You’re Anti-Social!: Dealing with Asperger’s Syndrome by John M. Ellison IV

When I was about 15, my mom and I were at the grocery store doing some shopping. In the peripherals, there was a fieldtrip going on. My mom noticed this one little boy that wouldn’t walk down the aisle that had very pungent cleaning agents. My mom noticed this and asked the woman that led the group “what was wrong with the boy? My son had the same problem when he was younger and still kind of does.” The woman explained that he was autistic. My mom had an epiphany and we rushed back home to look into autism.
Back at the house, I remember being in my room reading some book on music theory or something. My mom walked into my room with these papers she printed out. I noticed she had this energy that emanated an aura of good news and resolution to a longtime confliction. She explained that I fit the profile of being on the autistic spectrum and what I have is called “Asperger’s Syndrome.” I read the print out and I could see a parallel to parts of my personality and the symptoms. To understand what Asperger’s Syndrome more, we went to a therapist who specialized in autism for an official diagnosis. Our suspicions were confirmed that the findings were accurate.

To anybody reading this, this shouldn’t be that much of a revelation. I’ve talked about this or I’ve referred to me being on the “spectrum” on my twitter account a few times but never really went in-depth about it. I guess I’m only talking about it because April is “Autism Awareness Month.” Understand, like fingerprints or snowflakes, no two cases are exactly alike. I underlined, highlighted and added an addendum to my symptoms and how they differ from the text book definition. Some of these symptoms I still deal with but some of these have actually weaned over the years.

I guess I’m expatiating on this because I’m tired of people that are on the autistic spectrum being seen as weird or perceived as incompetent and to explain to people that they’re different degrees of Asperger’s Syndrome/Autism. If some of my readers are parents and have a child on the autistic spectrum, hopefully this can help the parent understand them better.

Not pick up on social cues and may lack inborn social skills, such as being able to read others’ body language, start or maintain a conversation, and take turns talking.”

Unless it’s a concert with my preferred genre of music, a convention that’s subject I’m interest in (ex. comics, anime, music etc.) When I’m out my realm, it gets a bit awkward on my end.

“Dislike any changes in routines.”

Saying “Yes” would be an understatement.

“Have a formal style of speaking that is advanced for his or her age. For example, the child may use the word “beckon” instead of “call” or the word “return” instead of “come back.”

Well, when I was in Kindergarten, some kid walked in on me while I was in the bathroom I was embarrassed by this and told the teacher I was “humiliated.” She never heard any kid in her class use a 5 syllable word and I also was reading at a high school level in 2nd grade.

“Avoid eye contact or stare at others.”

Hence the reason I wear sunglasses like 95 percent of the time. It’s nothing personal, I learned with some people that you happen to be looking in their direction while deep in thought and they…putting it eloquently “go ape shit.” To even add more fun to the equation, it’s been ingrained in our society to assume that people who don’t make eye contact are shifty. If we ever meet in public and I’m not looking right at you, don’t take it personally.

“Have unusual facial expressions or postures.”

I’ve been told that I wear my expressions on my face.

“Be preoccupied with only one or few interests, which he or she may be very knowledgeable about. Many children with Asperger’s syndrome are overly interested in parts of a whole or in unusual activities, such as designing houses, drawing highly detailed scenes, or studying astronomy. They may show an unusual interest in certain topics such as snakes, names of stars, or dinosaurs.”

Well, let’s see…I have a website about music, politics and other subjects that’s basically an extension of my personality since I was about 8. It was either writing about this or I just babble on with somebody. Also, who decides what’s considered an “unusual” or usual interest? At least I try to “broaden my perspective.”

“Talk a lot, usually about a favorite subject. One-sided conversations are common. Internal thoughts are often verbalized.”

See the previous answer. As awkward as I am, if you give me like 15-20 minutes to feel comfortable around you or if I can feel in the situation then I usually can’t shut up.

“Have delayed motor development. Your child may be late in learning to use a fork or spoon, ride a bike, or catch a ball. He or she may have an awkward walk. Handwriting is often poor.”

A definite on learning how to ride a bike, but being 260-ish weight wise, yeah you can assume that I know how to use a fork. I guess I don’t have a “swagger” when I walk I just…walk. My handwriting…not too bad but could be better.

“Have heightened sensitivity and become over stimulated by loud noises, lights, or strong tastes or textures.”

Yeah…let’s just say that the clanging metal of shopping carts really sucks.

In closing, “Does it suck to have Asperger’s?” I usually respond, “Well, it could be worse, I could be ‘normal’…”

For more information:
http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/tc/aspergers-syndrome-symptoms

Here’s a list of famous people on the Autistic Spectrum
http://www.asperger-syndrome.me.uk/people.htm