I recently learned about a relatively new (at least in terms of diagnosis and treatment) condition called Asperger's Syndrome. It is one of a number of related conditions collectively called either Pervasive Development Disorders (PDD) or Autism Spectrum Disorders. Under this umbrella there are serious conditions such as Autism and Retts Syndrome, and there are milder conditions such as Asperger's Syndrome, High-Functioning Autism, and PDD-NOS (Not Otherwise Specified). There is not firm agreement about the differences among these milder forms, so as a layman writing to other laymen, I will, for the most part, not make the distinction. Most of what I say about Asperger's is also true of PDD-NOS and High-Functioning Autism.

Why, you might ask, am I posting about Asperger's here? Three reasons. First, I suspect that I may have it (I am making an appointment to be evaluated), and so it is a subject that holds special interest for me. Second, it is quite likely that other NitCentral regulars have it as well. For reasons that I'll get into later, I suspect that this site is an Asperger's magnet. Besides I have seen certain behaviors here that are typical of Asperger's. There are a couple of people here that I suspect are "Aspies" with even more certainty than my suspicions of myself. Third, PDD tends to run in families, so any NitCentral regulars with children might see the signs in their sons while it is early enough to get full benefit out of the support offered.

So what is Asperger's you are wondering. And perhaps you are saying to yourself "I can't have it -- I'm nothing like the newsclips I've seen of Autistic children, or like Dustin Hoffman in Rainman." Unlike classic Autism, though, Aspies do not show the obvious signs of "mental retardation."* On the contrary, they are clearly intellegent, and many exhibit hyperlexia -- teaching themselves to read at an early age (in my case at age 3). Instead, Aspies' "retardation" is in social skills. They have trouble interacting, especially in situations that call for "small talk."

The official criteria needed to be diagnosed with Asperger's are as follows (I added some clarifications and other comments in blue):

A. Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:
marked impairments in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction (Aspies are always being told "Look at me when I'm talking to you." They often continue whatever they are working on, not realizing that it is considered to be rude.)

failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level (They tend to go off by themselves during downtime rather than socialize)

a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g. by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people) (Although once started, they can "talk your ear off" about their specialty subject, they usually are not the ones to initiate the conversation.)

lack of social or emotional reciprocity

B. Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following:
encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus (Many Aspies choose one or two subjects and become complete experts. Often the subjects are under the umbrella of Math, Science, Engineering, Computing, or Science Fiction.

apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals (Aspies have fixed ways of calming themselves when stressed or over-stimulated)

stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements) (Aspies who are overwhelmed need to distract themselves from the worst assaults on their senses. This describes an extreme form of this distraction.)

persistent preoccupation with parts of objects (This seems to be related to the fact that Science and Engineering are the primary focus for specialty subjects.)

C. The disturbance causes clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning

D. There is no clinically significant general delay in language (e.g., single words used by age 2 years, communicative phrases used by age 3 years) (In fact, as mentioned above, hyperlexia is often present.)

E. There is no clinically significant delay in cognitive development or in the development of age-appropriate self-help skills, adaptive behavior (other than social interaction), and curiosity about the environment in childhood

F. Criteria are not met for another specific Pervasive Developmental Disorder or Schizophrenia

I saw that someone posted the DSM IV criteria for Asperger's but I thought it might be good to provide a more down to earth description. Asperger's Syndrome is a term used when a child or adult has some features of autism but may not have the full blown clinical picture. There is some disagreement about where it fits in the PDD spectrum. A few people with Asperger's syndrome are very successful and until recently were not diagnosed with anything but were seen as brilliant, eccentric, absent minded, socially inept, and a little awkward physically.

Although the criteria state no significant delay in the development of language milestones, what you might see is a "different" way of using language. A child may have a wonderful vocabulary and even demonstrate hyperlexia but not truly understand the nuances of language and have difficulty with language pragmatics. (In particular they are more literal and have trouble with figurative language, especially idiomatic expressions, metaphors and [to a lesser extent] similies.) Social pragmatics also tend be weak, leading the person to appear to be walking to the beat of a "different drum". Motor dyspraxia can be reflected in a tendency to be clumsy. (Between their social problems and the increased likeliness of clumsiness, Aspies are the last to be picked for sports teams.)

In social interaction, many people with Asperger's syndrome demonstrate gaze avoidance and may actually turn away at the same moment as greeting another. The children I have known do desire interaction with others but have trouble knowing how to make it work. They are, however, able to learn social skills much like you or I would learn to play the piano. (Aspies do not seem to have the "built-in" ability to learn social skills like others, but they can learn them intellectually and then apply them, in essence "programming" themselves to act as if they were more social.)

There is a general impression that Asperger's syndrome carries with it superior intelligence and a tendency to become very interested in and preoccupied with a particular subject. Often this preoccupation leads to a specific career at which the adult is very successful. At younger ages, one might see the child being a bit more rigid and apprehensive about changes or about adhering to routines. This can lead to a consideration of OCD but it is not the same phenomenon

Many of the weaknesses can be remediated with specific types of therapy aimed at teaching social and pragmatic skills. Anxiety leading to significant rigidity can be also treated medically. Although it is harder, adults with Asperger's can have relationships, families, happy and productive lives.

• I find social situations confusing.
• I find it hard to make small talk.
• I did not enjoy imaginative story-writing at school.
• I am good at picking up details and facts.
• I find it hard to work out what other people are thinking and feeling.
• I can focus on certain things for very long periods.
• People often say I was rude even when this was not intended.
• I have unusually strong, narrow interests.
• I do certain things in an inflexible, repetitive way.
• I have always had difficulty making friends.

Interesting, Tom. I admit I did not really understand what Asperger's was until now. A lot of the characteristics seemed to reflect me in grade school, but not so much now (although I still keep getting told "Look at me when I'm talking to you!"--usually if I am consciously looking at you, I'm not interested in you and am faking it).

Crud. I hit everything on that list.

Mike-- As I said, Aspies are intellegent. They do pick up on emotional and social signals, but as learned behavior not as instinctual behavior, so it takes them longer. One does not "outgrow" Asperger's, any more than one "outgrows" ADD/ADHD, but because one learns coping techniques, it often seems that way to the outside world.

Since it was first "discovered" in teen-aged and pre-teen boys, and is mostly treated at that stage, the DSM IV definition is geared to the manifestations at that age.

Scott-- Being an Aspie (if it should turn out you are) is not necessarily a bad thing. Of all the disorders out there to have, it is one of the few with just about as many benefits as handicaps.

Ouch, with the exception of "I did not enjoy imaginative story-writing at school." , I pretty much hit everything on the list to. Although I've always prefered writing sci-fi or fantasy. I've never been that good as standard fiction. As well, the first points were all familiar to me.

I'm not sure on the intelligence part though. I always struggled in school and the teachers often misread me (I've also had problems with supervisors misreading me in the job world). Then again, in more hands on classes I did tend to do well. I know I did well in math (well, not calculus but up until then I did well). I did find in classes I was motivated in, often I did very well. And interestingly enough, they were often math or computer related. Of course, the teacher makes a world of diffrence. In classes with a good teacher I often did well.

What's interesting re: the talk your ear off part is, I've been known to do this. I've been known to have trouble getting a conversation going on some subjects but on others, let's just say I'm the type that's sometimes known to practially write a 3000 word essay when a 150 word or less responce was enough.

Given this though, what do I do? I mean, I look at this list and I've found it could explain a lot of the problems I've had in life.

A part of me is honestly afraid to seek help, sort an I'm afraid what they'll say kind of thing. How does one overcome this issue so they can get help?

I'm a diagnosed Aspie myself. I, like you Tom, realized the likelyhood before an actual diagnosis. Early in my school years I was mistakenly diagnosed with Attention Defficit Disorder. This was probably a result of some of my Aspergers' symptoms coupled with an unusualy high sense of adventure (I once climbed up the wall of a bathroom stall at school).

Grade 11 was one of the few years I rode the school bus, and I shared a seat with a younger boy who, as I later found out, had full Autism. Early that year, I needed a new subject for a research paper (they wouldn't let me re-research and rehash a report on one of my "specialty subjects"). Upon finding out the name of the boy's condition, I made Autism my subject for that paper. During the research, I found many details about Autism that lightly fit me. Most people I told shrugged it off, implying that I was inflating my connection to the disorder.

The following spring, however, I was given some tests, and when the results came back, the diagnosis of Aspergers' was announced.

Some of the events in my life in which I believe Aspergers' affected my behaviour and abilities are:

A strong ability to work with computers. I started using computers very early (possibly before I was 10, but I'm not sure), and have over the years developed skills to the point that I have a good chance at becoming a programmer.
Also, as a side note, the young boy on the school bus was also very good with computers too. He had no verbal communication skills, but the bus driver (who helped at the school) told me of a time when the regular teacher was away. The bus driver did not know a lot about computers, so she asked the boy if he knew what to do. He certainly did, and had the computer booted up and logged in very quickly.

Prefference for routines. In grade 11 especially, I noticed that it took more deliberate concious thought to change my route between certain areas of the school when I discovered a better route.
Also, whenever I had Friday off school, I would take the bus into the city to stay with my Mom for the weekend. (We had both originally moved in with my Aunt in the country, but after I started school there, my Mom realized there wasn't much office work in the area, so she moved to the city while I stayed in the country) When this happened, I would feel unusual (I still can't describe it, but it mostly manifested itself as a feeling of forgetting something). My guess is that the break of routine was what made me feel that way.

specialty subjects. Over the years I have slowly gathered a total of 5 subjects that I like to specialize in. Note:this does not include my strong like of computers or math ability. The 2 strongest subjects are Digimon, and the Tom and Liz Austen book series by Eric Wilson. The other subjects that attract my attention strongly are: Star Trek, dogsledding, and biology.

Chris replied while I was writing, but when I read the part of his post about math ability, I realized I forgot that part about myself.
Up to grade 10 I did well enough in math, but the real surprises came after that. In grade 11 I couldn't keep myself focused in class (just sitting and listening to the teacher isn't very compatible with my learning style). Instead, I just read the day's lesson in the textbook to make sure I understood it, then let my mind wander. That year my math grade was more than 80%, despite the fact that I rarely listened in class. I also did extremely well in algebra during my later school years.

In grade 12 however, the "general math" that I had taken through all the other years was not being offered. The only 2 choices were "consumer math" and pre-calc. The teachers made the choice for me and placed me in consumer math. All I can say is that it was a huge mistake. Although the pre-calc would have been somewhat difficult even for me, the type of thinking required for topics such as property tax, exchange rates and duty calculation, was even harder.

Actually, I found calculus easy in 12th grade (I skipped pre-calc). But Economics (the math involved was a lot like what you describe as "consumer math") was a bear. Just looking through the textbook convinced me I made the right choice.

Asperger's was (and often still is) regularly mis-diagnosed as ADD/ADHD. Some of the secondary symptoms of each are, or look like to the untrained eye, the primary symptoms of the other. Of course Ritalin and other ADD/ADHD meds do not perform as expected on Aspies (unless they also happen to have ADD/ADHD

Likewise the routines and "stims" of Asperger's are sometimes mistaken for OCD.

I failed calculus miserably unfortunatly. The best way I can put it is, there was distractions in the class making my already difficult time focusing even harder.

My High School unfortunatly was of the type where 5% of the students got 95% of the attention and needless to say, I was not amoung that 5%. In fact, in classes I struggled in, in parent teacher interviews, apparently the teachers were telling my parents that I had potential and if I could overcome what they say as minor difficulties, I could really go places. Unfortunatly, they also apparently said 'we don't have the time'.

What's interesting though is, just yesterday I was talking to a co-worker and when I told him what High School I went to, he expressed shock when I told him I'd taken computer programming after (as in, said HS isn't exactly known for graudating people that go places in life).

I too liked computers but my HS had no computer classes when I was there. Well, they had keyboarding and a couple classes in which you'd use a computer but no dedicated computer classes. For someone who computers were something I could really enjoy using, it made things difficult for me.

It's honestly one of those things I don't like to dweel on as I find I grow bitter and depressed when I do so.

As for the routine thing, I know all about that. I work part time and I find it easier if I work the same days each week and the same shifts (although rotating ones where I'd go two weeks on say days then two weeks on evenings might also be okay). I find it easier as I can get into a (drumroll) routine. If I end up in the situation where each week is slightly diffrent in terms of days, shifts and length of shifts, I find it harder to get into a rountine and harder to stay focused at work.

As an interesting example of that, say I'm used to working Friday evening. I'll tape Enterprise if it's a new one and watch it either that night of the following afternoon. What's interesting is, I find it easier to focus while watching it when I tape it then if I have Friday off or work days on Friday and watch it as it airs.

Has anyone that suspects they may have thos condition or has it ever noticed that as a side effect with a TV program they're used to taping?

It may be partly because it is not your routine, and partly because you don't (unless you have TiVO) have the security of knowing that you can back up for anything that you missed the first time through.

I feel the same way with closed captioning. Unfortunately, the rest of my family does not like closed captioning, so I can only watch it when I'm watching a show alone -- usually on tape.

Given this though, what do I do? I mean, I look at this list and I've found it could explain a lot of the problems I've had in life.

A part of me is honestly afraid to seek help, sort an I'm afraid what they'll say kind of thing. How does one overcome this issue so they can get help? Chris Boonton

I know. Two of our biggest fears: something new that's going to disrupt all our routines, and someone new that we have to "relate" to, who does not already know our ideosyncracies and who might pass judgement on them.

Actually, I'm not sure what benefits (other than knowing for certain) my learning this late in life will do. (Cubmon might know) But it will help a lot just knowing that the reason I "didn't work to my full potential" in school may not have been that I was bored or lazy, but that I related to the world so differently that I was expending some of the "lost" energy on just making sense of it all.

Well most interesting. Out of the checklist I don't quite think all of them are yes or no questions as a few of them are conditional or shades of gray type issues with me. So i guess this makes me normal? Depending on what your definition of normal is. Your mileage may vary.

I find social situations confusing.
Not always. I can usually go with the flow and have a good time.

I find it hard to make small talk.
Definately not. I participate in a give and take environemnt at work practically everyday that I sometimes initiate and sometimes someone else does.

I did not enjoy imaginative story-writing at school.
Um no. I once turned in 12 pages on a 3 page short story assignment

I am good at picking up details and facts.
Yeah this is me. In school one of my nicknames was Spock. And not just for being able to raise my eyebrow or being a trekkie.

I find it hard to work out what other people are thinking and feeling.
Nope. I can usually read a person's feelings reasonably well.

I can focus on certain things for very long periods.
Sometimes depends on the thing I am focusing on. Problem with a car:Duration an hour or so before needing a break, a good book or video or game: Several hours, A cute Girl:Infinite duration of focus (Or at least until she closes her drapes)

People often say I was rude even when this was not intended.
Yes but I am a very blunt, and straight foreward person so this could just be a normal part of my personality.

I have unusually strong, narrow interests.
Sorta. A few of my interests are quite strong and narrow but I am also a jack of all trades so i don't know. Lets leave this one undecided.

I do certain things in an inflexible, repetitive way. Um yeah this is definately it. I have been told I am OCD because of the way i ahve to do things both at home and at work. Like when I do a car I always have to start with the same window or tire and work my way around in the same way otherwise it totally throws my rythm off. And my money is always facing the same way in my wallet or I will take the time to do so, as well as the change in my coin holder all being heads up. Now I am not to the point where I will notice or check to see if the coins are all that way (a friend once chance all the coins except the top one to tails up and I didn't notice until I spent the top one and then went through flipping them down the line.) but if I do I have to get it right or it will bother me.


I have always had difficulty making friends.
No not really. I have had several friends come and go over the years and usually for everyone that comes I can find another one.

Very interesting. Now I think I have this syndrome as well...

How does one overcome this issue so they can get help?

I would like to know as well. I know there's something "wrong" (for lack of a better word) with me, whether this or something else, but much as I'd like to do something about it, just thinking about asking for help (other than on a message board or something anonymous like that) just "freezes" me up.

So how do you cure it? Get laid?

Sorry -- but I have to wonder if this isn't almost like an astrology reading, where the traits are so common they could apply to almost everyone. That being said -- it is interesting and something I'd like to look into more myself.

I do tend to agree on the fact that alot of those questions could mean almost anything. If it's one of those things where you don't need to answer yes to all of the questions and if you find you're answering yes to a large percent of them that you may have it, one issue is that some may view the questions as general enough that a lot of people might answer yes to them.

However, that is probably why as for anything, if you suspect you may have this condition that you need to see a specialist about it.

As for another Trek character that we could use as an example for this, what about Barkclay? I remember his confession to Troi about 'I'm one of those people that writes out everything he's going to say at a party then when he gets there he stands in the corner trying to look comfortable examining a potted plant.' Let's just say, I can relate to that feeling.

Well i am not meaning to downplay this but normality is just the averageing of everyone's issues. I mean everyone has a certain degree of "suspect behavior" at anyone time or another.

It doesnt sound like this "condition" is so bad that a person isnt able to function as a person just maybe not the way society expects or wants. But I have learned a long time ago that lincoln was right about something: You cant please all the people all the time. So just be yourself and if folks don't like it let them go and get stuffed.

Sorry if I am sounding rude or flippant but thats just kinda the way i feel. i mean I have been accused of having all sorts of psych problems but I think its just because I am comfortable with who, what and where I am in my life and am not bothered to play the little social games everybody expects. Not to say that I am a totally anti-social prig because I am not. I am very polite, friendly and social when i need to.

*shrug* I dunno all I know is that I don't see a problem with me or my mind so I don't go. If you are feeling like you are having issues then by all means get checked out. Like I said normality is what it is your milage may vary.

It doesnt sound like this "condition" is so bad that a person isnt able to function as a person just maybe not the way society expects or wants.

From what I've seen, it isn't. To me at least, it seems to be more of a social condition. From what I've seen, certain type of situations someone without this condition may be able to function easily in would require effort (possible significant effort) for someone with it. It does seem to be more an imparment then a disability.

I agree that we all have problems at some point in our lives. I'm sure we all have times where we have difficulty socialising and/or become obsessive about things or worry far too much and so forth.

However, the way I interpret this is, it's not the type of issue someone has once in a while, it's a life long thing. People often associate these sorts of problems with people 18 and under but in reality, they are issues people have to live with their entire lives. When someone has had problems of one type or another their entire lives, there's probbaly a reason IMO.

I'm sure the nature of its symptoms as well as their severity can change over time; various factors bringing them out and others helping to subdue them.

Sorry -- but I have to wonder if this isn't almost like an astrology reading, where the traits are so common they could apply to almost everyone. Influx

It doesnt sound like this "condition" is so bad that a person isnt able to function as a person just maybe not the way society expects or wants. But I have learned a long time ago that lincoln was right about something: You cant please all the people all the time. So just be yourself and if folks don't like it let them go and get stuffed. R

That is why the DSM IV includes the citeria:
C. The disturbance causes clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning, and why it is important to have the diagnosis verified by an expert in the field.

The difference is one not just of degree, but of intensity. Consider the following statement by an Aspie learning about his diagnosis:

I had finally found the reason why other people classed me as wierd. It was not just because I was clumsy or stupid. My heart lightened instantly and the constant nagging that accompnaied me all my life (...) stopped immediately. I finally knew why I felt different, why I felt as if I was a freak, why I didn't seem to fit in. Even better,it was not my fault! I felt like charging out into the streets and shouting,"Hey look at me; I have Asperger Syndrome. I am not a freak."

I find social situations confusing.

This is kind of a general comment. Sometimes social situations can be confusing, sometimes not.

I find it hard to make small talk.

I tend to have difficulty just starting up a discussion about nothing - but this seems more a matter of social skills which are usually learned.

I did not enjoy imaginative story-writing at school.

I certainly did... and I still do!

I am good at picking up details and facts.

I have an extremely good memory, especially for details and facts.

I find it hard to work out what other people are thinking and feeling.

This is not really an easy thing for anyone - it usually takes some experience with a person to have an intuitive understanding of what they're thinking and feeling.

I can focus on certain things for very long periods.

I can too, but it's not an all or nothing thing. I can play a game of Civilization II for hours and hours and hours, but I can still get distracted in class.

People often say I was rude even when this was not intended.

I think we have all experienced this from time to time; I know I have.

I have unusually strong, narrow interests.

My academic interests tend to be pretty wide, but I love movies and books and, yes, Trek. (Although lately I've focussed my obsessive energy on Stargate... ;))

I do certain things in an inflexible, repetitive way.

I think I do that... sometimes. Not something I really think about.

I have always had difficulty making friends.

When I was younger, I had a pretty easy time of making friends, but after I moved when I was 16, I found it very difficult. Things are much better now they.

In any case, I would caution against making self-diagnoses in the absence of an assessment by a physician, clinical psychologist, or psychiatrist. Autism and related disorders (like Asperger's) are not well understood, but there is a large range in the degree of "normal" socialization. Keep in mind also that there is a tremendous range in the characteristics of individual personalities. But there should never be the stigma that being/feeling socially awkward or aloof makes one a "freak"!

I think the key is that you qualified all or most of your "yes" answers with "sometimes" or "occassionally." For some of us it is an "all the time" or "most of the time" problem.

You also indicated that many of the problems were in social skills, which can be learned. But that, too, is part of the point. Most people learn these social skills the same way they learn their native language.

Aspies, for whatever reason, don't learn the social skills during the early formative years, and so have to struggle to learn them later. It is similar to the struggle of learning a new language in high school.

In any case, I would caution against making self-diagnoses in the absence of an assessment by a physician, clinical psychologist, or psychiatrist. Autism and related disorders (like Asperger's) are not well understood, but there is a large range in the degree of "normal" socialization. Keep in mind also that there is a tremendous range in the characteristics of individual personalities. But there should never be the stigma that being/feeling socially awkward or aloof makes one a "freak"!

This is excellent advice. It should be kept in mind when comparing Apsperger's symptoms (or any other symptoms) to one's personal experience. But there does come a point when you have to ask if your experiences go beyond normal variations in the human condition. Perhaps if the checklist had been more specific on some of the questions it would have been better.

I find social situations confusing.

This is kind of a general comment. Sometimes social situations can be confusing, sometimes not.

Yes, as listed it is a little general. But with Aspies and their sensory ond perceptual sensitivities there are constant actual distractions ranging from annoying to literally painful.

Most of my problems in this area are in my hearing and my auditory perceptions. Perceptually, I cannot properly filter out foreground sounds from background sounds. If there is another conversation or music in the background I tend to miss a lot in the conversation I'm listening to.

On the other hand if something in the "background noise" is trying to get my attention, I often miss it. I almost never hear pages, even if I am specifically waiting for them. I don't go to clubs, and seldom go to large parties because the music is so loud that it is physically painful.

I find it hard to work out what other people are thinking and feeling.

This is not really an easy thing for anyone - it usually takes some experience with a person to have an intuitive understanding of what they're thinking and feeling.

But it is especially hard for Aspies. Many Aspies are "face blind." They cannot pick up the gestalt of a face, particularly a face showing emotion. From "happy face icons" they can learn the major characteristics of purest forms of the four basic emotions: Sad, Glad, Mad, Scared. But anything with the least bit of subtlety confuses them.

One mother learned this about her Aspie son when she showed him a picture of a face showing "disgust." Her son guessed that the person in the picture was "happy." When she asked him why he thought that, her son replied that the person's teeth were showing, so he must be smiling.

My experience is not nearly this extreme on this point, but there have been far too many times that I didn't realize that I was getting on someone's "last nerve" until it was too late and they exploded.

People often say I was rude even when this was not intended.

I think we have all experienced this from time to time; I know I have.

Once in a while ("from time to time") is one thing, but when more than 2/3 of everyone who has not known you for years claims that you are rude or arrogant that is another thing.

On another site I frequent (another "Asperger's magnet") there is a fellow (Al) that I suspect is an Aspie. I usually find his posts informative and enjoyable. But every time someone new joins the site, within a month they are posting complaints about the tone of Al's posts, claiming that he is condescending and arrogant. Usually I don't see it. Recently I had cause to go back through the sites archives, to when I first joined. Sure enough, I found posts of mine complaining about Al's rudeness.

But it is especially hard for Aspies. Many Aspies are "face blind." They cannot pick up the gestalt of a face, particularly a face showing emotion.

For me, one example is the jibbing (that the right word) that you see in the workplace between co-workers and at school between classmates. I've often had trouble discerning wether or not someones comments were trully meant to hurt me or meant all in good fun. In the workplace, I've had trouble telling if say a supervisor is really upset with me or is just maybe a bit annoyed and they're comments are 95% jibbing or if I've trully offended or let them down.

My experience is not nearly this extreme on this point,

I'm getting the impression that as with many medical 'issues', each of the symptoms can have varying levels of severity. For some, all may be severe, for others maybe half severe while the others are minor and any number of diffrent conditions.

I'm guessing that's another reason that if one suspects they have this disorder that they need to seek professional help before taking action.

Once in a while ("from time to time") is one thing, but when more than 2/3 of everyone who has not known you for years claims that you are rude or arrogant that is another thing.

I've had this problem before. I've had people misread me all of the time. At work, I've had people say I look lost or confused when I'm doing just fine. I'm not the type that chats up with the boss, I'm more a get the job done type (because of being shy and unsure of what's okay to say and what isn't). They may be interpreting this incorrectly.

when I don't or online, people thinking I'm arrogant or a jerk, even those I've known for a long time have made accusations such as those.

For help in recognizing facial emotion, I recommend the book Atlas of Facial Expression. I don't have the book handy at the moment, but it is one of my art instruction books that has been invaluable in providing examples of the more subtle emotions, what muscles produce what expressions, etc.

TomM, I copied (most of) your initial post to another site as I think it is appropriate there also. Hope that's OK.

Do you mind telling me what site you posted at? But unless the site is objectionable for some reason, I have no objections.

Spreading the word that Aspies are different for a reason, and not just "weird" is good. Letting people know that they are not freaks, that there are others like them, and that help is available is good.

It's on the JREF Forum. You need to register to post, but I don't think you need to to read. I know that at least one regular poster from here frequents that area also.
http://forums.randi.org/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=13

Just trying to spread the word -- if I hadn't heard about it (and I teach kids) I'm sure many others had not also.

If that link doesn't work, try

forums.randi.org

and it's under the Science,etc forum.

I found many of the responses on that forum interesting. Especially The ones by "Pragmatist."

For help in recognizing facial emotion, I recommend the book Atlas of Facial Expression. I don't have the book handy at the moment, but it is one of my art instruction books that has been invaluable in providing examples of the more subtle emotions, what muscles produce what expressions, etc.

That sounds like a good dsuggestion.

It just emphasizes a point about Asperger's and learning emotional/social subjects. Most people learn these things "by instinct" as babies, just as they learn their native language. Face-blind Aspies need to make a conscious effort to learn the "grammar and vocabulary" just like learning a foreign language as an adult.

Well, my evaluation is finished, and I am an Aspie. It is good to have a name for my differences and to know that I'm not alone.

But I'm not sure what to do now that I do know. I'm still the same person I've always been. I don't have any suddenly obvious new needs just because I'm an Aspie

If I were younger, there would be programs to help me learn socialization skills, but at my age, I've already learned many of them -- the hard way. Other than that, and perhaps some support (I've been lurking on an Aspie bulletin board. I'll probably register if I stay much longer.), there isn't much to be done for the Asperger's itself.

Most of the treatments are for secondary symptoms or co-morbid conditions. It is not uncommon for PDD to be co-morbid with ADD, AD/HD, OCD, Bi-Polar, or chronic depression.

But I am one of the lucky ones with apparently no co-morbid conditions. Even the secondary symptoms are muted in my case. My dyspraxia is very mild (if it even can be classified as dyspraxia) -- I cannot dive into a swimming pool, or ride a bicycle, but otherwise my balance is strong. My "stims" are understated: I don't "flap," but I do wiggle my fingers as though I were punching keys on a calclator. I have had a lifetime to adjust to the various minor perceptual anomolies and sensory sensitivities.

For now, I guess I'll just live my life as I always have, but I'll keep an eye out on the Aspie bulletin board for anything that I should be working on.

I have begun learning about Asperger's because my son, age 11, certainly appears to display a lot of the symptoms. I am honestly surprised when I read so many of you who think you have the symptoms because you like routine, etc. Who doesn't? To give you an example of the intensity of my son's response to changes in routines, when we put a desk in his room when he was age 6 he threw a tantrum for several hours and then dragged the desk into the hallway and shoved it in a closet - just because it was never there before. If a cleaning lady changed anything in a room - moved a lamp, his yu-gi-oh cards or anything - he would absolutely freak out for several hours. I overcompensated for years believing it was not such a big deal to have stacks of cards and shells and rocks littering the shelves of my home.

In addition, clothes always posed a real problem and I often had to cut out tags, wash clothes several times to make them soft and pick very soft fabrics because clothes bothered him intensely. He appears to have outgrown the rigidness with his belongings being moved and the clothes.

I recently told a teacher that he learned to read in about one hour when he was five. He definitely had all the building blocks from pre-school, but I showed him how to sound out words on a car trip and by the end of the ride, he knew how to read just about anything. His vocabularly is exceptional but he is socially awkward. Although he is only 11, his best friend is a 16 year old boy, who also likes Yu Gi Oh and skateboarding.

He does have some gaze avoidance and in the classroom, apparently withdraws to the point where his teachers are wondering what is wrong with him. But no flaps or wiggling or whatever.

He freaks out at loud noises, bright lights, and a lot of confusion. But he has always made friends and had friends. Now that he is in 6th grade, however, he is somewhat on the outs with kids his age, and perceived as a little different.

He memorizes things very quickly so even though he seldom studies he gets good marks. But because he challenges teachers and doesn't seem to have any respect for those teachers that he doesn't like, his school is wondering what is going on with him. The school psychologist has suggested that he has exhibited depressive symptoms but he doesn't seem depressed to me at home. He is very affectionate, very loving. He does have a bad temper but he seems to be doing better controlling it.

Does this sound like Asperger's and if so, why did he outgrow so many of the symptoms? How can I help him? When I go to a psychologist they always focus on parenting skills but I keep telling them he was like this from day one.

betsy, if there's one thing I could recommend, it would be getting him into a good martial arts program. I have one nine-year-old student with the condition and I see how frazzled his parents are sometimes, but for the most part he does great in class. My new understanding of the condition has helped my instruction of him a lot, also.

I am a 4th Dan Taekwondo Black Belt, but I won't necessarily recommend that above all other martial arts.The key is finding a good martial arts school, and especially a good and honest instructor.

I am honestly surprised when I read so many of you who think you have the symptoms because you like routine, etc. Who doesn't?

Aspergers, along with other Autism Spectrum conditions are part of a continuum. One end of the continuum is totally normal (or what some Aspies classify as "Neuro-Typical"). I suspect that within the Aspie classification section of this continuum I am closer to NT and your son is closer to true Autism.

Does this sound like Asperger's and if so, why did he outgrow so many of the symptoms? How can I help him?

Although Aspies have to learn many of the social skills and other things that come naturally to others, they do learn them. In this way they seem to outgrow many of the symptoms. Likewise, they do begin to acclimate to sensations to which Aspies are more sensitive than NTs.

Check to see if there is anyone in your area who specializes in Aspergers and/or Autism Spectrum. It is still a relatively new area of study and most General Practitioners, and many psychologists do not have enough information about it.

In the meantime, for your own education, I would suggest getting books by Tony Attwood, one of the world's leading experts in Aspies, and I also recommend Freaks, Geeks, and Asperger's Syndrome, by Luke Jackson for an insider look at Aspergers by a young Aspie.

Influx's suggestion of martial arts is a good one. The discipline of the katas does seem to help a lot.

of the list in the first post, I got all but one.

I find social situations confusing.
I don’t find them confusing. Many instances I just don’t share the same interests as others to keep a conversation going. I’m indifferent to sports, I don’t watch TV, I don’t have a particular favorite music or band, I don’t drink nor do I “party,” I typically act based on reason and logic.

I find it hard to make small talk.
I can contribute to small talk. I can initiate small talk if it’s something that I have some interest in. Mostly though, small talk makes itself. However, I would probably be labeled as a hostage taker if I were working with others in a cubicle.

I did not enjoy imaginative story-writing at school.
I enjoyed imaginative story-writing at school, just not the 99% of actual writing that school wants from you.

I am good at picking up details and facts.
I am, but there’s a catch. The details I pick up aren’t the details others would be looking into. For example, for the question of whether the glass is half full or half empty. I’d be asking where’s the rest of the liquid that used to be or should be in the glass.

I find it hard to work out what other people are thinking and feeling.
I only struggle in knowing when its time for me to shut up and leave.

I can focus on certain things for very long periods.
It varies, its more of a mood for me. I like to draw and design things but I can also be burned out. Other times I can focus for the entire day on school or house work.

People often say I was rude even when this was not intended.
People tend to be polite and say nothing thus removing indications that my behavior may be questionable.

I have unusually strong, narrow interests.
I have quite a few interests, in a wide field of topics too. I like history, philosophy, politics, Nitpicking, engineering, etc. However, as I stated above, I’m usually interested in other aspects of topics thus find it difficult to communicate my interests with others. I also like to argue for the sake of arguing. That is, discussion of topics like debate, but without the rigid structure found in a debate.

I do certain things in an inflexible, repetitive way.
I wouldn’t say inflexible, I’d just say I do them based on reason. If I am presented with another method that has a reasonable and I understand that reason, I’ll alter my methodology. Repetitive way; well I don’t think that in itself is a trait of Asperger’s syndrome, simply that something has become habitual.

I have always had difficulty making friends.
I have not always had difficulty making friends, but since high school, I probably don’t have any real friends, that is, close friends that I’d hang out with outside of where ever I see them… such as school. I also don’t have the best short term memory so speaking with other people isn’t always the easiest as I tend to think faster than I speak and get lost trying to process my thoughts.


Basically, if you want my personality, cross breed a Tellerite and a Vulcan, now mix in Attention Deficit Disorder, then stick that person in 21st century USA and you’ll see how I am.

Suffice to say, I don't think I have Aspergers syndrome.

I have it (diagnosed in 1998). And I am proud.

Perhaps that explains my previous troll posts.

Oh well. I no longer behave like that.

That is good. Right?

I think so!