"Asperger's Syndrome is a Pervasive Developmental Disorder that falls within the autistic spectrum. It is a life-long condition, which affects about 1 in 200 people, more commonly in men than women. Those with Asperger's Syndrome are usually of average or above average intelligence.
The condition is characterised by difficulties with Social Interaction, Social Communication and Flexibility of Thinking or Imagination. In addition, there may be sensory, motor and organisational difficulties.
This condition was first identified over 50 years ago by Hans Asperger, a Viennese paediatrician.
A pattern of behaviours and abilities was identified, predominantly amongst boys, including a lack of empathy, impaired imagination, difficulty in making friends, intense absorption in a special interest and often problems with motor co-ordination.
Whilst people with Asperger's Syndrome will exhibit some or all of these characteristics to a greater or lesser degree, many tend to experience isolation and a lack of understanding in their everyday lives, which often results in frustration, anger, depression and a lack of self-esteem."
I recently finished reading an excellent book on this subject, called "Look Me In The Eye" by John Elder Robison, who discovered he had this condition at age 40. Looking around my world, I recognize a few friends and colleagues who seem to exhibit symptoms of Asperger's--highly intelligent, yet incapable of interacting socially to an acceptable degree. Does anyone here have more familiarity with this topic? _________________ "I believe that a wise Vermonter lives more by lack of expense rather than from income."--some Dartmouth professor from across the river
Have you heard of an author by the name of Daniel Goleman?
He wrote a few mass media books, most notably "Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ" and "Social Intelligence: The New Science of Social Relationships".
He mentions Autism Spectrum Disorders (including Asperger's) as part of a discussion of social intelligence.
Autistic people aren't "stupid", they simply lack the ability to read other people's emotional states. They have difficulty controlling their own emotions and can't understand the connection between their actions and the emotional effect on others.
It's a fascinating subject. _________________ "www.peakoil.com is the Myspace of the Apocalypse."
I am intimately familiar with it. What do you want to know?
There are also numerous Aspies on this forum, I believe. Several have mentioned it both publicly and privately. _________________ "Every junkie's like a setting sun..." - Neil Young
Why would you just call them nerds when you can put them into all kinds of categories. It is so much more satisfying to put everything in little boxes, isn't it?
Dunewalker, you should also check schizoid disorder. Similar to Asperger's, but without the non-verbal oddities. I was diagnosed with this when I was a kid, but deep inside, I suspect I am really just a plain vanilla nerd. _________________ With a farewell scream of escaping steam, the boiler bows to the Diesel;
The Iron Horse has run its course and we ride a chromium weasel
-Ogden Nash
They just never learned to lie compulsively and put on an act. From my experience that's the only way to get along with people. At a party and can't think of anything to say? Just make up an interesting yet believable story or talk about bs that you could care less about like pro sports. Or rip off a funny joke from an obscure comedian so no one will know that you stole it and all of a sudden you become "funny". I see the "popular" people do it all the time.
Bottom line: If you want to get along with people, never under any circumstances be yourself. People never like you for who you really are, they just like the "phony" you, the act that you put on to impress people.
Parents who tell their children to "be themselves" are just setting them up for social failure.
Autistics would never survive the social rough and tumble of a tribal society. They are truly products of a highly specialized, technological environment. It must be tough to be unable to empathize. To be able to do so allows the non autistic individual to live his own life and others lives, vicariously, in a way. That is a trigger for the imagination, among other things. To those interested, mirror neurons, underactivity of, or lack of, could provide a clue here.
Also, oxytocin, the hormone that facilitates bonding, should be studied, for it's potential as a treatment for autism.
Joined: Sep 25, 2004 Posts: 4526 Location: Boston, MA
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 7:43 am Post subject: Re: Asperger's Syndrome
Shanny,
I always fall apart at night and then piece myself together on the train into work each morning. Somehow, I manage to keep it together for long enough to convince myself and everyone around me that everything's alright.
So for now I can stay out of the loony bin.
Threadbear,
Oxytocin is the love hormone when it's naturally produced in the brain. But it has a half life of about 3-4 minutes. So unless they can come up with a medication that encourages more natural production of the chemical, it's not going to be a useful treatment.
I suggest you check out those books I mentioned earlier "Social Intelligence" and "Emotional Intelligence", Goleman does a great job of explaining complex neurological reactions in simple terms. _________________ "www.peakoil.com is the Myspace of the Apocalypse."
Joined: Dec 27, 2004 Posts: 12469 Location: zombie horde wonderland
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 9:45 am Post subject: Re: Asperger's Syndrome
Tyler, you might have borderline personality disorder, a very scary and miserable developmental disorder. I had several of the symptoms so spent some time on a BP messageboard and got to know some folks with the disorder. My symptoms were from bipolar disorder. Lots of these disorders share symptoms. If you're struggling through life, it's really worth it to see a physician to get referred to a psychiatrist. I spent many years totally miserable because I avoided seeing a doctor about my problems. Seriously, it is worth it to see a doctor. _________________ No original ideas are contained in this post.
Joined: Aug 03, 2007 Posts: 3617 Location: Boston Suburbs
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 11:10 am Post subject: Re: Asperger's Syndrome
Ludi wrote:
I spent many years totally miserable because I avoided seeing a doctor about my problems. Seriously, it is worth it to see a doctor.
They did a pretty good job. You're one of the most level-headed people here, at least you write that way. That takes some doing considering we're all having to drag ourselves through life day to day knowing what we know. _________________ Peak oil is sort of like a mental Everlasting Gobstopper, except it tastes like ass and you can't get it out of your mouth.
Joined: Sep 25, 2004 Posts: 4526 Location: Boston, MA
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 11:21 am Post subject: Re: Asperger's Syndrome
Ludi wrote:
Tyler, you might have borderline personality disorder, a very scary and miserable developmental disorder. I had several of the symptoms so spent some time on a BP messageboard and got to know some folks with the disorder. My symptoms were from bipolar disorder. Lots of these disorders share symptoms. If you're struggling through life, it's really worth it to see a physician to get referred to a psychiatrist. I spent many years totally miserable because I avoided seeing a doctor about my problems. Seriously, it is worth it to see a doctor.
I should clarify.
By "smother", I meant shower with attention...not attempt to suffocate.
And by "abuse", I meant ignore or avoid...not physically assault.
[And I think I'm going to see a therapist in the fall, just to go over a few things. My friends are getting tired of playing therapist on AOL instant messanger.] _________________ "www.peakoil.com is the Myspace of the Apocalypse."
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
News
Discussions
Resources
Members
Forum FAQ
Search
Usergroups
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
