A Guide To Asperger Syndrome

[.Joshua.]

What is Asperger Syndrome?

It is incredibly important that this question is answered considering not even my Year 8 PSE teacher couldn't answer that question. Asperger Syndrome is under the Autistic Umbrella, it's considered a mild form of Autism. It basically messes up your social skills and makes you unable to understand modern English (as a fellow aspie said). Some consider it vital to Human Evolution.

Books About Asperger Syndrome

If after this guide, you still want to know more, I have placed a list of books you can read:


Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome - By Luke Jackson
Asperger Syndrome, the Universe and Everything - By Hall, K.
Reweaving the Autistic Tapestry: Autism, Asperger Syndrome and ADHD - By Blakemore-Brown, L.


I have read only the first one, and it is like a bible to me. The others have had some good reviews, but considering I am an Adolecent with Asperger Syndrome (or AS), the first one was perfect for my case as it was written by a 13 year old boy with AS.

Traits of Asperger Syndrome


Communication Problems
Socialising Problems
Not being able to make eye contact
Obsessions
Concentration Problems
Co-ordination Problems
Sleeping Problems



Communication Problems

Communication is like a telephone wire. Sometimes the message isn't clear. Well if you have AS, it's a regular thing. There have been so many examples, I could sit here all day and list them, but I'd rather not. The recent example is up the top. If you want to know what I really meant, I meant "One must be really sad to change their opinion to match a celebrities." e.g. If I decided to like carrots because Darren Criss liked carrots. I only realize what I said was wrong when someone tells me it is. So basically, my phone wire is always tangled, people normally get message wrong.

Socializing Problems

I don't like big crowds. I don't like talking to people I don't know. I prefer to be alone most of the time. I am not saying that I don't any friends, I don't want to get married, I want to die alone, what I am saying is that I like alone time and appreciate more than someone without AS would. However it's different on Habbo because I am not looking at the person's face. I'm not even speaking. I'm typing.


Not Being Able to Make Eye Contact

I have a thing where I can't look at people I hardly know. Just because I'm not looking at you, it doesn't mean I'm not listening. Last time I checked, you don't listen with your eyes. It's not as if it's going to be a problem over Habbo, but problems with eye contact is a part of AS.


Obessions

EVERYONE has a obsession. Yes, that means you and you and you and you and yes, even YOU. The only reason your obsession is not considered an obsession is because your obsession is considered "okay". People with Asperger Syndrome have obsessions with websites, little things, things a neurotypical person wouldn't be obsessed with. Also, I talk about them too much and our obessions change regularly.


Concentration Problems

I do have a hint of ADD (Attention Difficulty Disorder), basically, it's like ADHD without the Hyperactivity. But I take 20mg of Ritalin each day to help me with that.
FACT: If Mozart was in our days, he would have been prescribed to Ritalin.


Co-ordination Problems

I have trouble with things like catching a ball. I don't like teamed sports, like football and netball, I prefer solitary sports, such as swimming and rock climbing. As long as I am not running away from a ball, I am fine.


Sleeping Problems

I know this is a normal teenage thing, but I don't like sleeping. I am up until 1AM on a school night, 3AM on a night I am not going into school. This however will probably continue into my adult life. One thing that helps me sleep is imagining I'd like to happen.

Advantages of Asperger Syndrome


Intelligent
Good long term memory
We can see the world in ways others can't
Honest
Free of Prejudice
Imaginative


Kind Regards

Thread Moved by Lee (Forum Moderator): From 'Discuss Anything'.

[MKR&*42]

Not sure what the purpose of this thread is but ye ok fine it's too inform us but.. ill just shush.

"interesting" read I suppose? xD.

[David]

interesting post

http://mattgarner.net/upload/images/2012/07/14/gwWtL.jpg

[.Joshua.]

interesting post

http://mattgarner.net/upload/images/2012/07/14/gwWtL.jpg

Thank You Dave, The reason i posted this is because, i do have Asperger Syndrome myself.

[CrazyLemurs]

Omg Dave I lolled irl at that

Frankly, I didn't really know the "symptoms" of Asperger's, and this is kinda helpful.

[.Joshua.]

Omg Dave I lolled irl at that

Frankly, I didn't really know the "symptoms" of Asperger's, and this is kinda helpful.

Well tbh this is why i posted it,

[CaptainAce$$]

Well tbh this is why i posted it,
Great guide (:

[.Joshua.]

Great guide (:

Thank you.

[Empired]

I have most of these symptoms. No asperger's. This is like the Boots Symptoms Checker telling me I'm pregnant.

[.Joshua.]

I have most of these symptoms. No asperger's. This is like the Boots Symptoms Checker telling me I'm pregnant.

It was nice of you to share that with us, i hope this guide helped. :)

[CaptainAce$$]

I have most of these symptoms. No asperger's. This is like the Boots Symptoms Checker telling me I'm pregnant.

Not really Elfie. Symptoms can vary from person to person and just because you have *some* does not mean it's Aspergers. The guide is very much correct. Here are some symptoms below. Bare in mind - A person with one or two of these symptoms does not necessarily have Aspergers syndrome. To be diagnosed with Aspergers syndrome, a person must have a combination of these symptoms and significant trouble with social situations.



Have heightened sensitivity and become overstimulated by loud noises, lights, or strong tastes or textures
Dislike any changes in routines
Appear to lack empathy
Not pick up on social cues and may lack inborn social skills, such as being able to read others' body language, start or maintain a conversation, and take turns talking
Have a formal style of speaking that is advanced for his or her age. For example, the child may use the word "beckon" instead of "call" or the word "return" instead of "come back."
Talk a lot, usually about a favorite subject. One-sided conversations are common. Internal thoughts are often verbalized

[Tom]

Oh so that's how you spell Asperger's Syndrome...

Thanks, amazing guide guys! ;)

[dbgtz]

To be honest, aspergers just seems like the lack of skills being developed which could just be enhanced by being forced into uncomfortable situations, which would then lead these problems being resolved. In all honesty I don't see why there is such a big deal about it. Also bear in mind my cousin has this and his parents are too lenient in my opinion.

[CaptainAce$$]

To be honest, aspergers just seems like the lack of skills being developed which could just be enhanced by being forced into uncomfortable situations, which would then lead these problems being resolved. In all honesty I don't see why there is such a big deal about it. Also bear in mind my cousin has this and his parents are too lenient in my opinion.

You cannot cure aspergers by forcing somebody with it to do something which makes them have 'melt downs' or outbursts of frustration and anger. Its a none curable thing and is there for life, no matter what you do to try to correct it. You can only find ways to cope with it.

[dbgtz]

You cannot cure aspergers by forcing somebody with it to do something which makes them have 'melt downs' or outbursts of frustration and anger. Its a none curable thing and is there for life, no matter what you do to try to correct it. You can only find ways to cope with it.

Evidence?

[CaptainAce$$]

Evidence?

Then you seem to know little of it. It is more complex than what you think by forcing people with aspergers to do something that they find hard to do or be in that situation will make it worse. It will create more problems. There is no quick fix for it, theres actually no fix for it at all. We have to find ways to cope with it because it is a life long condition. Meaning you cannot cure it.

[dbgtz]

Then you seem to know little of it. It is more complex than what you think by forcing people with aspergers to do something that they find hard to do or be in that situation will make it worse. It will create more problems. There is no quick fix for it.

Or perhaps you're making it more complicated than it needs to be? Besides you didn't provide the evidence I requested.

[CaptainAce$$]

Or perhaps you're making it more complicated than it needs to be? Besides you didn't provide the evidence I requested.

The evidence is on websites, use your own fingers to type it into google. Or are you far to ignorant to do so?

[dbgtz]

The evidence is on websites, use your own fingers to type it into google. Or are you far to ignorant to do so?

Well I couldn't find any test which is similar, and with your knowledge on the subject surely you have the proof you need.

[CaptainAce$$]

Oh so that's how you spell Asperger's Syndrome...

Thanks, amazing guide guys! ;)

Yes lol.

[Kyle]

dont really understand why people with aspergers feel the need to tell everybody that they have it and give a detailed list of its symptoms. cool guide and good for you that you seem so proud to be autistic i guess :)

[lawrawrrr]

I think it's just to raise awareness to make people become a bit more open-minded and accepting :)

[CaptainAce$$]

I think it's just to raise awareness to make people become a bit more open-minded and accepting :)

Yes, exactly what you said! Spot on :)

[FlyingJesus]

Good overall basic guide but I have a few problems with the "advantages" list...

Not all Asperger's sufferers are necessarily academically gifted in any way, much less all being the super-genius types that you see scripted on TV and film. It's quite possible to have Asperger's and be well below average intelligence.
I can't speak for long-term memory as that's not something I've ever looked into but I imagine the same can be said for that as for intelligence.
EVERYONE sees the world differently, and it's both an advantage and disadvantage at various times.
Anyone can be honest, and those with Asperger's aren't necessarily honest, they are quite capable of lying, just prone not to as many lies are social functions told for the respondent rather than the teller.
It's actually fairly likely that Asperger's patients will have prejudices, especially concerning prejudices that are in some way "logical" but not socially acceptable such as ableism (ironically), classism, and mentalism.
Imagination is essentially creative intelligence, and certainly warrants the same reply as the top point.


I'm not saying this to attack you or anything, it's just that overgeneralising the traits of any group of people like that is dangerous and paves the way to problems, so it's best not to do so

[Glen Coco]

i thought this was going to be a guide about how to develop aspergers :(

[CaptainAce$$]

i thought this was going to be a guide about how to develop aspergers :(

You can't just develop it, you are born with it.

[Cerys]

Great guide :)
May come in handy for many people across the forum



I know someone irl who 'apparantly' has aspergers and they claimed that it made them argumentive. I laughed and said; or, youre just very very annoying and a liar. :) :)

[buttons]

Great guide :)
May come in handy for many people across the forum



I know someone irl who 'apparantly' has aspergers and they claimed that it made them argumentive. I laughed and said; or, youre just very very annoying and a liar. :) :)
takes a liar to know a liar lol

and yeah good guide, can i just ask about the point of appearing to lack empathy (a trait which seems to appear in many members who have posted in here), is it only APPEARING or do they just lack empathy completely? i can relate to the inability to understand body language and one sided convo because my brother was friends with an aspergers sufferer who couldn't tell when my brother was upset/angry or why and if you were having a conversation with him it was like your questions went straight past him and he just wanted to talk about what he was talking about :P

[CaptainAce$$]

takes a liar to know a liar lol

and yeah good guide, can i just ask about the point of appearing to lack empathy (a trait which seems to appear in many members who have posted in here), is it only APPEARING or do they just lack empathy completely? i can relate to the inability to understand body language and one sided convo because my brother was friends with an aspergers sufferer who couldn't tell when my brother was upset/angry or why and if you were having a conversation with him it was like your questions went straight past him and he just wanted to talk about what he was talking about :P

I don't understand what you mean, sorry.

[MKR&*42]

I don't understand what you mean, sorry.

I believe she's asking whether they do genuinely lack empathy/the ability to understand exactly what another person is feeling like (put yourself in their shoes) or whether it just appears that way to others.

[CaptainAce$$]

I believe she's asking whether they do genuinely lack empathy/the ability to understand exactly what another person is feeling like (put yourself in there shoes) or whether it just appears that way to others.

Oh, to answer that its a yes. I can't put myself in other peoples shoes no matter how hard I try and I don't know what people are feeling to be honest until they tell me. Even then sometimes I don't understand. Thanks for explaining it to me.

[buttons]

I believe she's asking whether they do genuinely lack empathy/the ability to understand exactly what another person is feeling like (put yourself in there shoes) or whether it just appears that way to others.

Oh, to answer that its a yes. I can't put myself in other peoples shoes no matter how hard I try and I don't know what people are feeling to be honest until they tell me. Even then sometimes I don't understand. Thanks for explaining it to me.
yeah that's exactly what i meant but couldn't put it in to words, thanks :)

but no need to worry about it, the difference is you genuinely can not empathize (which is different to sympathize) with someone whereas non-suffers can do it but some of them choose not - hence the small-minded reactions to a helpful guide :/

and i also wanted to add how interesting it was that the OP showed how it was different for an aspergers sufferer when playing habbo because it's not face to face and the examples given made complete sense so ye +rep

[CaptainAce$$]

yeah that's exactly what i meant but couldn't put it in to words, thanks :)

but no need to worry about it, the difference is you genuinely can not empathize (which is different to sympathize) with someone whereas non-suffers can do it but some of them choose not - hence the small-minded reactions to a helpful guide :/

and i also wanted to add how interesting it was that the OP showed how it was different for an aspergers sufferer when playing habbo because it's not face to face and the examples given made complete sense so ye +rep

Habbo is easy because of that reason. For most/some of us our only social lives are online because offline it is much harder to communicate to others because of all that social stuff.

[Samantha]

Oh, to answer that its a yes. I can't put myself in other peoples shoes no matter how hard I try and I don't know what people are feeling to be honest until they tell me. Even then sometimes I don't understand. Thanks for explaining it to me.

Remind me never to come to you to talk about my problems ;). Nah seriously though it's a good guide, I guess when I speak to you you're always cheery to me and you tell me everything in a positive way which I understand, is that a trait to it or is that your overall persona? :P.

Overall, though, I've known you since what 2009 (on and off) and never noticed any of the symptoms but it affects each sufferer differently (and I probably just don't know myself lmao). Sorry for going on I don't know if I made any sense :P.

[CaptainAce$$]

Remind me never to come to you to talk about my problems ;). Nah seriously though it's a good guide, I guess when I speak to you you're always cheery to me and you tell me everything in a positive way which I understand, is that a trait to it or is that your overall persona? :P.

Overall, though, I've known you since what 2009 (on and off) and never noticed any of the symptoms but it affects each sufferer differently (and I probably just don't know myself lmao). Sorry for going on I don't know if I made any sense :P.

You make sense for me to understand it enough to reply to you xD Err, I don't think its a trait but maybe search it on google? Even I am still learning things about aspergers. There really is alot to learn about it and it's more complex then it might first appear. I do know though, people with aspergers see the world in a different way because I notice things others don't such as how shiny things are and little details on items.

[CaptainAce$$]

The only way I can describe aspergers that is very basic but good enough for people to understand is that our brains are wired up in a different way therefore it works in a different way too.

[Zak]

im up till 1am-3am nearly every night too :P hate sleep!!!

[Fifty-Six]

Interesting guide, didn't know half of that stuff before. Thanks.

[Andeeh]

One of my closest mates has Asbergers but he has somehow managed to be one of the most approachable and friendly people I know and I believe that was done to how his parents raised him up. He has the co-ordination and not detecting expressions and in paticular he cannot grasp the concept of sarcasm that much. He is a clever guy in paticular his technical theatre stuff and I rarely even remember about his AS.

[Glen Coco]

CaptainAce; i was being sarcastic...

[Empired]

@CaptainAce (http://www.habboxforum.com/member.php?u=88049); i was being sarcastic...
Aspergers stops you from understanding sarcasm doesn't it?
CaptainAce; is this all the time (both on and off line)? Can you understand really heavy sarcasm or is it just totally empty?