Is anyone farmillar with Asperger's Syndrome?

Question

A really good friend of mine was just diagnosed with AS. I never really noticed anything differnt about her, I mean she's strange, unique really, but that's what makes her so cool. I was wondering about what exactly AS is, what it intails, why I never noticed anything, what I could do to help/be supportive, what kind of treatments she might have to deal with, and such. Also, she's almost 17 and I heard that most people are diagnosed before they're teenagers, like when they're little kids. One more thing, what does As have to do with Autism/what are the differences?

Answer 1

Asperger's Syndrome is a mild form of Autism. You said your friend was strange. Those behaviors that make her strange are probably the symptoms of Asperger's. She probably says things without thinking about the consequences of what she is saying. She probably has some trouble with humor, tells jokes that really aren't funny or doesn't laugh at funny jokes until other people around her laugh. She may display emotions that don't fit with the situation. By the way, kids who have undiagnosed Asperger's are generally called weird by thier peers.

She may start taking medication and will probably start counseling. Ask her what she wants you to do. She will know best how to be supportive.

Answer 2

I won't give a scientific answer, but a somewhat personal one. I know somebody with AS. She's quite functional and highly intelligent, but does occasionally have very strange and inappropriate reactions in certain situations, and seriously panics at the presence of any loud noises. As a child, she was prone to hallucinations of angels and other supernatural beings and was quite shy and panicky. She was severely bullied in school. She has nieces and nephews who are seriously autistic and less than functional, but she holds down a job and is well liked by people who can understand her occasionally weird reactions. Also, she is a brilliant writer with quite a list of publication credits. She is taking no medical treatments whatsoever, and never has.

You can find more information about it here:

http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/aswhatisit.html

From the above site:

"Individuals with AS can exhibit a variety of characteristics and the disorder can range from mild to severe. Persons with AS show marked deficiencies in social skills, have difficulties with transitions or changes and prefer sameness. They often have obsessive routines and may be preoccupied with a particular subject of interest. They have a great deal of difficulty reading nonverbal cues (body language) and very often the individual with AS has difficulty determining proper body space. Often overly sensitive to sounds, tastes, smells, and sights, the person with AS may prefer soft clothing, certain foods, and be bothered by sounds or lights no one else seems to hear or see. It's important to remember that the person with AS perceives the world very differently. Therefore, many behaviors that seem odd or unusual are due to those neurological differences and not the result of intentional rudeness or bad behavior, and most certainly not the result of 'improper parenting'."

Answer 3

Apparently doctors still don't agree on the relationship between Asperger's Syndrome and autism. What seems to be common to the two conditions is that persons who have these conditions do not have the social skills that most people have.
http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/aswhatisit.html

I guess the best way to deal with your friend is to remain a good friend to her.

Answer 4

AS is usually diagnosed in young children. One of my girl friends has a son with AS. He is very intelligent, but was extremely introverted until he went through Occupational Therapy.
*************

Asperger syndrome — also referred to as Asperger's syndrome, Asperger's, or just AS — is one of five neurobiological pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) that is characterized by deficiencies in social and communication skills. It is considered to be part of the autistic spectrum and is differentiated from other PDDs and from high functioning autism (HFA) in that early development is normal and there is no language delay. It is possible for people with AS to have learning disabilities concurrently with Asperger syndrome. In these cases, differential diagnosis is essential to identify subsequent support requirements. Conversely, IQ tests may show normal or superior intelligence, and standard language development compared with classical autism. The diagnosis of AS is complicated by the lack of adoption of a standardized diagnostic screen, and, instead, the use of several different screening instruments and sets of diagnostic criteria. The exact cause of AS is unknown and the prevalence is not firmly established, due partly to the use of differing sets of diagnostic criteria.

AS is characterized by:
Limited interests or preoccupation with a subject to the exclusion of other activities;
Repetitive behaviors or rituals;
Peculiarities in speech and language;
Socially and emotionally inappropriate behavior and interpersonal interaction;
Problems with nonverbal communication; and,
Clumsy and uncoordinated motor movements.

See link below for additional information and links

Answer 5

Yes I am rather knowledgeable the topic, here are some links! :)
Oh and it is Autism but a higher functioning version. I am glad you feel that way about your friends and hope everything goes well!

http://www.aspergers.com/

http://www.geocities.com/athens/atlantis/4462/index.html

Answer 6

Two good web links for you to read and learn.
Good luck!

Answer 7

if i knew what excatly this aspergers syndrome is than i would never had any mental stress.