The thread in question was closed by Ms. Bodoni, but there were a couple of loose ends on that thread I would like to help tie up – since neither of the posts I quote below was cited as the reason for closing the thread, I hope I’m not stepping on any toes by creating a new thread to answer them. If I am, close this and let me know. Also, this isn’t really Pit material, but since the original was here, I assumed that this is where the people who asked the questions would be most likely to see this.
Here goes.
As I mentioned in the other thread (and listed here), a defining aspect of Asperger’s in opposition to autism is that there is no clinically significant delay in language acquisition. In fact, many Aspies have above average language-acquisition skills, primarily due to their (our) extremely good rote memories. However, the language use is marked by an inability to easily process simile and metaphor, tending (especially in the early years) to take every statement in an absolute literal sense.
Well, the DSM definition, quoted here, is as follows:
It’s possible also to have high functioning autism and good verbal skills. Whether or not you will get an HFA or Asperger diagnosis will vary from country to country. Here in Brisbane where I live it’s very easy to get an Asperger diagnosis but in NZ it was a very rare diagnosis.
Some kids who test in the gifted range also will be diagnosed with Aspergers. Their outcomes tend to be good in the long run.
Recently, I have noticed a distinct and considerable tendency to over-self-diagonsis of Asperger’s in the “computer geek” field. Be cool, folks. We don’t all have it.
Yes! Oh absolutely yes ESabbath! And if you go on the adult autism lists, the degree of self diagnosis there can be scary. It’s not just in the computer geek field that it’s becoming an issue either.
Because so many people have aspects of ASD and because ASD is a spectrum disorder, it’s easy to look at those checklists and decide you suffer from it. If you suspect you have it and if you suspect you’d do better with professional support, then go and see someone professional.
One of our regular members whom I respect very highly, though she doesn’t post often enough here to suit my druthers, has Asperger’s, and is probably one of the most level-headed, thoughful people I know. I’d name names, but I’d prefer that she “out” herself if she so chooses.