Aspberger's syndrome

Socially dysfunctional, lonely and usually accompanied by an obsessive interest in a particular subject. Intelligent. Often with tics and/or other peculiar mannerisms (throat clearing, mumbling, coughing). It also seems as if there is no stop before their thoughts tumble out of their mouths.

I'm not an expert and these are very broad, generalization based on a few experiences.

example:

As a baby she cried only when she was hungry or wet. As long as she could see what was happening she was content to sit and watch. She was an unusually "good" baby with very few emotional demands. When she started to talk (much later than most babies) it was full sentences with correct tenses.

At five she preferred to play quietly, alone. She was absorbed in her play with absolutely no interest in others.

At eight she continued to play alone on the playground. When asked why she preferred this, she replied, "You now how kids are. A disagreement occurs and they start kicking and punching. They haven't a clue about problem solving in a logical or reasonable manner."

At ten her brother refused to go out with her in public because she couldn't modulate her voice and would say rude things about people and embarrass us all. She thought they couldn't hear her.

At eleven she was diagnosed as both gifted and creative.

At twelve she was lonely and angry. By thirteen she was nearly suicidal.

At fifteen she was "on the streets"

At sixteen she turned her life around and became a scholar. She also discovered that she could play any instrument that she picked up. Her brother became her best friend. He took her under his wing and would take her with him everywhere. His friends were her friends.

At eighteen she entered theater school. She went on to earn a bachelor of science. At twenty seven she is an architect.

You don't outgrow Aspberger's but you can be trained to recognize social cues, facial expressions, body language and other peoples feelings. Its a rough and lonely road and I would not wish it on anyone. Relationships are still challenging.

She is, however, a happy and successful adult. She appears poised, confident and highly capable. She works on balance in her life - Tai Chi, weights, swimming, jogging, and healthy eating. She has more will power than anyone I have ever met. She has completely re-designed her image and is very happy with herself.

I took the time to write this because it has a happy ending. I hope you understand that aspberger's is not a final diagnosis for anyone. These kids are some of our brightest and deserve all the help they can get. Social skills can and must be taught so that they can achieve their potential.

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