Asperger's Syndrome tends to be a high functioning condition on the Autistic Spectrum displaying such positive traits as honesty, reliability, dedication and determination.
Tony Attwood has described Asperger's Syndrome as “a different way of approaching life, one that is dominated by knowledge and truth”. He also says that great advances in science and art have been attributable to people thought to have had Aspergers Syndrome ...
Albert Einstein, Alfred Hitchcock, Bill Gates, Charles Darwin, Sir Isaac Newton, Ludwig Van Beethoven, Michael Jackson, Michael Palin, Thomas Edison, Wolfgang Mozart, and Gary McKinnon (the "biggest military computer hacker of all time") the list is endless.
Whilst people with Asperger's may struggle with social and emotional situations they tend to develop amazing strategies to help them deal with their struggles. Frequently perceived as “odd” diagnosing Aspergers is not to lable the person further but to help them plus those around them understand the syndrome, so that all involved can lead a more fulfilling life.
There is a quiz on psychcentral.com/quizzes/autism.htm which is a screening measure to help you determine whether you might have an autism spectrum disorder (including Asperger's). This screening quiz is not designed to make a diagnosis or take the place of a professional diagnosis or consultation.
An excellent book to start with is ‘Freaks, Geeks & Asperger Syndrome’ by Luke Jackson, a teenager who has Aspergers himself. It is written in a down to earth and fun way describing life with Aspergers; which can be then translated into situations the adult will experience. Luke has also written a useful book on diet, ‘A User Guide to the GF/CF Diet for Autism, Asperger Syndrome and AD/HD’.
There are many other sites on the internet offering information on Autism/Aspergers so it is a question of surfing I’m afraid. However www.oaasis.co.uk (Phone 0800-197-3907) can offer much advice, assistance, support and information on Special Needs.
Finally on a workshop I attended the lecturer explained that “we cannot drag a person with Aspergers Syndrome into our world but WE have to step inside theirs to fully understand and help them”, this is a very important fact to remember.
Joy Hazlehurst is a Counsellor at The Hope Street Centre.
If you would like to book an appointment with her please call: 0788-196-6122.
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