BS: Aspergers Syndrome?

Subject: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 10:11 AM

Hi, y'all!

I'm looking to find out more about Aspergers Syndrome in respect of high ability/functioning individuals who exhibit some symptoms of this condition & if any effective treatments/ therapies may be sought.

There's some info here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger_syndrome#Management

, but I'd appreciate any other info/ suggestions.

Anyone know more?

Thanks in advance,

Mr H

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Wesley S
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 10:16 AM

You'll most likely find more information on line unless you are after personal experiences. What are to trying to find out? But yes - many folks with Aspergers are high functioning. When we saw Temple Grandon speak she showed everyone a picture of NASA and and quiped - "Here's where all the folks with Aspergers work".

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 10:22 AM

There have been threads here in the past about Aspergers and other forms of autism, try a forum search for Aspergers.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 10:28 AM

Wesley S,

Thanks for speedy response.

There's a guy I've known a long time who me & other chums feel may have a form of this syndrome.

He's a very kind & likeable person, but seems to have difficulties in some areas of life, so as he's a good friend, I/we'd like to be able to help him achieve more & consequently have a better social lfe, especially.

It's difficult for me to pin down specifics, but if other info comes in from here, I'll add some behaviour descriptions.

Cheers again.

Mr H

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 10:32 AM

LtS,

Thanks, I did do a forum search prior to initiating this threadthread.cfm?threadid=28631#356374 but its not specific to Aspergers Syndrome, rather a jumble of other topics in which mention of AS is as a tangential thread drift.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Rasener
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 10:39 AM

http://www.autism.org.uk/asperger

http://www.autism-forum.co.uk/

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Jeri
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 10:42 AM

BS: Asperger's Syndrome - facts needed

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: John Hardly
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 10:43 AM

Only slightly off-topic, but Nicholas Sparks, author of such "Chick Books" as "The Notebook", "The Wedding" etc -- in some ways the literary equivalent of Thomas Kinkaide -- nonetheless wrote a rather moving, empathic, and tender account of life with an adult with Asperger's in his novel "Dear John".

I should say, I find Sparks to be a better story-teller than Kinkaide is a painter.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Riginslinger
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 10:58 AM

I've been wondering lately what became of Asperger's people in the past, like during the dark ages, or before some of the talents that they offer society now had much less value in the quest to just simply stay alive.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: ClaireBear
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 12:28 PM

Try this thread instead. Loads of information as I recall.

Claire

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 12:31 PM

There were probably *more* opportunities for them in the Middle Ages, so long as their obsessions were compatible with being a peasant, soldier or monk.

I have read one book that claimed St Francis's companion Brother Juniper as a typical case of high-functioning autism. Take a look at the Little Flowers of St Francis.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Jeri
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 12:33 PM

Same one I posted, Claire. Good thread.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Jeri
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 12:44 PM

Jack, we seem to think everything's better these days, don't we? People living in small towns and villages had to figure out how to work together. They couldn't move away easily and had to face a person's family members. I think that may have given them the incentive to be a bit kinder.

It may be easier these days to avoid the consequences of one's own bad behavior.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: SINSULL
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 12:49 PM

My son attended a school for special needs children. Asberger's and Tourette's were common syndromes among the school population. The Asberger's children often seemed to be rude or just not aware of their social incompetence. In the school setting, they functioned well with constant support and encouragemnet. But outside, both adults and children saw them as targets not recognizing the illness.

Tourette's sufferers were truly tragic. Normal or exceptional intelligence but seen as weird because of tics, shouts, and strange noises. I saw a TV documentary which followed the lives of several Tourette's patients. One was a brilliant surgeon - it was amazing to see him examining his patient while twitching and squeaking, then being totally in control in surgery. I admired him but I admired the school that chose to train him more. Hard to believe he has patients who trust him near them with a scalpel.

My son was friendly with one of the boys with Asburger's. We went to his home several times where the boys both loved video games and were equals in performance and enthusiasm. Away from the games, Robert did not respond to questions, greetings, anything and was often selectively mute. His parents had such love and patience. One of the good things that was available through the school was socila events where the teenagers could go to the movies or a dance and engage in "normal" teenage activities.

Sorry for going on...I am thinking of a few women I know who were involved with men who had less severe forms of Asberger's. I often wonder how they related well enough to form a relationship.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Riginslinger
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 12:50 PM

Also, it seems to me, people dealing with Asperger's can find places to excell today, or at least to survive somewhat comfortably, but in the past, I wonder how they faired. I wonder if some form of social Darwinism kept their numbers down.

                Like Hobos in the 1930's, how many of them might have had symptoms of Asperger's, or some other affliction, that prevented them from joining the mainstream society.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: olddude
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 01:25 PM

When I was a little kid, the great scourge for children was Polio. Governments went all out to find a cause and cure. At that time 1 out of every 2500 kids was affected by Polio. Today 1 out of 150 fall in the autism spectrum disorder and 1 out of every 9 male children with be affected yet there is little government support. Families with Autistic kids live in a hell little could understand. I watched people lose their house, car and their savings trying to help their child because the drug companies don't cover the meds. Why, because of the classification, some drugs that work for autistic kids are not "classified for autistm" so the parents pay out of pocket. It is the great scourge to our children today and something better be done to help. The mercury in the vaccines they say is not the cause yet I watched a beautiful little baby fade away to nothing right after the shot. The problem is, no money is spent to really test it that is one of the causes. Why, the big drug companies and their lobbyist prevent that. It is our kids we are talking about and we are losing them.

If you PM me I will get you the info you need. I do a lot of volenteer work for the autism community

Dan

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Jeri
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 01:40 PM

CDC Studies on Vaccines and Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Perhaps other countries are studying the issue.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Wesley S
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 01:51 PM

Mercury in vaccines is not the cause of autism. Just ask the medical community. They have the proof. And why would they lie to us??

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Cats
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 01:52 PM

I work with students with Aspergers Syndrome. Rather than go into loads of irrelevant information here, pm me and I'll do what I can to help.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: olddude
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 02:07 PM

Let see we tell pregnant not to eat fish because of the mercury, but we give babies 37 shots that contain it by the age of 2 ... hmmmm

and people in the medical field cannot agree, studies say it is safe, specialists in autism say no it is not. The debate continues

My point, more studies are needed. My grand kids when I get them. Will never have a vaccine with mercury in it. The do make vaccines without it but you need to request that. But if you know the exact cause of autism please let everyone know because that would be a big help for the 1 out of 150 that are getting it

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Jeri
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 02:14 PM

This is just a request, but if you want to re-hash the same suspicious crap again and AGAIN, could you please PLEASE have the common decency to START A NEW THREAD and let Mr Happy continue to hope for the help he requested?

Thank you,

Meantime, I apologize for allowing myself to be lured off topic.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Gurney
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 05:19 PM

I remember a long thread about Aspergers Syndrome, or it ended up that way, beside the one that Jeri and Claire pointed out. Maybe 18 months ago?   I contributed several times, unlike this one.
Quite a few musicians, scientists, computer experts, and people in similar professions requiring long-term concentration and persistence and the desire to form order out in the world seem to exibit the personality type.
Silicon Valley is said to be Aspergers central, and becoming more pronounced as aspies marry aspies.

What happened to them in the past? They were priests in primitive times, for a guess, later moving into science and music. High-functioning aspergers, of course.
I don't like to think of what happened to the severe ones, and the autistic people.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Riginslinger
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 10:03 PM

Yes, I agree with Jeri. Mr. Happy started the thread looking for answers and I'm guilty of being one to hi-jack it. I should probably start another thread. Still, as a passing thought, being closely associated with the syndrome, I can't help but wonder what happened to Asperger's folks in times past, and I wonder if they even survived in large numbers.
                Today, he have more humane ways of dealing with these kinds of problems, so many people survive in greater numbers than they would have in the past, and I wonder if this has something to do with the large increase in the numbers of cases.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Paul Burke
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 03:55 AM

What happened to folk in times past? If they were low- functioning and poor they were considered incompetent, lazy and feckless, and starved. If they were high functioning, they got by, sort of, like we do now. If their families were rich, they were considered a bit odd and found a job as a vicar.

As for mercury etc. note thet there's no evidence of an "epidemic" of either autism or Asperger's: but there is of an increased rate of diagnosis (or perhaps labelling). Whereas in the past, parents would do anything to avoid such a diagnosis, now they are practically demanding it.

Try a hymn:

    Aspergers me, Domine, hyssopo, et mundabor:
    
Lavabis me, et super nivem dealbabor.
    
Miserere mei, Deus, secundum magnam misericordiam tuam.
    
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.
    Sicut erat in principio,
et nunc, et semper,
    et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

Or try Aspergers Soup:

Prepare the Aspergers by cutting away and discarding the tough, stringy white ends, reserve 12 Aspergers tips to garnish the soup, then chop the green parts of the rest of the Aspergers into 1 inch (2.5 cm) lengths.

Next, melt the buggers in a large saucepan over a gentle heat and cook the chopped onion in it for 5 minutes, keeping the heat low to prevent the onion colouring. Stir the aspergers into the melted bugger and onion, then put a lid on and let them sweat for about 10 minutes, giving them a stir now and then.

Sprinkle in the tablespoon of flour, stir again to soak up the juices and add the hot chicken stock, a little at a time, stirring after each addition.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 05:41 AM

From Mr. Happy:

"...& if any effective treatments/ therapies may be sought."


Yes, there are many 'treatments & therapies' for Asperger's and Autism, which are hugely successful.

Knowledge
Understanding
Empathy
Compassion
Determination

And above all.....

Love

The knowledge starts right here, the rest will, hopefully, then follow:

Wolf - Autism/Aspergers from the inside.

Wolf is now writing a book about his life. He is writing this for ALL people who not only are on 'the circle' but who have family on 'the circle' too. He has decided to write it because so many people wrote to him on Youtube (on his old video pages) and urged him to do so.

He is a very lovely person, one who has fought long and hard against terrible ignorance and cruelty..and he has come out winning.

He gives many talks around the US, about Aspergers and he LOVES people to write to him via Youtube and to leave him comments on his pages too. He's recently changed many of his videos, the above link leads to his newer ones, which are only just getting started.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 05:45 AM

More important knowledge for you Mr. Happy

If you click on Wolf's name, you'll find more of his videos there.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Rasener
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 06:11 AM

>>Whereas in the past, parents would do anything to avoid such a diagnosis, now they are practically demanding it.<<

What sort of comment is that Paul?

Parents who would do anything to avoid such a diagnosis are not helping their child one little bit and IMHO are more concerned about the embarrasment of having a child who does not fall into the "normal" mould.

12 years ago, we knew that something was wrong with our 1 year old daughter and we started to pay an interest in her behaviour. By 2 it was very evident that something was seriously wrong, but we didn't know what. We involved the health authorities who did lots of tests and observations. After about 9 months of the observations, we were pretty sure she had Autism. However the consultants wouldn't tell us what they thought. So I approached a specialist in London who got in touch with them and within a week we had the answer.She was indeed on the Autistic Spectrum. By 3 and a half she was statemented and we were then in a position to help our lovely daughter. Knowing that diagnosis helped us to understand what was going on and I have spent the rest of the time fighting for her education and development so that when she is 16 she will be equiped as best as can be to meet the cruel hard world.

Becuase of the intervention in the early days, it has helped her to be able to cope with secondary school with one to one support.

Lizzie says it all above this post. Thats us.

So Paul, parents want a diagnosis in order to know how they can best help their child, and thank goodness that is more acceptable these days.
You will never know the heartache and battling that we have had to do, but without the "label" as you say, our daughters education and development may not have been anything like what she has had.

We as parents, owe it to our children to get the very best possible for them. It is not their fault, but it is certainly our responsibilty.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Paul Burke
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 07:04 AM

I was talking about the apparent growth in cognitive disorders. They do exist- they have always existed- but I don't think there's much evidence of growth, just change in diagnostic patterns and attitudes to them. This is to do with the former stigma attached to such disorders- which was thought to reflect on the parents- having been greatly dissipated, and also to do with social factors like classroom assistance available for sufferers, claims for disability benefit etc.

A friend has a son who suffers from a hereditary condition which usually leads to severe learning difficulties. The boy himself has learning difficulties, but in a patchy sort of way- he has some social problems (his father describes him as socially suicidally reckless), and though he can read and do basic maths, he is behind his 15 years in these. At primary school he was statemented, and had a pretty good experience with plenty of one-to-one help in a small school. But when he progressed to secondary school, he was severely bullied, on account of his poor social cognitive ability and learning problems. He was labelled a dummy, in other words.

His parents worked the system to get a diagnosis of autism. he's certainly not autistic in my book, and I suspect yours. He doesn't conform to most descriptions of Asperger's either- I'd call him an ordinary bright 9 year old but in a teenager's body. But the result was a placement in a special school, where he has flourished- from being the inept dummy and butt for everything, he is the capable one, the leader. A great outcome, but based on a fraudulent diagnosis.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Rasener
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 07:13 AM

OK. I see where you are coming from Paul.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 07:42 AM

As I've posted elsewhere, my son has Asperger's and is adapting pretty well at 22; he should graduate from the local state college in December! My husband-to-be is self-diagnosed with Asperger's; I agree that he certainly has strong tendencies that point in that direction.

One thing that's important to stress is that people with AS can have strong connections and relationships with other people- my son has always been deeply attached to his parents and sister, and my SO is loyal, faithful, committed, and both are brilliantly intelligent and creative. And quirky, not always sure how to act, but both also have a great sense of humor- if you can follow them!
Both men are incredibly loveable and appealing, but can be brusque and awkward.
But how I love them!

Allison

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 08:36 AM

My beautiful grand-niece Hailey went from funny, interactive and "normal" to completely withdrawn and mute over about one year's time. She is autistic. I am seeing huge numbers of children in the same condition. Their parents aren't fighting for the diagnosis. These children do not interact without constant one on one attention, training and special tools.

I did not see any children like these before about 1980. Had they existed - keep in mind I was at the age when all my friends were having babies - I would have known of them.

I do not agree that the increase is due simply to more diagnoses of the condition. Something is going on. Something that is so obvious and simple that when it is "discovered" we will shake our heads and wonder how we could have missed it.

Meantime, we have thousands of children growing up autistic who will have to be integrated into the population and enabled to live productive, happy lives.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Riginslinger
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 08:55 AM

They will live lives, probably not happy lives!

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 09:17 AM

I disagree. With families who love and encourage them, they will find where they belong. 40 years ago a Down's Syndrome (then Mongoloid) child was institutionalized or kept out of the public eye. Now we see them in TV commercials and working "real" jobs in corporations across the country. Marriage and children are are options.

I am not trying to be a Pollyanna. Circumstances dictate the lives of all children.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Paul Burke
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 09:47 AM

For those who are interested, this blog (which takes the view that the autistic spectrum is part of natural human variation) is interesting.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Penny S.
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 02:32 PM

I did have a compilation of lists that someone had filed at school, and am just running a search for it on my external hard drive. Found, but it is long. I'll post it in snippits. The original sources were on the web, and I found them by posting critical quotes from the lists.

I did cut parts, as I was interested with regard to a particular person, so you would be better going back to the sources.


They have a great deal of difficulty reading nonverbal cues (body language) and very often the individual with AS has difficulty determining proper body space.

, tastes, smells, and sights, the person with AS may prefer soft clothing, certain foods, and be bothered by sounds or lights no one else seems to hear or see.


A., as manifested by at least two of the following:
, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction
failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
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)
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
apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals
stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)
persistent preoccupation with parts of objects

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Penny S.
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 02:33 PM

Second tranche

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)
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
. 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.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Penny S.
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 02:35 PM

GILLBERG'S CRITERIA FOR ASPERGER'S DISORDER
1.Severe impairment in reciprocal social interaction
(at least two of the following)
(
(b) lack of desire to interact with peers
(c)
(d)
2.All-absorbing narrow interest
(at least one of the following)
(a) exclusion of other activities
(
(c) more rote than meaning
3.
(a) on self, in aspects of life
(
4.Speech and language problems
(at least three of the following)
(a) delayed development
(b) superficially perfect expressive language
(c) formal, pedantic language
(d) odd prosody, peculiar voice characteristics
(e) impairment of comprehension including
5.Non-verbal communication problems
(at least one of the following)
(a) limited use of gestures
(b) clumsy/gauche body language
(d) inappropriate expression
(e) peculiar, stiff gaze
6.Motor clumsiness: poor performance on neurodevelopmental examination
(All six criteria must be met for confirmation of diagnosis.)

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Penny S.
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 02:36 PM

One of the key characteristics of persons with Aspergers Disorder is their social impairment. They are unable to read social cues or body language. You could stare at the ceiling during the conversation and they would not catch on that you were not listening. There is also a problem understanding the give and take of a conversation. Asperger's persons will talk at you not with you.
Asperger's kids need their lives to be routine and that routine must be adhered to. If there is a change especially a sudden one they are unable to cope. Spontaneity is not that that you find with persons suffering from Asperger's Syndrome
In general, orderly things appeal to people with Asperger's. Some researchers mention the imposition of rigid routines (on self or others) as a criterion for diagnosing this condition. It appears that changes to their routines cause inordinate levels of anxiety for at least some people with this condition In general, orderly things appeal to people with Asperger's. Some researchers mention the imposition of rigid routines (on self or others) as a criterion for diagnosing this condition. It appears that changes to their routines cause inordinate levels of anxiety for at least some people with this condition
Some are also unable to block out certain repetitive stimuli, such as the constant ticking of a clock. Whereas most children stop registering this sound after a short time and can hear it only if they consciously listen for it, the child with Asperger's can become distracted, agitated, or even (in rare cases) violent if the sound is not removed.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Penny S.
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 02:38 PM

marked deficiencies in social skills

have difficulties with transitions or changes and prefer sameness

Often overly sensitive to sounds

extremely literal and have difficulty using language in a social context.

Qualitative impairment in social interaction:

a) marked impairments in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze
b) lack of social or emotional reciprocity
The disturbance causes clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning
In social interaction, many people with Asperger's syndrome demonstrate gaze avoidance and may actually turn away at the same moment as greeting another
inability to interact with peers
lack of appreciation of social cues
socially and emotionally inappropriate behaviour
b) repetitive adherence to area of interest
Imposition of routines and interests
(at least one of the following) b) on others
misinterpretations of literal/implied meanings
(c) limited facial expression



I don't know that these will be particularly helpful as this lot does seem a bit negative.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Penny S.
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 02:52 PM

There's loads of good stuff out there.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: GUEST,floater
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 04:40 PM

Hi have just read some of the threads regarding Aspergers syndrome but no one seems tohave mentioned if the suffer is aware of any of these symptoms.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: GUEST,Sawzaw
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 04:56 PM

I know somone who has a son suffering from it.

A shortened description of his symptoms is that he is intelligent, makes these autistic like movements, cannot handle any changes in his environment or activities and he seems to live in his own world. Everything has to be familiar and routine or he goes bananas.

She says it is because of a buildup of toxic metals and such in his blood that his body is unable to eliminate.

She feeds him a special organic diet, no additives, gluten or dairy products etc. etc.

The most effective thing I have seen is to give him a bath in Epsom salts. It makes him almost normal for several hours. Seems the Epsom salt draws bad things out of his body.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 04:59 PM

To all who쳌fve contributed so far, many thanks.

Me & mutual fiends who쳌fre familiar with the chap in question are not experts in psychiatry/ psychology, & we쳌fre guessing our friend may have this disorder, but he쳌fs never been officially diagnosed.

He쳌fs 59 & has been married 30 yrs & has 3 grown up children who쳌fre all bright as a button.

His wife told me many years ago that apart from herself, I was his only friend & that he쳌fd always had probs forming close relationships with others.


***

I'll continue to read with interest your mostly helpful comments

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 05:08 PM

'........but no one seems tohave mentioned if the suffer is aware of any of these symptoms.'

'Er - well - perhaps not, but others have noticed it.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Thompson
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 05:31 PM

Asperger's is at the high end of the autism spectrum, as I understand it.

It's popular among people ignorant of the illness to assume that it's imaginary, in much the way that people with asthma used to be told it was imaginary. Not helpful, honestly.

The most famous person with autism/Asperger's is
Dr Temple Grandin , who has made videos and written books about what it means. A bunch of her books are on Google Books if you want to take a look, as are plenty of videos of hers on Google Video.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Riginslinger
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 06:34 PM

My son was diagnosed with it, and when I read the list of symptoms, I could instantly see where it came from.

             I was always aware, I think, that there was a little something out of the ordinary, but, of course, this condition wasn't uncovered until 1994. But I think if someone was a candidate for Asperger's, and assuming that person was an adult, if someone told him/her what the symptoms were, he/she would know right away that they had it.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Gurney
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 07:20 PM

Another symptom is inordinate sensitivity to smells, particularly petrol/gasoline and perfume. By sensitivity, I mean they/we don't like them!
Also, sensitivity to movement. Roller-coasters are very much out. Even undulating roads cause distress.

I can't see Aspergers as a serious problem, in the mild form that I believe I have it. It is just a personality type, and often a type that has benefitted the human race very greatly, considering the scientists and musicians who are reckoned to be subject to it. It will become even less of a problem as teachers become aware of it and make accommodation for aspies.........

Further symptom. We don't know when to stop.....

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 29 Aug 08 - 05:12 AM

Some've the ways my friend's affected are these:

His hand/ eye co-ordination is poor & has probs catching a ball or hitting one with a bat [while playing with the children]

Can appear quite clumsy, knocking things over, dropping things

Has frequent accidents, falling over, falling from bike, & sustaining lots've injuries through not seeming able to put out a hand etc to save himself.

He's quite a pleasing singing voice, & enjoys it more if musicians [such as me & other chums] accompany his renditions.

His timing for music is extremely wobbly, & its quite hard for us to play along, 쳌etho we try our best.

He tends to use song books & after having sung the 1st line of a verse, leaves no pause before continuing to the next line. He쳌fll carry on like this all the way through songs, as though he were reading a page of text, rather than poetry or song.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 29 Aug 08 - 05:20 AM

Similarly at ceilidhs, country dances etc, he always gets in a big muddle even though the dances are called – it's an absolute scream for onlookers to see his hilarious antics!

But please don't mistake, we're laughing with not at him.


***********************

A sympton someone mentioned above is that those with AS can be observed to talk at others, rather than to them - our friend frequently exhibits this behaviour

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: GUEST,JD
Date: 29 Aug 08 - 06:57 AM

Does your friend know that you're writing about him like this on a global forum?

If he doesn't I think it's disgusting. You've mentioned very vague symptoms:

hey he's clumsy - lots of us are
his musical timing ain't great - most people's isn't
he likes people to play along with his singing - many do

I really don't thin you should start trying to diagnose a 'syndrome' from internet chitcat

John

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 29 Aug 08 - 05:03 PM

An inspirational BBC documentary about one woman and her 7 children. All 4 boys have a mixture of autism/aspergers/adhd/dyslexia. All 3 girls have none.

Part 5 deals with the optical side of things and how coloured lenses can make a huge improvement in the lives of some autistic people.

'MY FAMILY & AUTISM'

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Riginslinger
Date: 29 Aug 08 - 05:06 PM

It does seem to affect boys to a much greater extent than boys, doesn't it?

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 29 Aug 08 - 05:20 PM

And this is the other documentary, which runs in conjunction with the one above:

'THE AUTISM PUZZLE'

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Riginslinger
Date: 29 Aug 08 - 05:34 PM

I mean affect boys more than girls, sorry.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 30 Aug 08 - 07:27 AM

How very strange...

I put all those links in last night, to both BBC documentaries, which were highly informative and illumnating...and this morning *every single* one of them has been removed.

Now, if I were a little paranoid......... ?


Sorry, to the good people who may have wanted to watch them.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 30 Aug 08 - 07:37 AM

I should add that they've been removed by Youtube, not Mudcat.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 30 Aug 08 - 07:45 AM

Ok, here is a series of links to an entire film about Marty Murphy, a lovely lady, whose life was transformed by people who loved and understood her..

They have been put onto the internet by the man who made the film, Graham Streeter, so they are out there on Youtube and on his site, with his full knowledge and permission. So they will not get to 'strangely disappear' as the ones above did.

Return To Autism - Normal Folk - A Film

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 31 Aug 08 - 05:44 AM

GUEST,JD,

Thanks for your comments & obvious concern.

I'm not asking the www folks out of any maliciousness towards my friend, on the contrary, even though I've checked out the links provided by respondents here & elsewhere, I'm seeking other unobtrusive yet effective ways of pointing him towards making more of his talents.

Hope you can understand my motives better now

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 31 Aug 08 - 05:51 AM

.........also, I don't feel I've breached any confidentiality as regards this individual, as no one here can possibly identify him

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Riginslinger
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 12:16 AM

There might be something else going on, though, Mr. Happy. In the material I've read about Aspergers, I don't recall seeing anything about bad coordination and/or dropping things, and developments of that nature. It's mostly about difficulty communicating and reading body language, and organizing things to the nth degree, and etc.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 03:49 AM

"His hand/ eye co-ordination is poor & has probs catching a ball or hitting one with a bat [while playing with the children] Can appear quite clumsy, knocking things over, dropping things. Has frequent accidents, falling over, falling from bike, & sustaining lots've injuries through not seeming able to put out a hand etc to save himself.He's quite a pleasing singing voice, & enjoys it more if musicians [such as me & other chums] accompany his renditions.
His timing for music is extremely wobbly, & its quite hard for us to play along, 쳌etho we try our best."



He may well have Dyspraxia.

He may also be Dyslexic.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Megan L
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 04:04 AM

If you have not discussed this with him and have not told him about this thread then you are not a friend a friend does not gossip about you behind your back even in the guise of being concerned.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 07:38 AM

Megan L,

See PM

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: GUEST,Dr Steve Benson
Date: 23 Sep 08 - 06:28 AM

Yet another apocryphal vision completely unmarred by evidence. Read the papers, there is so much bad science out there that people come to believe stupid things. MMR vaccine cause autism? A sample of 6 and something written by a rank amateur gets more prominence than the voice of reason supported by evidence. There is a genetic component to Asperger's syndrome and since Asperger's people tend to work in similar professions they tend to meet and marry - this accounts for a marginal increase in frequency due to breeding, diagnosis is better now and this accounts for a little more. Aspergers is a sociable syndrome which means it is often accompanied by other syndrome such as OCD etc., Asperger's like symptoms can be observed in some people who have sustained brain damage due to injury or disease - an in some people it can even be learned behaviour or symptomatic of abuse or neglect. Relying on a fallible memory to recall the 1980s is bit dumb ... nostalgia isn't what it used to be ... show us your reseach and evidence.

By the way I have Asperger's syndrome and have come to regard it as a professional asset.

Subject: RE: BS: Aspergers Syndrome?
From: Riginslinger
Date: 23 Sep 08 - 07:40 AM

"There is a genetic component to Asperger's syndrome and since Asperger's people tend to work in similar professions they tend to meet and marry - this accounts for a marginal increase in frequency due to breeding..."


                  It might be marginal now, but in todays socail atmosphere it would seem to increase in frequency. As time passes, it would also seem to increase the numbers in the general population substantially.