How should one view Asperger's

Is it:

a) A disease to be treated?

b) A disability to be allowed for?

c) A difference to be tolerated and celebrated?

I was well into my psychotherapy before my wife (NOT my therapist) realised I was Aspergic, so it's never been properly discussed.

There is a milder version, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. It is having traits of Aspergers or Autism but not enough to justify the diagnosis of Aspergers. I heard that this lesser version was going to be removed from the DSM, but as far as I know it is still there. In any case these conditions are usually diagnosed in childhood.

Recently I saw an article - it may have been a post by NewsBot here - saying that the beta blocker propranolol has been helpful in reducing symptoms of autism. It is for lowering blood pressure, but it has interesting side effects such as reducing anxiety.

My vote .... c)

People with these conditions tend to be good at repetitive tasks requiring constant attention to detail. This is good in scientific research, quality control in manufacturing, and beta testing software.

Thanks.

Aspergics can be creative too! We can write software.

B and C. It's not a disease--an autistic brain is a healthy brain, though it has developed differently. The disability is real, and should be allowed for; but disability is a normal part of the human experience, and differences like autism can be celebrated and held as part of one's identity. I am proud of being autistic--not because I think it makes me better than others, but because it's part of who I am and I like being who I am.