Embracing Asperger Syndrome
My brother is a 23 year old Aspie. If you had asked me 5 years ago what Asperger Syndrome was, I would not have had the first clue. After learning all about this developmental syndrome, I wanted to share my knowledge. First off, I hate the word disorder. I feel it holds bad connotations about people that have Asperger Syndrome. During my life, I have come across many negative individuals who feel that we should try to change people with Autism and other developmental disorders. Although I would love to make life easier for Robert, I would not want to change the fundamental aspects of his personality that make him so unique. His Asperger Syndrome is a huge part of who he is and what has helped to shape him into a great, individual, and fun person. I wouldn't change that for the world.
Signs of Asperger Syndrome
Think that you or someone you know may be an Aspie? Here are some of the telltale traits:
- Engaging in long, one-sided conversations, not noticing if the other person is listening or trying to change the subject
- Difficulty making and maintaining eye contact
- Odd postures and a rigid gait. Also have awkward movements and may be poorly coordinated.
- Obsessing over one specific subject (in a fashion that is abnormal in intensity or focus)
- Having trouble reading other people's emotions or understanding certain humor
- Difficulty controlling the volume of speaking
- Repetitive motor movements such as hand or finger flapping
- Inflexible adherence to specific routines
- Impairment in social situations. Not generally reserved, but fail to react appropriately in certain contexts
- May have sleep problems, such as difficulty falling asleep and waking up frequently
Differentiating Asperger Syndrome from Autism
Asperger Syndrome presents very similarly to high-functioning Autism. So what is the difference?
- People with Asperger Syndrome are not as withdrawn in social interactions and often even approach other people
- There is no significant delay in language or cognitive development in those with Asperger's
- Aspies typically exhibit a formal, precise way of speaking that is not seen in individuals with Autism
- Poor motor coordination is more frequently seen with Asperger Syndrome
Growing Up with an AS Sibling
I am 2 years older than Robert. In typical sibling relationships, bickering and nagging would occur from time to time. When your sibling happens to have a developmental disorder, everything changes. And as the "normal" child, you are NEVER supposed to fight with your sibling. Even when they embarass you in public. Or in front of your friends. This can be very stressful for children growing up with autistic siblings. They can often feel like the parent always sides with the AS sibling just because they have special needs. Parents of AS children are correct in being protective of their AS child, but it is important to make the other child feel their needs are met as well. Links for Siblings
Have a brother or sister with Asperger Syndrome? Looking for articles from people with similar experiences? Check out these helpful links:
- Tips for Parents To Help Siblings
- How to help siblings cope with the behaviors of a child with Aspergers
- Three Things that Affect Sibling Relationships
- A description of the 3 main barriers in sibling relationships.
- Personal Stories from Siblings
- 3 different siblings talk about their brothers who have Asperger Syndrome
Youtube Vids of People with Asperger Syndrome
The guy in the first video stunned me in that he is so similar to my brother.
curated content from YouTube
Childhood with Asperger Syndrome
The guy in this video describes his different fascinations over the years and what his childhood was like.
curated content from YouTube
Shirts and Other Items
Books about Asperger Syndrome & Autism on Amazon
These are some great books, many of which are written by the person with Asperger's or Autism. The last one is a collection of different stories from a neurologist and is not entirely about Asperger's.
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Reader Feedback
I would love to hear stories from other people who love someone with Asperger's or from Aspies themselves. Please share!
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Heard_Zazzle May 8, 2011 @ 5:51 am | delete
- Lots of great information. The videos help people to understand Aspergers further.
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spirituality
Oct 3, 2009 @ 2:14 pm | delete
- Great lens - you've been blessed by a squidoo angel :)
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spirituality
Oct 3, 2009 @ 2:13 pm | delete
- Great lens - you've been blessed by a squidoo angel :)
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Loise K. W.
Jul 3, 2008 @ 12:07 am | delete
- What a fantastic site!!!!
I love the part in the video "Asberger's Syndrome, I've got it" when Ricky's mom tells him it is bedtime, and he responds with thinly veiled disdain and says to the camera: "Sorry, I'm getting an interruption...." What a GREAT guy! Great site!
Thank you Elisha Marie.
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Laura
Jul 2, 2008 @ 3:22 pm | delete
- What an amazing site! Thank you so much for helping people to understand more about Asperger and for sharing your own personal insights and experiences. Aspies are wonderful, delightful, bright, fun, friendly, loving people ... they should be proud of the personality characteristics that make them so special, beautiful and unique!
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Informative Websites
- Asperger Syndrome Information
- Detailed information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders
- Medical Symptoms - WebMD
- WebMD provides a list of symptoms used to diagnose Asperger's
- Mayo Clinic Information
- Detailed overview provided by the Mayo Clinic.
- My Life as an Earthbound Alien
- An incredible and inspiring essay written by an adult with Asperger Syndrome
by elishamarie
elishamarie
Sister to an amazing young man who happens to have Asperger Syndrome.
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