Living with Aspergers

People with Asperger syndrome are viewed largely in negative terms but, as Rod Morris and Peter Wade explain, it’s inaccurate stereotyping and inappropriate interventions that are most likely to lead to long-term damage

It has been well documented that those with Asperger syndrome or high functioning Autism are vulnerable individuals who will face certain difficulties. These are often highlighted by people who see only the negatives rather than the positives such differences could represent. This lack of positive awareness, combined with an inconsistency of knowledge, usually leads to inaccurate stereotyping of the people concerned and inappropriate interventions which can cause long-term damage.

The reality is that everybody with Asperger syndrome is a unique individual and they do have skills and abilities. Yet they’re often deemed incapable of learning; thus, an ability to achieve much in life may be overlooked. All too often, the focus continues to be on forcing individuals with Asperger syndrome to fit into damaging, inflexible environments. These not only prohibit them from reaching their full potential but also contribute to long term mental health problems which could otherwise be avoided.

Being on the Autistic Spectrum can be worrying and upsetting for all those concerned, but there will be areas in which autistic individuals will excel, compared to the general population. Many are intelligent and have high – if uneven – IQs. People on the autistic spectrum may, for example, have an excellent memory for facts and figures, or a good memory for past situations. Emotional memory can also be a positive attribute, if harnessed in the correct manner, and can be valuable in counselling when combined with empathetic and problem solving skills.

Many people with Asperger syndrome may possess powers of deduction that, when coupled with an attention to detail, could be useful in criminal investigations, while a sensitivity to sound could lead to working in sound recording or music. A sensitivity to visual information can be useful in photography, drawing and visualisation used by architects and artists. Given a sensitivity to the taste and texture of food and drink, people on the autistic spectrum could become great gastronomes and food critics. Time and again, people on the autistic spectrum – benefiting from the relevant understanding and education – have proved themselves to be great innovators and inventors – not only of products, but also of ideas concerning literacy and story-telling.

Although there’s a perception that people on the autistic spectrum show insensitivity and focus only on their own troubles, they can be very sensitive to the plight of disadvantaged people around the world. They can use their sensitivity and wider differences to help others who are in the same position as themselves, or act as arbiters and mediators in dispute situations. The notion that people on the autistic spectrum think in rigidly defined terms – everything being black or white, yes or no – says more about the general population than those with Asperger syndrome.

Individual talents should be supported and built upon, encouraging people with Asperger syndrome to gain greater self respect and to work to change the environment around them in a positive way. There should be less emphasis on competition and more on working together to achieve a common goal. The key is to realise and encourage talent by investigating, understanding, fostering and harnessing it.

Little research has been conducted into “gifted” individuals, although those who are described as such often show the same qualities seen in people with Asperger syndrome. People with high IQs question the world which surrounds them; they are usually single minded and can throw themselves into their work for long, intense periods. These are all aspects associated with Asperger syndrome.

Many also overlook how people with Asperger syndrome tend to make very loyal friends, are generally free from sexism or racism; and will speak out frankly and honestly. They are sincere truth-tellers who will tend to follow the rules of the job.
In short, the way people with Asperger syndrome think should be regarded as a positive attribute, which the rest of society can learn from. When their differences are embraced, the positives can outweigh the negatives and if such vulnerable individuals receive the appropriate assistance then they can lead a good fulfilling life. The goal should not be about “normality”, but encompassing acceptance, love, and communication; the demonising of vulnerable children and adults in society will have consequences for us all. It’s all too easy for those in positions of responsibility to blame their victim rather than look at flaws within themselves or the systems they represent and operate in. However, if recognised and channelled effectively, the positives concerning Asperger syndrome far outweigh the negatives.

WHAT IS ASPERGER SYNDROME?

Named after the Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger who first diagnosed some of its symptoms, Asperger syndrome (also known as Asperger’s, Aspergers or AC) is a neurological condition where difficulties centre on learning, communication and social cohesion. Asperger’s is a form of high-functioning autism, which is thought to affect one in 100 people, and is a part of the autistic spectrum. Those with Asperger’s syndrome are born and live their lives with certain neurological differences, which have not yet been fully understood. Currently, it is thought that less than 5% is known about human neurology, but this still does not prohibit certain individuals labelling Asperger’s as a negative.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Despite being diagnosed with both Asperger syndrome and dyslexia, Rod Morris has earned an honours degree and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. He has also designed courses and gives regular lectures and talks on the subject of Asperger syndrome. Peter Wade is a trained counsellor who works with people with Asperger syndrome and is also the parent of an individual with autism. He is also involved with professional people within this field and gives regular lectures and talks on the subject.

Their aim is to create a positive cohesion between people with Asperger syndrome, parents and professional bodies through education, advice and understanding. Their services are produced by professional individuals who have either been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome or parented and worked closely with them.

Rod and Peter’s new book, Aspergers For Professionals, is available now and will soon be followed by Aspergers For Parents. For further information on either title, or their tailored training programmes and consultancy service, call Peter on 07726 321 691 or visit www.wasp.uk.com.