Loose Ends from (O_o)'s Thread About Asperger's

[Bambi_Hassenpfeffer]

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.

Originally posted by catflea
I don’t know what developmental problems you have, but it’s probably not autism. As a parent of an (high functioning) autistic child, your use of language seems to me to be far above what any autistic person I’ve ever met has been able to achieve.

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.

Originally posted by BlackKnight
**The description of symptoms in the OP rings true for me on a level that is somewhat frightening. Does anyone know of any online resources (other than Angelfire / Geocities type pages) where I could find more information on this Asperger’s Syndrom? **

Well, the DSM definition, quoted here, is as follows:

A. Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:

[ul]
[li]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 [/li][li]failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level [/li]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)
[li]lack of social or emotional reciprocity [/li][/ul]
B. Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following:

[ul]
[li]encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus [/li][li]apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals [/li]stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)
[li]persistent preoccupation with parts of objects[/ul] [/li]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 best site I know for information is The Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support website.

One of these days, if I have time, I might start an Ask the Aspie thread.

crosses fingers, hits submit

[Primaflora]

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.

[E-Sabbath]

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.

[Primaflora]

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.

[Polycarp]

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.