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Aspergers and the "Fixated Personality" Type

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In previous posts, we talked about the “ avoidant personality ,” the “ approach personality ,” and the “ disruptive personality ” in Aspergers (high functioning autistic) children, teens and adults. In this post, we will examine the fourth and final type called the “ fixated personality .” The fixated personality type can be characterized by a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and the need to control one’s environment (e.g., to have things in a particular order). Some of the symptoms of the fixated personality type may include: compulsion to make lists and/or schedules feelings of excessive doubt and caution obsessive need for cleanliness perfectionism (that may sometimes interfere with task-completion) preoccupation with order and organization preoccupation with remembering and paying attention to minute details and facts rigid following of rules and regulations rigidity or inflexibility of beliefs stubbornness unreasonable insistence that others subm

Aspergers and the “Disruptive Personality” Type

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In previous posts, we talked about the “ avoidant personality ” and the “ approach personality ” in Aspergers (high functioning autistic) children, teens and adults. In this post, we will examine the “disruptive personality,” which unfortunately presents the most challenges to parents and teachers. The disruptive personality is: a type of cognitive-behavioral style in which the "Aspie's" way of thinking, perceiving situations, and relating to others is sometimes destructive often comorbid with ADHD and/or ODD Aspergers children and teens with disruptive personality typically have little regard for right and wrong. They may often violate the rights of others, landing in frequent trouble or conflict. They may lie, behave violently, and have drug and alcohol problems. Also, Aspies with disruptive personality may not be able to fulfill responsibilities to family, school, or work. Disruptive personality traits may include: Aggressive or violent behavior

Aspergers Adults with Avoidant Personality: Self-Help Strategies

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Adult "Aspies" (i.e., people with Aspergers or high-functioning autism) with Avoidant Personality experience a long-standing feeling of inadequacy due to the lack of social skills that result from mind-blindness. This influences the Aspie to be socially inhibited. Because of these feelings of inadequacy and inhibition, these individuals will often seek to avoid work, school, or any activities that involve socializing or interacting with others (e.g., many young Aspergers adults with Avoidant Personality are still living with their parents and playing video games rather than working, going to college, getting married, etc.). The major problems associated with the Avoidant Personality style occur in social and occupational functioning. The low self-esteem is associated with restricted interpersonal contacts. These Aspies may become relatively isolated and usually do not have a large social support network that can help them weather crises. They desire affection and ac

Transitioning to Adulthood: Help for Older Teens with Aspergers and HFA

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The greatest challenge you will face as a mother or father of an Aspergers or high functioning autistic (HFA) child is supporting him or her through the transition to adulthood. As protective (or over-protective) as you may be, at some point you will be ready for your teenager to leave home to venture out on his own into the adult world. Of course your relationship with your adult child will continue long after he or she leaves the nest, and your loving support can help with “grown-up” responsibilities. Is your 18 or 19-year-old teenager ready for adulthood? Answer yes or no to the following questions: Can your adolescent drive? Can your adolescent make meals and snacks for himself? Do you get frustrated with your adolescent's inability to complete projects? Do you give your adolescent opportunities to make his own decisions? Do you give your adolescent positive feedback? Do you listen to your adolescent's problems, make suggestions and then allow him to choose