Ask an Asperger

[Swedishguy]

There seems to be a weird correlation between asperger syndrome and scandinavian countries.
I'm also kinda starting to doubt the legitimacy of this syndrome. Like any other things, some people really have a disorder while in many other cases it might be just a mental thing.

When I see how you guys descrive the effects of the syndrome, I can only imagine that I could have been diagnosed as one when I was a teen. I was shy, unable to interract socialy with girls, didn't have many friends, I was uncomfortable asking directions or talking to strangers. But I don't think it was caused by a syndrome, I was just gorwing up and having normal personality problems that teens have. When I got older all that went away.
And the fact that a doctor can diagnose it isn't a rock solid argument, as the diagnostic isn't based on any physical evidency but on social inabilities and such.

Well, it's like being a jew (I think); it makes me feel special!

And maybe you're right, I do get more social as time goes.

 

[azzaman333]

There seems to be a weird correlation between asperger syndrome and scandinavian countries.
I'm also kinda starting to doubt the legitimacy of this syndrome. Like any other things, some people really have a disorder while in many other cases it might be just a mental thing.

When I see how you guys descrive the effects of the syndrome, I can only imagine that I could have been diagnosed as one when I was a teen. I was shy, unable to interract socialy with girls, didn't have many friends, I was uncomfortable asking directions or talking to strangers. But I don't think it was caused by a syndrome, I was just gorwing up and having normal personality problems that teens have. When I got older all that went away.
And the fact that a doctor can diagnose it isn't a rock solid argument, as the diagnostic isn't based on any physical evidency but on social inabilities and such.

I'm guessing the key is if the behaviour shows up pre-pubety, it is likely to be the syndrome but if it is only noticed during puberty, it could just be general teen problems with whatever.

 

[Solver]

I think that it's incorrect to call Asperger's Syndrome a syndrome. I do not agree with viewing it (or many other things, for that matter) as a disorder. I am extremely strongly against medication and treatment here. It's my belief that there are very few genuine mental disorders, with many so-called mental disorders not being such.

I would describe Asperger's as a combination of personality traits, even if some are unusual. Asperger's is taken to mean high intelligence, intense interests in some fields with great knowledge there, mediocre to poor social skills, and some other peculiarities. It's very important to note that these peculiarities are not the same. People with Asperger's often make unusual eye contact with people, but it's differently unusual. Some avoid making eye contact, others have very persistent eye contact that makes other people uncomfortable quickly.

So I'm against considering it a medical condition. Traits is what it's about.

 

[Swedishguy]

Agreed! My Syndrome is a gift!

 

[Solver]

Out of curiosity, how'd you prefer to describe yourself? I'm pretty sure it's not "a guy mentally ill with something called Asperger's syndrome" . I, myself, rather think the term "Asperger's type" would be good. Anything that includes "syndrome" automatically sends a bad vibe that you're abnormal in a negative way.

 

[Chukchi Husky]

I don't know how to describe myself.

 

[Sidhe]

That's because you have strange tastes Mobby, very strange

Just to clarify, by the way, my rather flippant remark was made on the simple basis that prior to reading CFC OT I've never heard of Asperger's nor did I know anyone with the Syndrome. Yet on OT i've noticed a large number of people who have it.

I wonder what it is about either the Syndrome that attracts people with it to CFC or what it is about CFC that attracts people with AS?

It's common on the forums I visit, I guess people with Apserger's tend to find it easier to socialise in an environment where there's no contact and a more level playing field. Since they sometimes find it hard to read peoples' emotions or body language.

Agreed! My Syndrome is a gift!

Never held Bill Gates back , I have dyslexia, much milder and I too consider it more of a gift than a curse, alot of these conditions have their positives.

 

[Swedishguy]

Out of curiosity, how'd you prefer to describe yourself? I'm pretty sure it's not "a guy mentally ill with something called Asperger's syndrome" . I, myself, rather think the term "Asperger's type" would be good. Anything that includes "syndrome" automatically sends a bad vibe that you're abnormal in a negative way.

Let's see... I am very rational, so christianity doesn't appeal me. And I'm not very altruistic, as I feel it's incorperated in the human genetics and I don't feel very human sometimes. While I know some Asperger's aren't suicidal, I am sometimes because I'm very nihilistic. I praise rational and philosophical discussions above everything else.

 

[Sidhe]

Let's see... I am very rational, so christianity doesn't appeal me. And I'm not very altruistic, as I feel it's incorperated in the human genetics and I don't feel very human sometimes. While I know some Asperger's aren't suicidal, I am sometimes because I'm very nihilistic. I praise rational and philosophical discussions above everything else.

Begs the question do you find it hard to deal with situations that have an emotional context, such as an argument or a strongly emotive thread on here? Or are you pretty good at reading these sorts of confrontations? It may explain why those with Aspergers tend to be less emotional more rational or logical. But I'm no expert.

 

[Blazer6]

I also have the Asperger traits. I thought the experiences of my life was what made me the man I am, but it was just a coincidence.
I have the same problems as Bill3000 posted and my savant ability is history.

 

[Swedishguy]

Begs the question do you find it hard to deal with situations that have an emotional context, such as an argument or a strongly emotive thread on here? Or are you pretty good at reading these sorts of confrontations? It may explain why those with Aspergers tend to be less emotional more rational or logical. But I'm no expert.

No, I don't think so.

But you can guess what I voted on in the 'Are you in love?' poll.

 

[angeleyes]

When your among people, are you afraid of them, or just not interested ?

 

[Chukchi Husky]

I'm afraid of them.

 

[angeleyes]

Why are you afraid of them?

 

[Chukchi Husky]

I fear they will do something bad to me.

 

[angeleyes]

Have you experienced something like that in the past ?

 

[Reno]

When you're among people, are you afraid of them, or just not interested ?

Mostly lack of intrest, with the addition of an awful feeling of doubt and suspicion I have, especially when among huge crowds.

 

[angeleyes]

Mostly lack of intrest, with the addition of an awful feeling of doubt and suspicion I have, especially when among huge crowds.

Why especially among huge crowds ?

 

[Chukchi Husky]

Have you experienced something like that in the past ?

Almost all the time I'm near someone.

 

[angeleyes]

But have you had real bad experiences, or only the thought (fear) about this ?