Thursday, December 14, 2006
Asperger's again
Asperger's Syndrome is related to autism, and I was referred to a recent issue of one of the major newsmagazines that discusses Auttsm. I also found, while doing work on my knowledge base, that 2006 has been designated as International Asperger's year. I followed the linke from Wikipedia on the subject.
I've noticed that some of the symptoms described do seem to apply to me.
It's typoical of Asperger's Syndrome for a person affected to be very literal in their thought processes. I've noticed that I have just such a tendency. I kave always had trouble recogniing when people are "just kidding". I also have a tendency to overlook the emotional content of what is being said to me and focus on the literal meaning, and I tend to focus on the literal meaning of what I say. I seem to have difficulty expresssing my feelings. It's not impossible, it's just hard.
Miscommunication is such a common problem that I've xome to expect it. While I seem to express myself reasonably well in writing, ordinary conversation is another matter. My own ability to communicate deteriorates badly when I'm under emotional stress. I have a tendency to either withdraw or explode.
Another trait typical of of Asperger's is a tandency to focus intensely on one or a ew narrow interests. With me, it's one or two at a time. It's very difficult to be balanced. I either overdo something, or underdo it. I have difficulty with both pulling myself away from one of those interests, and focusing on things that aren't onoe of those current interests.
The difficulties I have had in dealing with people, especially with family members, have been frequently atrributed to either ill will, or character flaws. I'm not sure it's either one. I certainly make no claim to moral pefection, but those who ae most severe with my various shortcomings usually fall rather short of angelic themselves.
I've noticed that some of the symptoms described do seem to apply to me.
It's typoical of Asperger's Syndrome for a person affected to be very literal in their thought processes. I've noticed that I have just such a tendency. I kave always had trouble recogniing when people are "just kidding". I also have a tendency to overlook the emotional content of what is being said to me and focus on the literal meaning, and I tend to focus on the literal meaning of what I say. I seem to have difficulty expresssing my feelings. It's not impossible, it's just hard.
Miscommunication is such a common problem that I've xome to expect it. While I seem to express myself reasonably well in writing, ordinary conversation is another matter. My own ability to communicate deteriorates badly when I'm under emotional stress. I have a tendency to either withdraw or explode.
Another trait typical of of Asperger's is a tandency to focus intensely on one or a ew narrow interests. With me, it's one or two at a time. It's very difficult to be balanced. I either overdo something, or underdo it. I have difficulty with both pulling myself away from one of those interests, and focusing on things that aren't onoe of those current interests.
The difficulties I have had in dealing with people, especially with family members, have been frequently atrributed to either ill will, or character flaws. I'm not sure it's either one. I certainly make no claim to moral pefection, but those who ae most severe with my various shortcomings usually fall rather short of angelic themselves.
