Asperger's Disorder
From the Miriam-Webster Dictionary: a developmental disorder resembling autism that is characterized by impaired social interaction, by restricted and repetitive behaviors and activities, and by normal language and cognitive development — called also Asperger's Syndrome.
An Open Letter About My Experience With Asperger's Disorder
My desire in writing this letter is to help increase awareness and understanding of some of the challenges faced by adults who, like me, are affected by Asperger's Disorder1. By describing some of my personal experiences I hope I can dispel some of the common misconceptions about those of us with Asperger’s. Please try to maintain an open mind as I seek to show you what it is like to be an adult with Asperger’s Disorder.
Introduction
First, let me give you a little personal background.
I am an adult male in my late thirties. I have a son who is autistic2, a daughter with Asperger’s Disorder and a niece who is also autistic. I too have Asperger’s Disorder. Because I have learned to compensate for some the difficulties Asperger’s causes me and because of my relatively high IQ (I won’t tell you how high) I am considered to be ‘high functioning’. I am a computer professional. I enjoy reading, writing, watching TV and spending time with my family.
- 1. Asperger's syndrome, also called Asperger's disorder, is a type of pervasive development disorder (PDD). PDDs are a group of conditions that involve delays in the development of many basic skills, most notably the ability to socialize with others, to communicate, and to use imagination.
Although Asperger's syndrome is similar in some ways to Autism -- another, more severe type of PDD -- there are some important differences. Children with Asperger's syndrome typically function better than do those with autism. In addition, children with Asperger's syndrome generally have normal intelligence and near-normal language development, although they may develop problems communicating as they get older.(http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/mental-health-aspergers-syndrome)
- 2. Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), a group of illnesses that involve delays in the development of many basic skills, most notably the ability to socialize or form relationships with others as well as the ability to communicate and to use imagination (including fantasy play). Children with autism and related disorders often are confused in their thinking and generally have problems understanding the world around them.
In addition to problems with social interaction, imagination, and communication, children with autism also have a limited range of interests. Many children with autism (nearly 75%) also have mental retardation. In many cases, children with autism are unable to emotionally bond with their parents or other family members.
