able to have a few friends; I even helped start a creative writing club in my school. After I graduated, though, things sorta went downhill. Since I was no longer there, I was pretty much separated from my circle of friends and stayed home pretty much all the time.

Sorry to go on for so long. I guess I just never had the opportunity to talk about my... I don't like the word "condition" so I'll just say "quirk."

Somebody mentioned earlier about making an aspergerian(?) region. I think that's a capitol idea, wot wot?

1. impairment in social interaction and communication
2. repetitive or obsessive behaviors
3. preoccupation with particular subjects or interests
4. good (sometimes superior) grammar and vocabulary
5. normal cognitive development
6. normal or above average intelligence.

1. Seems so, always a bit off there
2. Definately
3. Incredibly
4. Lawyer thought I was repeating what someone else said
5. I think so
6. Yup

1. Definitely
2. not so much
3. yes
4. yep
5. Suppose so
6. I am intelligent, yes

I was diagnosed when I was eight. I was a rather extreme case too. Couldn't function at school although I was suposedly highly intelligent etc. Whent to a year of solitary confinement in an institute then, et voilla, Asperger's syndrome.

Sanity is all relative. -Anonymous

Fortunately, after all these years my relatives have come to terms with my ways and they've stopped driving me crazy.

I do not have aspergers (sp). However I do have ADD, or Attention Deficit Disorder. It does have a side effect of being quite bad socially, as your thoughts are difficult for another to keep track of. Rather irritating at times, but it does have its advantages. I do not know much about your particular condition, but all I can say is accept, and enjoy being different. I have, and it gives you a wonderful feeling of superiority :p

But seriously, it is not something to be ashamed of.