[cool09]

I heard a psych nurse in the hospital make a statement that those with Asberger's see the World differently. How exactly did he mean it? (I know that I see the World differently than others because speaking and relationships are stumbling blocks for me.) How do you see the World? Where do you excel and where do you falter?

[Talthybius]

People can view the world differently. And that includes those with the label 'Asperger syndrome'.

If you want to know what he meant, ask him.

If you want to know 'how I view the world', maybe narrow down the question and make it more specific.

I have like DID...and we see the world in multiple of ways. Even normal people have their differing views...or we would all be the same.

[hprodf]

People with Aspergers have a different perception of the environment around them. They ultimately see the same thing as other people, but its like they see a different view of that thing.

Unlike other forms of Autism, Aspergers have fairly normal cognitive abilities, but where they differ to other people is their understanding of the world around them. The brain processes their environment differently to other people, which is why people with Aspergers often excel with specific skills in which they show exceptional ability, but then struggle to relate to other people who don't have the condition.

[PsychoPhil]

I think general statements of Aspergers seeing the world differently without specifying how have very little value. As humans we don't see reality as it is, but only our subjective version, which will be different for every individual on earth.

Those with a diagnosis of Asperger's will be statistically significantly less accurate than neurotypicals in their inference of others' subjective view of reality. Irony and sarcasm would be examples where neurotypical subjective interpretation diverts from what has really been said, with neurotypicals tending to blame the Aspie for resulting misunderstandings.

[cats!]

I wonder if they were referring to how intensely folks with ASD experience the world? Like for me, lights are bright, noises are loud, etc. We also can pick out patterns more easily, notice details others don't.

[MistressStayc]

"Unlike other forms of Autism, Aspergers have fairly normal cognitive abilities"

I am not sure what you mean by "normal" cognitive abilities but people with other forms of autism do not always suffer from cognitive impairments. My son is diagnosed with mild autism, sometimes referred to high functioning autism. This basically means he presented with a language delay when younger among other delays. One of the criteria for diagnosing Asperger's (which is no longer a recognized diagnosis and has been switch to Social Communication Disorder in the DSM V) is that the child did not have delayed language....That said, my son and many other people on the spectrum do not have cognitive impairments. In fact, he frequently makes honor roll and just recently got straight A's. It is called a spectrum for a reason.

"which is why people with Asperger's often excel with specific skills in which they show exceptional ability"

This is a stereotype and misconception. While people with Asperger's tend to be of above average intelligence they do not often have exceptional ability with some specific skill. They may excel at a skill just like anyone else with higher intelligence but to say "exceptional" and "often" is a total misconception...unless you have data to back this up?

[MistressStayc]

My apologies to the OP. I can't answer your question since I do not have Asperger's. I just don't like inaccurate information being given as seemingly facts about autism.

[cats!]

Originally Posted by MistressStayc

My apologies to the OP. I can't answer your question since I do not have Asperger's. I just don't like inaccurate information being given as seemingly facts about autism.

I hope this comes across as kind and informative, and not me just rocking the boat...
Asperger's syndrome was a previous DSM diagnosis that generally meant autism with no speech delays or intellectual disabilities. This is the source of the stereotype that autism=intellectual disability and aspergers=gifted.
However, if you want to be specific and dispel misconceptions then: autism is autism. The trouble with functioning labels is that there is no consistency in how they're used - this is why aspergers was dropped from the DSM and is now referred to as Autism 1.
In my personal experience, functioning labels have only ever served other people's capacity to validate or dismiss me. They don't reflect what specific supports I need or my development (not to mention I can go from low to high functioning multiple times in a single day lol!).

[hprodf]

Originally Posted by MistressStayc

"Unlike other forms of Autism, Aspergers have fairly normal cognitive abilities"

I am not sure what you mean by "normal" cognitive abilities but people with other forms of autism do not always suffer from cognitive impairments. My son is diagnosed with mild autism, sometimes referred to high functioning autism. This basically means he presented with a language delay when younger among other delays. One of the criteria for diagnosing Asperger's (which is no longer a recognized diagnosis and has been switch to Social Communication Disorder in the DSM V) is that the child did not have delayed language....That said, my son and many other people on the spectrum do not have cognitive impairments. In fact, he frequently makes honor roll and just recently got straight A's. It is called a spectrum for a reason.

"which is why people with Asperger's often excel with specific skills in which they show exceptional ability"

This is a stereotype and misconception. While people with Asperger's tend to be of above average intelligence they do not often have exceptional ability with some specific skill. They may excel at a skill just like anyone else with higher intelligence but to say "exceptional" and "often" is a total misconception...unless you have data to back this up?

Apologies if my post has offended you, I didn't have the intention to generalise or suggest anything untrue. You're not wrong, not all people who have autism will suffer from cognitive disabilities, my point was to try and explain common differences that are found between those with aspergers and other forms of autism.

Anyway, if my post is in any way misleading to anyone, please accept my apologies, I'll try to choose my words more carefully in future.

[MistressStayc]

Originally Posted by hprodf

Apologies if my post has offended you, I didn't have the intention to generalise or suggest anything untrue. You're not wrong, not all people who have autism will suffer from cognitive disabilities, my point was to try and explain common differences that are found between those with aspergers and other forms of autism.

Anyway, if my post is in any way misleading to anyone, please accept my apologies, I'll try to choose my words more carefully in future.

you did not offend me I just didnt want anyone who is less informed to think all people with autism have cognitive disabilities or all people with asperger's have some exceptional skill...I understand what you were saying though. its just a very unique disorder and is unique to everyone who has it. it can be very hard to explain in layman's terms without getting too technical.

[MistressStayc]

Originally Posted by cats!

I hope this comes across as kind and informative, and not me just rocking the boat...
Asperger's syndrome was a previous DSM diagnosis that generally meant autism with no speech delays or intellectual disabilities. This is the source of the stereotype that autism=intellectual disability and aspergers=gifted.
However, if you want to be specific and dispel misconceptions then: autism is autism. The trouble with functioning labels is that there is no consistency in how they're used - this is why aspergers was dropped from the DSM and is now referred to as Autism 1.
In my personal experience, functioning labels have only ever served other people's capacity to validate or dismiss me. They don't reflect what specific supports I need or my development (not to mention I can go from low to high functioning multiple times in a single day lol!).

It doesn't come across as rocking the boat at all...I didn't realize there was something like Autism 1. I thought it was just categorized as mild, moderate and severe now. I'll have to re read.

[The_little_didgee]

Originally Posted by cool09

I heard a psych nurse in the hospital make a statement that those with Asberger's see the World differently. How exactly did he mean it? (I know that I see the World differently than others because speaking and relationships are stumbling blocks for me.) How do you see the World? Where do you excel and where do you falter?

The world is generally an intimidating place for me, because I lack qualities people expect others to have such as charisma, and it is filled with offensive odors and noises that assault my senses. Usually I am worn out, when I get home. I generally have to take a nap, but before I do, I have to change my clothes and wash the 'odors of the world' off of me.

Recently I found a place, where I feel comfortable, and where I am respected, so it is definitely possible to find one's place without being a charismatic extrovert.

I'm naturally drawn to things(not people) and noticing details and patterns in them. This makes me excel at reverse engineering, fabrication and repairing anything mechanical. I'm also artistic.

I generally find people mysterious especially ones that are my gender (female).

My weak point is socializing and making friends. I'm able to make friends and have a few, but it takes a long time. Most people seem to misinterpret my quiet disposition. I've been accused of being intimidating and indifferent a lot.

[My Paper Heart]

First off, let me say I don't have Asperger's but I have a lot of Asperger tendencies. I've also taken several college classes that had units on Autism + Aspergers.

I, too, don't wish to rock the boat regarding the previous posts but as far as I was taught, Autism is the umbrella term for a spectrum that ranges from Rett Syndrome (least functioning and has a limited life expectancy due to degenerative brain issues) to Asperger's (highest functioning). Just because these labels apply doesn't mean that's that -- there are spectrums within these too so there's high functioning Asperger's, low functioning, etc.

One of my professors said something that really stuck with me: People with Asperger's are Autistic but are "normal" (his word) enough to know they are different and want to be "normal." Again, as I'm not an Aspie I can't quite comment on that but as a high functioning Borderline (Personality Disorder), I can say that I think that's true about anyone that's high functioning.

I'm guessing this is part of my Asperger tendencies but I can't be sure... But I can't figure out why people act the way they do. It never makes sense to me and it bothers me to no end that I don't understand it. I enjoy coming home (I live alone) so I can relax and no have to worry about understanding peoples' motivations for doing things.

Again, this is just me and one of my Aspie tendencies -- I don't have Asperger's so I can't speak of a generalized world view for those for Asperger's.

[PsychoPhil]

People with Asperger's are Autistic but are "normal" (his word) enough to know they are different and want to be "normal."

Not sure if I have Asperger's, but tendencies the least. I surely realized I was an outcast and perceived as different, and in that sense I felt I wasn't normal. I would have liked to have more friends, be accepted and included. And I think this means I wanted to be like the others, just without the bother of having to behave like them and sharing the same interests. Given my dyspraxia I was realitic enough to see this was not a possibility for the larger part of male socializing, i.e. team sports like football.

And at some point the realization kicked in that I actually didn't want to be normal.

[The_little_didgee]

Originally Posted by My Paper Heart

One of my professors said something that really stuck with me: People with Asperger's are Autistic but are "normal" (his word) enough to know they are different and want to be "normal."

I longed to be normal, before I was diagnosed with ASD. I had no idea why I was different and treated like an outcast. Being alone was the only time I ever felt comfortable and at peace, because I could be myself. I longed for others to accept my genuine self. Acting was stressful and it made me miserable.

The diagnosis liberated me. I've embraced who I am fully. Now I have no desire to be normal.

[PrairieCat]

The best way to learn about Aspergers besides going on this website is to read a book about it. Maybe more than one book would be good because every other website and every other author all seem to have different opinions. However, they are all similar. You will then understand a lot that you never did before. It is a huge relief to have an answer for all of the questions you had all of your life. Best of luck with this!

[Buffy01]

Originally Posted by MistressStayc

you did not offend me I just didnt want anyone who is less informed to think all people with autism have cognitive disabilities or all people with asperger's have some exceptional skill...I understand what you were saying though. its just a very unique disorder and is unique to everyone who has it. it can be very hard to explain in layman's terms without getting too technical.

I have a nephew who had asbergers! He has trouble fitting in!

[Buffy01]

Originally Posted by MistressStayc

It doesn't come across as rocking the boat at all...I didn't realize there was something like Autism 1. I thought it was just categorized as mild, moderate and severe now. I'll have to re read.

I always looking for new information so that I can understand better and help my nephew.

[Buffy01]

Originally Posted by PrairieCat

The best way to learn about Aspergers besides going on this website is to read a book about it. Maybe more than one book would be good because every other website and every other author all seem to have different opinions. However, they are all similar. You will then understand a lot that you never did before. It is a huge relief to have an answer for all of the questions you had all of your life. Best of luck with this!

That great advice! I will used that!

[eskielover]

I couldn't figure out why I had so much trouble in my marriage dealing with my H's thinking & behaviors. I lived with it 33 years before I finally left still not understanding why things were the way they were.

One T I went to when I explained it suggested that my H might have Asperger's. I stuck that thought in the back of my mind until something else came up that negatively effected me from 2100 miles away.

I got the book The Complete Guide To Asperger's Syndrome by Tony Attwood. I read that book & it totally explained the H I had lived with all those years. It gave meaning to the things his mom had said about him. Other sites & videos have also added a lot of knowledge. Finally I understood why I had the problems in my marriage that I had.

The thing is that it does not manifest itself in the same way in each person but in their own ways they do see the world differently in a way is is sometimes very hard for a neurotypical to understand where they are coming from & if they are not diagnosed, then why.

I think it is not always seeing the WHOLE world differently, it is just parts of it which is why it is hard because to others some things serm so normal & then some things seem so different which makes it a challenge to relate to.

[DahveyJonez]

Originally Posted by cats!

... (not to mention I can go from low to high functioning multiple times in a single day lol!).

I wondered about that. There have been many times we've said to ourselves, regarding our son, "there is no way he is autistic. He doesnt fit any of the patterns." Then there are times when we do clearly see manifestations, when his autism "comes out". But its really led us to doubt the diagnosis at times.

It has been my understanding that either one has it, or one doesn't. It doesn't wax and wane as other disorder symptoms seem to.

Originally Posted by My Paper Heart

First off, let me say I don't have Asperger's but I have a lot of Asperger tendencies.

That's what we've been thinking in regards to our son (diag PDD-NOS). That he has 'elements' of autism.

He's really an ODD personality comorbid with adjustment disorder and the manic side of BP (unipolar?). Charge this with 100,000 kV of INTENSITY. And there you have him. He passed all of the autism screens they do as a child, had a very good pediatrician who did notice the onset of ADD, however, but AS was never thought a possibility and he'd been looked over by a number of PsyMD's and psychologists before his diagnosis at 14.


[QUOTE=My Paper Heart;6157713]
Autism is the umbrella term for a spectrum that ranges from Rett Syndrome (least functioning and has a limited life expectancy due to degenerative brain issues) to Asperger's (highest functioning). Just because these labels apply doesn't mean that's that -- there are spectrums within these too so there's high functioning Asperger's, low functioning, etc.


[QUOTE=My Paper Heart;6157713]

And a very large umbrella at that. Too large. So large that whatever symptoms, tendancies, traits we point out to the doctors and psychologists, they always seem to be able to fit them in that umbrella.

We came across a term - Pathological Demand Avoidance - did a bit of research and it fit our son so much more than any of the autistic labels but because it isn't in the DSM ( though it is recognized, if not informally, in Europe ), I think 3 people on the North American continent are even aware of it.


Anyway...