I found out recently that I have Asperger's, and I'm not sure whether that's the reason why I seem to have a tough time making friends. Does being diagnosed with Asperger's REALLY affect your life at all?
2006-10-21 15:30:22 · 4 answers · asked by MMG 2 in Social Science ➔ Sociology
I don't mean to be cruel. But, that's sort of like asking if I have a labotimy, will it make me sad? Yes but no. Having a labotimy (spelling?) would be sad but you wouldn't be sad any more. Asperger's WILL affect your social life but you won't know it, not at first, because, at first, you won't even care.
Asperger's Syndrome has a dramatic effect on the maturation of social skills. Very often, children with aspergers are DISINTERESTED in and even FEARFUL of social situations and, therefore, don't expose themselves willingly to experiences to improve social skills. Peers, by contrast, look for social situations and experiment during them much like a child with a toy. They learn what gets them praise and more attention. More often than not, they benefit from the weaknesses of others, including those with Asperger's. So the child with Asperger's doesn't develop skills, is used by those who do develop those skills and the very skills become like secrets that nobody ever shares with them.
This causes the person with Asperger's to become more cautious and less interested in social situations which compounds the problem. Add to the situation the fact that most people look for friends in people who are at least as socially mature as they are and you see the dilemma. Potential Friend does not become Real Friend because they notice your skill set is not as advanced as their's is. You can fake it by lying, stealing or cheating, but that has a limited life cycle. Or you can face the fact that making friends will require a lot of work, self understanding, courage and at least a little bit of understanding from those who will become your friends.
The solution for the person with Asperger's is good people who understand their struggle and work with them to understand and develop social skills they lack. This is a case where love never fails.
Unfortunately, the person with Asperger's doesn't seem to care about social development until it's kind of already too late. They will undoubtedly be left behind by the socially elite who depend upon their existence for their own 'shine'.
Fortunately, some good people do exist out there. Hard to find, but they are out there. I've seen it happen. Choose your friends wisely. Show your strengths, acknowledge your weaknesses and walk with courage.
2006-10-21 16:17:25 · answer #1 · answered by Jeffrey B 2 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Yes, social issues are one of the symptoms. You can find a support group though, or find a psychologist who can recomend some therapies to try out in the world to help you learn some more social skills. It doesn't have to affect your life!
2006-10-21 15:38:44 · answer #2 · answered by averyanne77 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
life is what you're making it my buddy... this may sound stupid notwithstanding it wont impression your social health until eventually YOU enable it impression it! you're making the right selections to socialise and function relaxing, and also you would possibly want to! in case you decide on to enable your minor minor minor diseases get the finest of your life, they'll. this is all on your means! satisfied residing! God Bless!
2016-12-05 02:18:39 · answer #3 · answered by Erika 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, it can. Find a support group where you can talk to others who have a similar diagnosis. Good luck!!
2006-10-21 15:31:55 · answer #4 · answered by parental unit 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋