Could Aspergers be a normal personality variant?

Question

I'm doing some research on Aspergers Syndrome and from what I see it appears that the definition of Aspergers has expanded to include some people who do not have any form of autism, merely a certain personality type. I have a sneaking suspicion that the medical community may be looking to treat something that is a normal and possibly quite positive personality type. What do you think?

Answer 1

What is not normal doesn't mean it's defective. Attention should focus on trying to fulfill these children. We have the "right to pursue happiness". Do we as "normal" know what constitutes happiness?

I also suspect that it may be a normal varient but that is only through limited contact with a couple of kids who's parents are good friends and good people.

(this is an edit after reading others' statements)

It must be hard to come to terms if your child is not normal and especially if they will need care beyond your lifespan. It is important to have specific criteria so that people can get specialized care.

Answer 2

I see what you are getting at and yes, the possibility exists that some children/adults may be labelled within the Autism spectrum erroneously. Sometimes, a diagnosis may take place for funding purposes (to provide classroom support in schools for example…however, I would encourage you to widen your research. These are not people who are merely “eccentric” personality types. True Asperger’s is a serious developmental disorder that can have a completely devastating effect on an undiagnosed individual. It generally affects his/her social skills and ability to effectively communicate with the world… There are varying degrees and again, I’m generalizing here, but I don’t see too many positives in living in a friendless world that does not understand you. Adults/children with Asperger's need specialized intervention in learning how to interpret social cues, manage anxiety, and understand how to function and make sense of this world…without intervention “the odds” are not good.

Answer 3

As someone who works in the area of diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders and Asperger's, here are my thoughts, based on clinical experience:

1) It may be helpful to think of Asperger's along the lines of an "Asperger's spectrum," so to speak. This is similar to how depression or anxiety is conceptualized in terms of severity (not etiology or course of illness). For instance, some high functioning Asperger's individuals, similar to people who have "mild" depression, may be able to (and certainly have been in the past) "make it in the world" on their own, without assistance from professionals. In other words, they have symptoms, but have been able to compensate.

2) For many others with Asperger's (just like depression or anxiety)... they find that they cannot function without assistance or supports or group interventions or therapy, they need definite help in school or from professionals, and they have trouble holding down a job or having a satisfactory romantic relationships or making lasting friends... Asperger's for them represents a serious disability and they deserve understanding and help.

The problem with defining Asperger's as ONLY #1... is the risk that others will not get the help they need. This is a very serious problem and cannot be underestimated. I work with children all the time who, because they are seen as "smart," do not get the understanding, help or services that could help them succeeed... and why would the schools or insurance companies feel compelled to pay for help if Asperger's is "only" a personality variant?

I understand that some people find it very stigmatizing to be told that they have a "disability." But the problem is with people and their preconceptions and prejuidices - not with the fact that Asperger's is/can be disabling in and of itself.

Just like the previous poster said, I don't mean to offend anyone... but, based on my clinical experience, Asperger's is a serious developmental disorder that can be extremely disabling... As a psychologist, I just want to make sure that everyone who needs help gets it.

Answer 4

It's possible I suppose, depending on how affected the person is. My son has Asperger's and could easily be considered just a little quirky or nerdy, or sort of like the kid with poor social graces (all are true). It concerns me though, when people confuse Asperger's with autism, referring to it as a mild form of autism. The psychological community has apparently debated this point back and forth, and in my opinion as an Aspie's mom, the two are apples and oranges: both are fruit, but they are totally different fruits. For lack of a more pinpoint summation, I am reasonably sure my son could be thought of as someone with a normal personality variant, as you say, but I venture to say that a person with autism is clearly a person in need of greater care and patience and help. I offer these words with the hopes that I have not offended any in the communities of Aspie's or autistic people or their families, I just wanted to offer my thoughts on the matter, and I hope this helps.

Bright blessings,
Lady Morgana

Answer 5

No, folks with Asperger's Syndrome belong on the autism spectrum. Only a few years ago people with Asperger's would probably be said to have "personality problems," or to be "a little odd" or "kind of different." But continued research into autism--including brain scans, genetic tests, and other medical and scientific studies--have shown that people with Asperger's aren't simply "odd", but have neural and other physical reasons for their behaviors.

I think one of the reasons it is difficult to accept that high-functioning autistic people (which at the moment still includes Asperger's Syndrome) actually have a disorder, is because so many of them have excellent cognitive skills, and look no different from neuro-typical people. This leads us to think that they just need to try a little harder to "be like everybody else," or to "get along with people." But in fact, people with high-functioning autism have different ways of dealing (or not dealing) with sensory data, of perceiving social situations, etc.

And of course, as you know if you've spent time with these folks, they're fascinating people to be around.

Answer 6

I can definetley see your point. Before I was pregnant, I would see children or people acting this way and say, "All he/she needs is discipline and direction......"
After my husband and I had our son which we welcomed wholeheartedly in the world, we noticed right off the bat that he was an exceptionally distant and fussy baby. As a toddler, he was lacking social cues, and had developmental disorders, and significant speech delays. I didnt know what it was all about so I called on therapists (they worked for free), to come and evaluate him. After spending a year with him, they came to the conclustion that he was typical of Aspergers. People dont believe it b/c he looks just like you and me. He is now 6 years old, energetic, and LOVES to imitate movies and movie lines. I have many many other 'examples' for you, but not enough room to write them all down. Needless to say, it's more to it than just looking at someone who is Aspergers and thinking to yourself, all he needs to do is this that and the other and he'll be fine. Its not like you see in the movies where the child is rocking back and forth, and monotone voice muttering a few words at a time, and slapping his face uncontrollabley. You would never know there was a problem with our Aspergers kids b/c there are so many underlying subtle anxiety/speech/developmental issues that the public doenst get right off the bat. There are underlying heightened anxiety issues, there is a physical part of his brain that will not allow him to make those subtle connections.
He is now 6. It took us SIX YEARS to come to the conclustion with many teams of therapists that Aspergers is what he has.
We, as parents, did not wake up one day and say, "HEY, our kid has A B & C symptoms of this syndorme.....lets label and diagnose him!"I
It's much more complicated than that.

Answer 7

People with Asperger's see the world differently and I am always amazed that they usuall excel in a particular area. You could say that it is a variant, but then y ou would have to say Autism is as well or Psychosis. All these folks are wired differently.

Answer 8

I am a teacher of Aspergers students and I have to agree with CCP and Clay. Many of my students memorize statements or phrases so that they can "participate in normal conversation" My students are very smart but have difficulty reading social situations as well as using inferencing skills and applying information to new situations. Maybe mild Aspergers can be categorized as a normal personality variation but there are many degrees of Aspergers , too many to say it is just a personality variation.

Answer 9

You didnt research hard enough people with aspergers learn how to communicate by this i mean they learn certian phrases and use them at appropriate times when they misuse it they dont understand the confusion. My son has aspergers... I can tell him better hurry up this ships leaving he freaks out thinking he is getting on a ship literaly...

Answer 10

It could be, but it also needs to be treated. My kid is borderline Autistic spectrum disorder and it isn't easy to live with. They need social involvement or they isolate themselves. Their brains function differently but they can be very smart in certain areas. There is still so much we need to know about the brain and how it works. Alot of Aspergers can't function in loud situations, some react badly to certain colors.