Aspies (those who have Asperger’s Syndrome) are confronted with magnitudes more sensory information than a neurotypical (someone without any neurological abnormalities). With all five senses cranked up to eleven like this, it helps a lot to have a bit of help along the way.
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What do you know about Aspies?
"Aspies" is a shortened form of the word Asperger's. Asperger's is a type of autism. Individuals with Asperger's have average to above average intelligence and a good command of language, but great difficulty with social interaction. Keep reading to learn ten fascinating about Aspies. Fact One: Many Aspies are underemployed or unemployed.
Do Aspies get the silent treatment?
The silent treatmentis really a cruel form of abuse and it includes more, like ignoring and shunning, and treating you as if your opinion doesn’t count. Yes, many of our Aspies have severe anxiety, and some cross wiring that makes it difficult for them to feel and talk at the same time.
How can I Help my Aspie with social anxiety disorder?
I would recommend reminding your aspie how you feel about them. It will mean the world to him or her. Social breaks are an essential coping mechanism for aspies. When an aspie is overwhelmed by what is going on around him or her it is sometimes not possible to keep interacting with people.
Why are Aspies so hard to diagnose?
Because of their normal or high intelligence, they miss being diagnosed. Fact Six: Aspies are capable of displaying love and affection. One of the biggest myths surrounding Aspies is regarding their ability to give or show affection.
What is the best treatment for Asperger's syndrome?
TreatmentSocial skills training. In groups or one-on-one sessions, therapists teach your child how to interact with others and express themselves in more appropriate ways. ... Speech-language therapy. This helps improve your kid's communication skills. ... Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). ... Parent education and training.
Is Asperger's Syndrome special needs?
If a school aged student is diagnosed with high functioning Autism or Asperger's Syndrome (hereinafter referred to collectively as “Asperger's”) and has special needs that rise to the level of requiring special education services, he or she would be classified and receive an Individualized Education Plan (“IEP”).
Why do people with Aspergers have special interests?
Special interests are one of the most common characteristics of people with autism. Historically, some interventions for autism have tried to limit them or use them largely as a reward for good behavior. But many people with autism consider these interests to be an important strength and a way to relieve stress.
Is there any treatment for Asperger's syndrome?
There's no cure for Asperger's syndrome. However, these treatments may help autistic adults cope with symptoms and difficulties. Cognitive behavioral therapy. A therapist can help you cope with some of the emotional effects of autism, such as social isolation and anxiety.
What happens if Aspergers goes untreated?
Some of the effects of unaddressed or untreated Asperger's syndrome may include: Social isolation. Difficulty making and keeping friends. Challenges in finding and maintaining steady employment.
Is Aspergers considered an intellectual disability?
Another distinction between Asperger's Disorder and autism concerns cognitive ability. While some individuals with autism have intellectual disabilities, by definition, a person with Asperger's Disorder cannot have a “clinically significant” cognitive delay, and most possess average to above-average intelligence.
How long do special interests last?
Some children move from one interest or obsession to another, and the interests last for weeks or months before they change. Others develop an interest – for example, in trains – in early childhood and continue this interest through adolescence and into adulthood. Some autistic children and teenagers have rituals.
What does a special interest look like?
A distinguishing aspect of special interests is their intensity: They can be so absorbing that they are the only thing the person wants to do or talk about. These interests are extremely common among people with autism: 75 to 95 percent have them.
How often do special interests change?
When will it end? Special interests can seem to arrive from nowhere and last for weeks, months or even years. One thing is fairly certain – when one interest ends it will be replaced by another.
Why is Asperger's no longer a diagnosis?
The reason behind the reclassification of Asperger's syndrome was its similarity to autism, and the fact that it was distinguished from the latter based simply on a lack of language and cognitive delay — which, interestingly, isn't something every individual on the spectrum experiences.
What is the most distinctive symptom of a person with Asperger's?
One telltale sign of Asperger's syndrome is having difficulty in social situations. Common symptoms of Asperger's that may impact social interaction or communication include: Problems making or maintaining friendships. Isolation or minimal interaction in social situations.
How does occupational therapy help with Asperger's?
More specifically, if a person is having difficulty with social skills among friends or within the community, an occupational therapist can help identify the underlying reason of the difficulty. Once a likely cause or causes have been defined, treatment can begin.
What type of therapy is used for Asperger's?
A type of therapy called applied behavior analysis ( ABA) may also be used.
How does treatment for ASD work?
Treatment often focus es on teaching children how to better interact with others. This can promote positive behaviors while discouraging negative behavior s. Treatment for ASD isn’t just focused on behavior therapies, though. There are a variety of other possible treatments, including medications and dietary changes.
What is autism spectrum disorder?
ASD is a group of neurodevelopmental conditions that affect the way a person communicates and behaves. Continue reading to learn about treatment for Asperger’s syndrome and ASD.
What are some ways to help someone with Asperger's?
Psychological therapy . A variety of psychological therapies can be used to treat Asperger’s. Some examples include: Cognitive behavioral therapy , which can help to address conditions like anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges facing someone with Asperger’s. Social skills training, which can help someone with Asperger’s understand ...
Why is it important to get diagnosed early?
Receiving an early diagnosis for ASD is important so that treatment can begin as early as possible. The type of symptoms and their severity can vary from child to child. Symptoms are grouped into two categories: issues with social interaction and behavioral patterns. People with Asperger’s generally have strong verbal and intellectual skills ...
What is the goal of treatment for autism?
The overall goal of treatment is to increase a person with ASD’s ability to function. Even though Asperger’s is a milder form of autism, children can greatly benefit from early treatment intervention. Treatment can provide them with important social and behavioral tools that they can use for the rest of their lives.
Does music therapy help with Asperger's?
of 10 studies found that music therapy conducted by a trained professional may help to improve communication, social skills, and recognition of feelings or emotions in children with ASD. The review didn’t address Asperger’s specifically, although some of the studies reviewed included children with Asperger’s.
What happens when an aspie is put in a new situation?
Sometimes when an aspie is put into a new or otherwise uncomfortable situation there will be some amount annoyance or even distress. The inverse is also true! Familiar places are a great source of comfort to an aspie.
What do aspies carry?
A considerable number of aspies carry items such as sunglasses, earbuds, headphones, and comfortable clothing because it provides help in loud, bright, or otherwise uncomfortable environments . I personally tend to carry earbuds very frequently, and sunglasses when I’m smart enough to remember to bring them!
Why do aspies make repetitive sounds?
4 – A repetitive sound (Sometimes Echolalia) Aspies making repetitive sounds are often trying to calm themselves down. Making those noises work because the repetition and consistency of it make the world more familiar and gives the aspie a chance to calm down.
Why do aspies listen to songs on loop?
Aspies tend to listen to songs on loop because a beloved song playing again and again is relaxing, as it is familiar. Just as with favorite movies, the repetition and familiarity of re-experiencing something from the past are refreshi ng.
What is an aspie house?
A part of the house, a familiar building, or even the slightly different bounce of a family car as it moves along the road are far more comfortable than an unfamiliar version of those places. All of these locations become familiar and are held with great fondness to an aspie.
Is repetitive movement good for aspies?
Repetitive movement is a good thing for most aspies, even if it can be a touch annoying at times to bystanders. Wringing of the hands, tugging on the ear or hair, and an array of other things are perfect examples of stress relieving repetitive movements. In fact, there is a range of stim toys that are designed to work with this very tendency!
Can you hug an aspie?
Please don’t hug the aspie in your life thinking it will help, without express permission. For this reason, I would recommend talking to him or her about it to see if he or she would like a hug in such situations! For those who do like hugs, it’s typically really tight ones that do the most good.
What is an aspie?
“Aspies” is a shortened form of the word Asperger’s. Asperger’s is a type of autism. Individuals with Asperger’s have average to above average intelligence and a good command of language, but great difficulty with social interaction.
What skills do Aspies have?
Fact Eight: Many Aspies have advanced visual spatial skills . There are many individuals with Asperger’s who enjoy putting together puzzles, reading blueprints, putting mechanical things together or taking them apart, and creating intricate designs with pattern blocks or other figures.
When are aspies diagnosed?
Many parents of Aspies say their children were diagnosed at age 8 or later due to their child appearing “normal” in most situations. Many Aspies rarely exhibit the stereotypic or repetitive behaviors displayed by most individuals with autism such as flapping, spinning or twirling.
What is the myth about Asperger's?
One of the biggest myths surrounding Aspies is regarding their ability to give or show affection. Many Asperger’s children and adults can develop deep and loving bonds with parents, siblings and other adults they get to know well. They are not emotionally cold or disconnected to everyone they come in contact with.
When do aspies realize they are different?
Many Aspies state they come to the realization they are different, usually in early adolescence. Some state they know they are supposed to understand facial expressions, make eye contact and laugh at jokes. They simply don’t know how to change their behavior and act “normally”.
Who was Hans Asperger?
Dr. Hans Asperger was an Austrian pediatrician who, during World War II, first encountered children who displayed atypical social behaviors. He noted the children had large vocabularies and normal-to-high intelligence, but lived in their own isolated world.
Can Asperger's students be in special education?
Since many Aspies tend to be bright and succeed in academics, most Asperger’s students can remain in general education classrooms throughout their entire school life. They rarely require (or are unfortunately not allowed) special education class placement or services needed by other autistic children.
When was Asperger's added to the DSM?
Asperger’s was added in 1994 to the list of disorders in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).
When do Asperger's children start having problems?
Asperger’s children may not be identified as such until they start having social problems at age eight or nine. They are the children who are “little professors” at four and five, but later become lonely, with few friends.
What part of the brain does Asperger's call?
The British autism researcher Simon Baron-Cohen has done functional MRI studies indicating that normal people activate the amygdala to judge the expression in another person’s eyes, but people with Asperger’s call on fronto-temporal regions of the brain.
What is Baron Cohen's view on autism?
Baron-Cohen looks upon the milder variants of autism and Asperger’s as differences in cognitive styles. Normal people are good at “folk psychology” (social interactions), he says, and people with Asperger’s are interested in “folk physics” (how things work).
What does it mean when the brain is packed tightly?
Small cells are packed tightly in these immature parts of the brain, signifying true immature development, not damage or atrophy. Brains from people with autism are more immature in hippocampus development than are Asperger’s brains, which may help explain the cognition problems we see in low-functioning autism.
What is the difference between Asperger's and normal mind?
The Asperger’s mind enjoys and focuses on details, while the normal mind is more skilled at assembling whole concepts from details. Some people with Asperger’s are visual thinkers and others are math, music, or number thinkers, but all think in specifics.
Is autism a medical disorder?
An adult diagnosed with autism who has limited speech or no speech is also outside the realm of normal variation; there exists a true medical disorder. An Asperger’s child, on the other hand, has much more normal speech development and may learn to read at an early age.
What is an aspie?
Aspies are math or computer geeks with no creativity. We can be found in a wide variety of fields. For example, there are many autistic adults with artistic talent, and the Asperger/Autism Network has an Artist Collaborative. AS makes people violent.
What is the common trait of an aspie?
AS and similar traits seem to run in families. “Black and white thinking” is common among Aspies. However, we may be able to appreciate “shades of gray” in some situations, especially with the assistance of others. Anxiety about change can lead many Aspies to have rigid routines. AS makes it hard to read social cues.
What are some interesting facts about Asperger's?
Facts About Asperger’s Syndrome 1 AS is a lifelong difference – like having blue eyes or being left-handed. There is no “cure,” and many of us have no desire to be cured. 2 The autistic mind tends to focus in a narrow, intense way. As a result, many of us have deep interests (or “special interests”) about which we are knowledgeable and passionate. Autism and college happen to be two of mine. 3 Aspies are often attuned to small details but may have difficulty with executive functioning – organizing and completing tasks – and seeing “the big picture.” 4 AS and similar traits seem to run in families. 5 “Black and white thinking” is common among Aspies. However, we may be able to appreciate “shades of gray” in some situations, especially with the assistance of others. 6 Anxiety about change can lead many Aspies to have rigid routines. 7 AS makes it hard to read social cues. This can lead to social awkwardness and isolation. 8 Communicating nonverbally (e.g., with facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice) can be difficult. On the other hand, some Aspies are quite talented actors. 9 Many Aspies have sensory sensitivities (or reduced sensitivity) and are hyper-aware of sounds, smells, tastes, or other sensations. These sensitivities can lead to avoidance of certain situations (e.g., bright lights, crowds, spicy foods).
What are the characteristics of an aspie?
Aspies have an extensive pattern of traits that distinguish us from “neurotypicals,” even though we may sometimes have a good deal in common as well. Aspies are “savants” or geniuses. An estimated 10-25% of autistic people have exceptional talents or abilities. Aspies range from average IQ to highly intelligent.
When are aspies diagnosed?
AS is diagnosed in childhood. Many adults have been diagnosed with AS in their 50s or 60s – or not diagnosed at all. In our research on older autistic adults, virtually all were diagnosed after age 40. It’s likely that there are many older adults who don’t know they’re Aspies. AS is a mental disorder or disability.
Do aspies make eye contact?
Aspies don’t make eye contact. Many of us make excellent eye contact, at least some of the time–often because we have learned this is an expected behavior. Others find eye contact uncomfortable, unhelpful, or distracting, as we have difficulty “reading” the nonverbal messages people communicate with their eyes.
Do aspies have sensitivity?
On the other hand, some Aspies are quite talented actors. Many Aspies have sensory sensitivities (or reduced sensitivity) and are hyper-aware of sounds, smells, tastes, or other sensations. These sensitivities can lead to avoidance of certain situations (e.g., bright lights, crowds, spicy foods).
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In working with Aspergers (high functioning autism) children and teens – as well as their parents – I can say categorically that it’s not uncommon for individuals with Aspergers to get a “bad rap.” It’s not fair – it’s not right – but it’s reality. Aspies are generally seen as a little strange (or extremely strange).
My child has been rejected by his peers, ridiculed and bullied !!!
Social rejection has devastating effects in many areas of functioning. Because the ASD child tends to internalize how others treat him, rejection damages self-esteem and often causes anxiety and depression. As the child feels worse about himself and becomes more anxious and depressed – he performs worse, socially and intellectually.
How to Prevent Meltdowns in Children on the Spectrum
Meltdowns are not a pretty sight. They are somewhat like overblown temper tantrums, but unlike tantrums, meltdowns can last anywhere from ten minutes to over an hour. When it starts, the Asperger's or HFA child is totally out-of-control. When it ends, both you and your child are totally exhausted. But... don’t breathe a sigh of relief yet.
Parenting Defiant Teens on the Spectrum
Although Aspergers [high-functioning autism] is at the milder end of the autism spectrum, the challenges parents face when disciplining a teenager on the spectrum are more difficult than they would be with an average teen.
Older Teens and Young Adult Children with ASD Still Living At Home
Your older teenager or young “adult child” isn’t sure what to do, and he is asking you for money every few days. How do you cut the purse strings and teach him to be independent? Parents of teens with ASD face many problems that other parents do not. Time is running out for teaching their adolescent how to become an independent adult.
Parenting Children and Teens with High-Functioning Autism
Two traits often found in kids with High-Functioning Autism are “mind-blindness” (i.e., the inability to predict the beliefs and intentions of others) and “alexithymia” (i.e., the inability to identify and interpret emotional signals in others). These two traits reduce the youngster’s ability to empathize with peers.
Highly Effective Research-Based Parenting Strategies for Children with Asperger's and HFA
Become an expert in helping your child cope with his or her “out-of-control” emotions, inability to make and keep friends, stress, anger, thinking errors, and resistance to change.
Neurotypicals interpret the truth as negative
In my experience this seems to be the case. Do neurotypicals have some kind of unwritten social rule that you can't be negative?I always get labelled as negative whenever I point out the truth. Planet is dying? I'm negative. Economy is fucked up and collapses every 5 years? Negative.
Finally found a way to explain masking to my mum
I was trying to find a way to let her understand me a bit better, and I remembered that a while ago I read something along the lines of "autistic traits are human traits." That got me to find a way of explaining masking in a clear way to her.
Do you feel you get fatigued quicker than most people?
Sometimes I wonder if I have chronic fatigue syndrome but other times I hear about Autistic burnout and wonder if I have that. Obviously socializing is going to be more draining for us due to masking and sensory issues probably make going out harder for us as well.
Therapist said something interesting, what do you think?
I had an assessment this week. I am undiagnosed but feel like I will be diagnosed soon.
1 – A Familiar Object
2 – A Trustworthy Friend
3 – A Familiar Activity
4 – A Repetitive Sound
5 – A Song on Loop
6 – A Familiar Place
7 – A Soothing Smell
8 – Repetitive Movement
- Repetitive movement is a good thing for most aspies, even if it can be a touch annoying at times to bystanders. Wringing of the hands, tugging on the ear or hair, and an array of other things are perfect examples of stress relieving repetitive movements. In fact, there is a range of stim toys that are designed to work with this very tendency!
9 – A Strong Hug
10 – A Quiet Room