Vernon L. Smith was a professor and researcher in Economics who had Aspergers syndrome. He eventually went on to collect the Nobel Prize in economics in 2002. He authored or co-authored several books related to economic theory.
Tajiri Satoshi is a Japanese game designer with Aspergers syndrome. He developed a passion for video games as a young person and eventually became the creator of the Pokeman characters and game despite his diagnosis.
Several authors in the world have known Aspergers syndrome. Sometimes writing becomes an outlet for those with Aspergers syndrome because verbal communication is more difficult for them. They tend to be more solitary and then learn to express themselves in the written word.
Music is another way some Aspergers syndrome individuals express themselves. Craig Nichols is a musician and front man for the garage band “The Vines”. Other Aspergers sufferers go on to become accomplished concert musicians or pianists.
It has been speculated that Sir Isaac Newton, Hans Christian Anderson and Thomas Jefferson all suffered from the syndrome. Each took their disability and found ways to shine through and express themselves in social and other situations that led to their success in several fields.
Having Aspergers syndrome doesn’t mean that a child is doomed to be “disabled”. Often, a bit of encouragement and playing to their strengths on the part of parents and teachers can give Aspergers children the self esteem it takes to succeed in whatever area intrigues them.
The Aspergers Comprehensive Handbook
22 comments:
Asperger's sufferers can be so successful mainly because they are more focused and persistent, they do not get distracted and they are not interested in outside society.
Einstein did not speak until he was about 4 years old. Quite often, autistic children go on to have normal lives with the help of proper early schooling and proper supportive parenting.
Why use the term disability in this article at all? (i.e. "eventually became the creator of the Pokeman characters and game despite his disability.")
This doesn't seem like a disability but a profound ability.
It makes it seem like; "despite this terrible disease he still pulled through" rather than; "like all of us he has distinct skills and gaps in his skills. The gap might just be more profound."
Anonymous 3 is right. Asperger's doesn't seem like a disability at all compared to more severe forms of autism. I realize that most people with Asperger's may not have the intellect that the examples possessed, but it would appear that they have a better chance of dealing with their situations than others.
Believe me, it is a disability. My child has it and it is a virtual nightmare to deal with. Those who have become successful adults have learned to use their obsessive behavior to focus and excel. It is not a walk in the park to deal with.
The last person who commented that it is definitely a disability is absolutly correct. My son is 14, has a very high IQ, is in honors classes, and is very gifted in art and music. The problem is he is diabled with low executive function, working memory, and poor social skills. If his head wasn't attached, he would lose it like everything else. He is so smart, and looks "normal", so the educators expect him to function like all the other kids. He lacks any sense of organization, forgets to turn in his homework, and is misunderstood by his peers and teachers. He is frustrated and filled with anxiety over being "different" and the fact that he spends hours on homework, but frequestly loses it or turns it in without his name on it. He will be a freshman next year, and the educators in this town think that you can turn off the "Aspergers Switch" in High School. All he needs is prompts and reminders to go home with the right homework and turn it in the next day. How hard is that? He's got a 4.0 or higher brain, but will probably graduate with a GPA of 1.5 because he has a neurological disorder. Aspergers does not magically get cured when you enter High School. He is expected to learn the same way everyone else does, but he can't. If he gets the highest grade on the test, isn't he proving that he knows the material? No, lets just burn him for every assignment that he forgets so that no college will ever look at him! My son also has the gift of love and compassion for others, but I guess it's just not a two way street. Wake up people, ASPERGERS IS REAL AND IT IS A DISABILITY!!!!!
My 6 YO son has Aspergers. As he gets older and I learn more, I'm trying not to see it as a disability but rather as a difference. Yes, he's classified but that's so he gets what he needs in school. And I fight to get him everything. And we've seen massive results. Which is not to say its a walk in the park now But while he may not grow up to be famous I know that when he does hit on his "thing" his higher function fully engages and he achieves like no child I've ever experienced. So it's others who see him as disabled which right now is mostly a social problem which in time will work itself out.
MY son is 8 yrs old with Asperger's we have come up with Super Aspi. Super Aspi is the one who can do it all he can fly, jump over buildings, save people he can do everything but let my eight year go.It is a DISABILITY my son's IQ is very high and so far we are on point in school. BUT, when Super Aspi show up his hold is unbelievably sometimes he is stronger then me. I speak of Asperger's in this manner as it is not who my 8 yr old is it is WHAT he has. In my mind it's like someone with Lupus or any other disorder which can and does alter the way you may do things.True, Asperger's is life long with no cure coming. Instead of teaching him what he isn't in all of this i spend a lot of time teaching him what he is. He is a very smart person whom can be the best HE can be whatever that is or isn't. Teaching him to love who he is and what AUTISM brings to his/our table. HE my son is a child a person with thoughts and feelings even opinion, sometimes Super Aspi gets in his way. Autism/Asperger's is hard, hard because people have a hard time with what they can't see. (I say to people should i put him a wheelchair for you to see he does have a DISABILITY.)
to the woman with the 14 yo. Yes, I know. My son gets A's but also suffers. His temper is what I worry about him learning to control. I do, and you must also, check in with him for all homework, and remind him over and over like everything else. It's my belief and hope that mother's who are able can be the life line for these kids to succeed, in ways that nobody else including the sons will never notice, but hopefully make a help for them. Ask and remind.
My son has Asperger and he now is an adult. Emotional outburst due to sensory overloads, unexpected changes in routine and needs to unload pressure mounting can easily provoke his outburst. Yet, he quickly returns to say sorry and though he can be self centered and be in his little world he said "I don't understand why you don't understand what I understand I have the same problems with other people what I am going to do to help me not to get angry is to accept that you are different than me and that way I will not get upset from you being different than me". My concerns is that often communication between him and anyone can cause misunderstanding besides emotional outburst and honest but sort of brutal communication and black or white or concrete understanding of everything you say or don't say can create on going battles. I admit I have burnout but hope for a cure and knowing that inside his soul my son is the most tender creature on this earth like his father who also has been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome keeps me going and of course with the help of the one above.
I didn't identify my Aspergers until last year; I am 37 years old. I've masqueraded as a neurotypical all my life and suffered greatly. Like so many of you have said about your children I do have some special gifts and I have achieved some impressive things, but I'm so empty. I am completely misunderstood by NT's and do not see the universe at all like anyone I know. I am completely alone when surrounded by people I love.... If I could trade my "gifts" for a "normal" life I would do it without hesitation.
I was diagnosed with Aspergers 9.5 years ago at the age of 18. I lived a life of being misunderstood by others, being over protected by my parents, and basically gaining almost no living skills. I am 27 now and have made many leaps and strides, and I continue to grow all the time. I have my own apartment, work two jobs, and I'm in school. However, it hasn't been easy. Like the lady's 14 year old son, people look at me and see that I "look" normal, so I must be normal. Then when I mess up on something or have an off day, I get judged harshly. I have some interesting gifts, specifically perfect pitch, and color/pitch synesthesia. However, getting people to understand what I see/feel/hear is almost impossible. I also have problems in romantic relationships. Though I am a woman, I think a lot like a guy and have trouble achieving emotional connectiveness with a man. The rules about relationships do not fit me. I am starting to like myself and appreciate what God has given me, but honestly, if I could trade it all and just be normal I would.
That was an interesting post by revive, she sounds similar to my 30 year old son. What is it in relationships that she thinks would not suit her.
I have a 28 year old son who majored in Computer Science and won every award the school had to offer and was told he was the most talented grad ever. It took him seven years to earn a degree. He had great grades in classes that interested him and flunked those that did not. He went to a liberal arts honors college and being well rounded was stressed. If it was not computers than he wanted nothing to do with it. He left school and moved home with us until I finally said you have to get on your own and can't expect us to shelter and feed you. His dad and I are not going to live forever. He returned to Washington and has been in and out of so many jobs it is sureal. He also changes apartments more than we can count. He decided to take jobs below his skill level and seems to think that if he just concentrates on his work that "HE" feels is important than he will be the next Bill Gates or Steve Jobs. His employers have expectations but my son always wants to do it his way or no way so as talented as he is is always in temp work and never permanent. At 28 and living a distance from him we have no idea if he is dead or alive, homeless or working. He never calls or will e-mail once in a blue moon but never tells us a thing. I think it is a lost cause at this point. He is an adult and there is not much parents can do at a certain point. I think you accept it and move on. The stats are about 80% chance of divorce so we are hoping that he does not head there unless he seeks counseling which he refuses do to. After many years of marriage I am sure his father also has some characteristics and that leaves me to be the rational one and deal with reality since his father is parked in front of the TV and is not really concerned. It is like flying with no landing gear. As heartbreaking as it is for a parent I think you just have to let go at a point. I am terminally ill and he also refuses contact with his brothers. As much as I wish this was not happening it is. It will suck the life out of you if you let it. You have to let go and just hope for the best. I would love to see him one more time but it is not going to happen. I wonder if he will even be able to express emotions like loss of what the future will hold but it is clearly out of my hands.
Some people may want to shoot me on this one, but with the authority given to me by having Aspergers I feel able to say it isn't a DISABILITY, but I as are the majority of people with Aspergers are DISABLED.
Think of it this way; If society were to accept that everybody is different, if everybody in society said what they meant, If society was willing to structured, if clothes were not made with stupid tags in, if there wasn't nausiating wallpaper etc. we would all be fine. In fact if everbody had Aspergers how much better would the world be. Children are not disabled by there Aspergers, but by societys inability to accept and deviate from their societal structure and routine.
Grant
dear grant i am 18 i also have aspergers so does my father and i think you are absolutely right and it brings to mind something by steve jobs called here's to the crazy ones it hits the nail on the head, but i think by 18 an aspergers person will have seen the disability or not things to read and will know that school can be hell but what i really want to know is when i blank insert whatever you want here others see blank who am i to someone without asperger's and how do i tell a girl or a person who i want to understand me how do i explain it and it makes sense to them without having to live with them for three to five years
herpetologist to be with aspergers
phillip taylor cockrell
post script dear reader feel free to find me on facebook or in public i won't mind even if i've never seen you in my life im in minnesota wabasha my cell is on facebook and i have a blog it's public too thanks for reading
my 27 yr old son hasn't been 'officially' diagnosed as an aspie. One of my questions is, should he get the 'official' diagnosis and be labeled with that forever? I've been told by some psychologists that he should, and others that he shouldn't. He doesn't see himself as different, but as a victim of an unkind world. His only friends seem to use him only for rides around town. His loneliness is causing depression, and breaks my heart. He too was in the gifted program from 1st - 12th grade, even though he lost many assignments (same way in college). After 7 yrs of college he has graduated, and recently quit a food service job. He wants to 'get on with life' and use his degree, but seems to have no idea how to apply for a job (way out of the comfort zone). The only support I've found for aspies in my community is for young children - nothing for adults. I have not idea how this kid is going to survive without our support. I hesitate getting the diagnosis for the purpose of financial and medical aid, but what else can be done? Ideas???
To the heartless mother named Anonymous with the 28 year old son, I think he is better off without you. I honestly don't know how God can allow parents like you to exist. The ironic part of it is that you are probably the one who has Aspergers, not your husband. Maybe it is you who is making him depressed, because he can see that you just don't give a damn about your own flesh and blood.
@philthevole
Sorry for my late response it has been a busy Christmas and is still busy now if Im honest. I was not entirely sure what you meant as I was unsure how to fill the gaps knowing so little about you. I will attempt to answer however the question I think was asked.
When you find the right person who you want to be with, dont 'try to act normal', because there is no such thing as normal. Be you and you can always drop it into convo later. If she likes you for who you are, chances are she won't care about a diagnosis.
To the anonymous mother of the 28 year old:
How dare you speak of your son that way, pointing out his every flaw, making it sound like he's worthless. The reason why he probably doesn't stay in contact you and in Washington is probably because of two things:
1. He's sick and tired of you not supporting him and putting him down all the time.
2. He has his own life, just like you do. You can't expect to stay in contact with him every minute of the d*** day.
Parents like you make me absolutely livid, those whom think just because their child/adult has a diagnosed disability, you think you have the right to overprotect them, be all nice to them to their face, talk nasty about them behind their back, whom never supports them in anything they do, even though most claim they do, they don't,etc. And your son's a lost cause, HE'S NOT A LOST CAUSE! All he is doing is working his butt off at every job he can get just to make a living, But most importantly all he really wants to do is live his life and make his own mistakes and learn from them like everyone else with out living in the fear of being judged and without being critized for every decision he makes. I think the best thing for you to do is accept what is and start truly loving and supporting your son, not try to control him and make him feel like he's walking on eggshells! Reading your comment gave me the impression that if you were not controlling your every son's aspect in life, if he did not live his life according to you, you can care less about him. Maybe if you got off your soapbox and realize how crappy you treat your son, maybe you'll see why he wants limited contact with you! He may have Aspergers, a disability, but he's not worthless and a lost cause! Start loving your son, support him, praise every accomplishment he makes big and small, focus on the positive qualities about your son, not his flaws! It's parents like you who should not be parents to disabled kids and adults! LAY OFF YOUR SON, LET HIM LIVE HIS LIFE! Yeah, he's gonna struggle, but we all do due to the status of our economy!
How dare everyone who uses this place as a place to complain about their children! It's not a joke. Oh so what if my child is not "normal" compared to my other child. Their more unique then anyone including you!
Thats is sickening to hear what the mother of the 28 year old said. I have met some guy with asperger and find him to be quite interesting. Yes it may be hard to deal with at times but I'm pretty sure everyone disabled or not are difficult to deal with at some point or another. For you to talk badly about your child as to say he is a lost cause, you should be ashamed of yourself. Being able to have a child is a gift and you should appreciate that you were blessed with one. Shame shame on you!!! Some people can't have and would love to and would make great parents and you have the nerve to abuse and take the privilage for granted.
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