The Myths About Aspergers

By Mark Hutten, M.A.
The mysterious nature of Aspergers (high functioning autism) has led to a number of misconceptions about this syndrome as well as the individuals who have it. Overall, it has been a very misunderstood disorder, especially when it comes to distinguishing it from lower levels of autism. 

A lot of people talk about Aspergers and compare it to autism. But this is not completely accurate. Those with Aspergers are not as impaired as a person with autism. Because of this, they are able to go to college, balance a checkbook, drive a car and function pretty normally. In many cases, it's just somebody who's socially awkward. Even this awkwardness can be misconstrued as "acting out".

One misconception is that they are intentionally acting weird for attention, which is not the case. A lot of attributions are made about their behaviors that are negative, because people just don't understand.

Just as there are many misconceptions about those who actually have Aspergers, recent attention of the disorder has also led to misdiagnoses of those who do not have the syndrome. It is very misdiagnosed, and a lot of people without Aspergers get a diagnosis of Aspergers. Somebody might be really socially weird -- for example, really into 'Star Trek' or dragons. This does not mean that they have Aspergers. The point is that you can't really just make that generalization.

Aspergers, a higher functioning autism spectrum disorder, is very misunderstood by the general population. Here are 12 common myths regarding the condition and the children who have it:

1. MYTH: All Aspergers children are nerds, or all nerds are Aspergers children…

Fact: Many Aspergers children have interests that can be considered nerdy, but not everyone who considers themselves “nerds” has Aspergers.

2. MYTH: All children with Aspergers want to be cured…

Fact: Many Aspergers children are against finding a cure, as their Aspergers traits are an integral part of who they are.

3. MYTH: Aspergers is a disease…

Fact: Aspergers is simply a neurological difference.

4. MYTH: Aspergers is caused by vaccines…

Fact: The theory that vaccinations cause autism and Aspergers has been disproved by a number of studies. It is now thought to be caused by genetics.

5. MYTH: Aspergers is just an excuse to not be a part of society and it doesn’t actually exist…

Fact: Most Aspergers children desperately want to be part of society – they just don’t know how to do it.

6. MYTH: Aspergers adults cannot form romantic relationships…

Fact: Though many Aspergers adults have trouble initiating romantic relationships and may have difficulty knowing what to do in a relationship, Aspergers adults can and do date, get married, and have children just like everyone else. It is important for these individuals to find a partner who is able to be understanding of their condition and the idiosyncrasies that come with it. It is also important for them to make an effort to see things from their neurotypical partner’s perspective.

7. MYTH: Everyone with Aspergers is a genius…

Fact: Some children with Aspergers are geniuses, some are of average intelligence. Many are in the “above average” range, however.

8. MYTH: Life is more difficult for Aspergers males than females…

Fact: Females have a different set of challenges than males, such as being more likely to be taken advantage of by neurotypical males.

9. MYTH: Only children can have Aspergers…

Fact: Though adults are able to develop better ways of coping and blending in with society, it is a lifelong condition. Many Aspergers adults have trouble getting a formal diagnosis, as it wasn’t included in the DSM until 1994.

10. MYTH: Only males can have Aspergers...

Fact: There are many females with the condition, though many females remain undiagnosed for a variety of reasons, including the fact that girls are better at blending in, and that some AS traits are seen as more socially acceptable in girls.

11. MYTH: Children with Aspergers have no empathy for others…

Fact: Though Aspergers children may have trouble showing empathy, most do have the ability to care about other human beings.

12. MYTH: Children with Aspergers are mentally retarded…

Fact: To be diagnosed with Aspergers, an individual must have at least normal intelligence.


The Aspergers Comprehensive Handbook

Popular posts from this blog

List of Symptoms for High-Functioning Autism

By Mark Hutten, M.A.
Image
"Is there a list of symptoms or traits associated with high functioning autism in children? We currently have suspicions that our 6 y.o. son may be on the autism spectrum and are wondering if we should take the next step and have him assessed."    Below is a list of common traits among children and teens with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's. However, no child will exhibit all of these traits. Also, the degree (i.e., mild to severe) to which any particular trait is experienced will vary from child to child. Emotions and Sensitivities:    An emotional incident can determine the mood for the day. Becomes overwhelmed with too much verbal direction. Calmed by external stimulation (e.g., soothing sound, brushing, rotating object, constant pressure). Desires comfort items (e.g., blankets, teddy, rock, string). Difficulty with loud or sudden sounds. Emotions can pass very suddenly or are drawn out for a long period of time. Inappropriate touching of self in
Read more

The Telltale Signs of ASD Level 1 [High-Functioning Autism]: A Comprehensive Checklist

By Mark Hutten, M.A.
Image
Below you will find the majority of symptoms associated with High-Functioning Autism (HFA), also referred to as Asperger’s. The HFA child will not usually have all of these traits. We will look at the following categories: sensory sensitivities, cognitive issues, motor clumsiness, narrow range of interests, insistence on set routines, impairments in language, and difficulty with reciprocal social interactions. Sensory Sensitivity Checklist— 1. Difficulty in visual areas: Avoids eye contact Displays discomfort/anxiety when looking at certain pictures (e.g., the child feels as if the visual experience is closing in on him) Engages in intense staring Stands too close to objects or people 2. Difficulty in auditory areas: Covers ears when certain sounds are made Displays an inability to focus when surrounded by multiple sounds (e.g., shopping mall, airport, party) Displays extreme fear when unexpected noises occur Fearful of the sounds particular objects make
Read more

Traits of Partners/Spouses with Aspergers

By Mark Hutten, M.A.
Image
The partner with Aspergers (high functioning autism) can manifest a wide range of varying behaviors with varying intensities. However feedback from their partners in marriage suggests there are many common threads in their experience of marriage. Below is a list of some common characteristics of the marriage experience and of the partner with Aspergers, as described by members of our website: • A tendency to correct and instruct those around them. • After marriage the partner with Aspergers often seems to lose motivation to keep working on the quality of the relationship as though the wedding day has “completed” their pursuit, allowing them to pursue other interests. • An essential need to have things done in a prescribed manner or order. • Apparent evidence that the partner with Aspergers is not “reading” situations or people intuitively and is consequently behaving insensitively or inappropriately for the circumstances. • Interests and hobbies of some par
Read more