[Taonuviel]

It was recently brought up to me that I, at least, tend to act and think like someone who has this disorder. Oddly enough, I've stumbled on this in the past and wondered about it, but forgot about it. The nurse who brought it up said she wasn't sure if I actually have the syndrome, but it appears I think as if I did because of how I grew up.

Asperger's is an Autistic Spectrum Syndrome, characterized by an inability to understand everyday social systems, basically. It makes me wonder if I do have this syndrome, and if so what will it take to be ok with it, or if I don't how I can overcome the tendencies I have to act/think this way.

I don't really know what to think of the idea of this, although I do find it kind of disturbing that I could be like this only because of how I was raised. If I was born with it that's one thing, but to be like this unneccesarily is really a frustrating idea.

Is anyone, or does anyone know someone with AS? What kind of help do they get for it? How well are they doing? I'd like to know more about it from a more personal angle than the descriptions online. Thanks.

[SeptemberMorn]

{{{{{{{{{Tao}}}}}}}} I hope this makes you feel better. Maybe that nurse was off base, you think?

Individuals with AS can exhibit a variety of characteristics and the disorder can range from mild to severe. Persons with AS show marked deficiencies in social skills, have difficulties with transitions or changes and prefer sameness. They often have obsessive routines and may be preoccupied with a particular subject of interest. They have a great deal of difficulty reading nonverbal cues (body language) and very often the individual with AS has difficulty determining proper body space. Often overly sensitive to sounds, tastes, smells, and sights, the person with AS may prefer soft clothing, certain foods, and be bothered by sounds or lights no one else seems to hear or see. It's important to remember that the person with AS perceives the world very differently. Therefore, many behaviors that seem odd or unusual are due to those neurological differences and not the result of intentional rudeness or bad behavior, and most certainly not the result of "improper parenting".

[Taonuviel]

I don't think she was off-base, she didn't say I have it, but she's right when she says I show some of the signs. It's possible I have it mildly. Or I just have the social parts for sure - that due to "improper parenting." It's difficult either way. I don't really know where to go from here.

[wisewoman]

Tao, check out books by Temple Grandin. She has autism and writes about her experience. Also a neuro psychologist can test you for this disorder. However, a lot of what are symptoms of aspergers and autism are also symptoms of OCD, sensory integration difficulties just to name a few. It's a disorder you can treat by knowledge of how you function and what makes you feel good or bad. There is also a book called how does your engine run? that talks about sensory integration. An occupational therapist who knows sensory integration can be exteremely helpful. Good luck.

[SeptemberMorn]

Well, you may or may not have symptoms. You may or may not have AS. I was just hoping to make you feel better with the information I know and that is it's NOT due to "improper parenting." I thought for a long time that autism was caused by the same thing until I met a family who has a boy with it. They are anything EXCEPT improper parents.

It's your choice if you want to reject what the professionals say. I'm sorry.

[Taonuviel]

Oh no, that's not what I meant. I meant if I don't have AS, then the symptoms go back to how I was raised. Otherwise how I grew up is just a co-occuring negative. One thing I know, it sure didn't help me. I realize AS, like any bio/neurological disorder, happens regardless of parenting. But thinking/acting like someone with AS without having it is caused by something, and my mother's parenting would fit all too well.

[SeptemberMorn]

I'm sorry, {{{{{{{{{{{{Tao}}}}}}}}}}}}}. I hope you find the answers you need real soon.

[jbug]

Tao, my 11 year old nephew has it. After reading up on it some more I totally get it now and why he is the way he is. I agree that it has nothing to do with bad parents because my sis is an awesome mom. His big thing is routine if you say your going to do something by golly you better do it or you will have a global melt down on his part. They have gotten him help through therapy and he refuses to take meds for it because he doesn't want anything to mess with his mind. He is a genius he is reading at a college level now and has a greater grasp on life than I could ever think of. Ok part of that was Aunt Jan pride popping in but he is very smart and so don't think if you have it its a death sentence because its not.

Janniebug