What is Asperger's

I am self diagnosing although I plan on getting a real diagnosis as soon as possible.

I have researched this extensively on the Internet--my source for so much information--both good and bad.

Asperger's Syndrome name has been around for a very short time--ten years or so.  It is a form of autism which also hasn't been labeled for that many years.  There is no pill to take unfortunately.  It is often misdiagnosed.  Because you can not look at someone and tell, many lay people do not accept it as a serious mental health problem.  But if you are autistic in any form, it is devastating to live with and to change one's personality is almost impossible!!  I am almost 60.  So much is ingrained.  Making changes is so difficult!  But one never gives up!!

This is a brief description of Asperger's syndrome--I chose those characteristics that most pertain to me in putting together this list.  It is not a complete list and not the same for every person.

I have been researching and taking all kinds of tests for this syndrome.    Briefly, this is what I have learned:


What is Asperger’s Syndrome?

Asperger Syndrome (AS) is a neurological condition. People are born with it.  It is genetic.  1 female for every 4 males affected.
One in every 250 people has AS.
AS struggle in certain areas, such as the social realm, and family may not understand that such difficulties are valid and real. Many times, people with AS are blamed for behaviors they cannot control.

People with Asperger Syndrome usually experience:

Difficulty knowing what to say or how to behave in social situations. Many have a tendency to say the “wrong thing.”They may appear awkward or rude, and unintentionally upset others.

A tendency to focus on the details of a given situation and miss the big picture.

Feeling somehow different and disconnected from the rest of the world and not “fitting in”— getting lost in one's head.

Vulnerability to stress, sometimes escalating to psychological or emotional problems including low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.

Difficulty handling finances.

Traits and talents from which individuals with AS often benefit include:

·        Normal to very high intelligence
·        Good verbal skills,including rich vocabularies
·        Originality and creativity including a propensity for “thinking outside the box”
·        Honesty and ingenuity
·        Strong work ethic, with particular attention to accuracy and quality of work
·        Special interests that can be tailored toward productive work or hobbies;

 Individuals with AS who have intensive knowledge in one or more specific areas can channel their expertise toward new discoveries and creations in their chosen field