Asperger Syndrome (AS) individuals are often called “Little Professors” because of their impressive photographic memory. While they may have good rote memory skills, they have difficulty with abstract concepts.AS individuals manifest excellence in the fields of art, music, mathematics, and computer science. Asperger Syndrome is rarely diagnosed and often mistaken as High-Functioning Autism (HFA). Having parallel and overlapping characteristics, both AS and HFA fall under Pervasive Developmental Disorders. Individuals belonging to any of these disorders possess average or above average intellect and standard or superior language skills. However, the distinction between Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism is detected in the person’s ability to communicate. AS individuals develop early, normal language and cognitive skills which are not apparent in individuals with autism.
There are some debates among health professionals as to whether AS is a unique disability with symptoms that are not present in any other disorder or merely an autism with superior intelligence quotient. Asperger Syndrome, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM-IV), is not recorded as belonging to the autism spectrum. However, the fifth edition of American Psychiatric Association, which is to be published in May 2013, formally listed Asperger Syndrome as autism. This declaration infuriated some AS people because they do not want to be branded as autistic.
Majority of AS individuals are actually proud to be diagnosed with the disorder. It is assumed by psychologists and a group of commoners that AS is correlated with above average scholarly quotient that pop culture accounts label as genius. Moreover, It is strongly believed that famous highly intellectual people such as Michelangelo, Glenn Gould, Wolfang Amadeus Mozart, Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison belong to the AS group. Well, who does not want to be associated with these people?
Meet Josh
Josh, a 22-year-old New Zealander, third year architecture student in an Australian university, and president of the university’s student union, is here in our country as a vacationer. He will leave our country this first week of July with fond memories of “smiling, cheerful and friendly people” (that’s what he told me of the Filipinos), and of precious times shared with his newly found Pinoy “special family.”
Josh was strolling down the length of Session Road when he spotted the Fun Run Project of the Autism Society of the Philippines and Play and Say Therapy Center posted at Jet Book Store. The bookstore owner (an officer of ASP Baguio) became curious as to why this guy wanted to participate in the Fun Run and why he was wearing an “autism bracelet” on his left wrist. Surprisingly, this very perfect-looking guy, with no trepidations, no hesitance, with all guts, admitted he belongs to the spectrum. Kudos! How many people could be so willing to admit having a disability? Asked if he could give an impromptu talk to inspire parents with special children, he enthusiastically agreed. That night, word spread among parents of children with disabilities (including yours truly) and therapists, about the event to take place the following day.
The next day, excitedly early, we were all there at the West Burnham Place, awaiting the arrival of this controversial guy. What is he like? Is he normal? Is he just like any typical person, able to mingle with the crowd? Without a trace of the “label”? Queries are mounting in our heads. We are about to witness a first-hand information from a recovered autistic.
Only four years ago, Josh accidentally discovered he has Asperger Syndrome through an audio tape (with his name on it) he found safely camouflaged in a stack of tapes. It contained the conversation between a behavioral doctor and his parents, about the diagnosis of AS in their son. So that was why he was getting all the attention, he thought.
As a child, he remembered, he had trouble putting his shoes on, couldn’t look people in the eyes, had impaired eye/hand coordination and in fact, couldn’t even catch a ball. Moreover, just like any typical autistic, he liked lining up objects; had strong adherence for uniformity, and was hypersensitive to sound. There was one time when he was five that he ran away from school because the noise produced by everyone in the classroom was too overwhelming. He impulsively felt the need to escape. (As what I have researched, observed and written in my other posts: Autistics cannot filter sounds just like normal individuals do. They hear all sounds near or far, soft or loud, with the same deafening decibel. Impossible, yes! But Josh confirmed its veracity. Hearing it from someone who experienced it firsthand erased all doubts this issue may have raised.).
As he grew older, he knew and felt he was different. He was outside norms and was even labeled weird. However, despite some deficits in social interaction, motor movements, and comprehension, Josh manifested excellence in the fields of mathematics, art, music, sports (basketball, soccer, tennis) and mind games, such as chess. What’s more? He could process three or more things at the same time without getting distracted and still get excellent results and pleasant feedback.
The “label” got him a special treatment from everyone. His classmates wrote notes for him and in return, they copied his Math assignments.
Some other facts about Josh:
-He is very good in details; he likes facts and figures.
-He has no fixations.
-He developed social skills as he grew up.
-He had speech therapies at age 5 – 8.
-His parents pushed him to talk to people. His parents’ friends regularly take their children on a one-and-a-half-hour-drive to their house just so they can play.
-He is very honest and modest, and has strong Christian values.
- He believes that Asperger Syndrome is genetic.
-He likes telling not-funny jokes.
- He is very passionate about his chosen field: architecture. He believes that it is something that he really wants to do.
- Even now, he has difficulty mixing with people. He is more comfortable mingling with the younger crowd.
- Just like any regular human being, he always looks up in the sky when he is searching for answers.
- His desk is his familiar place and comfort zone. Sitting on his chair in front of his desk makes him more relaxed and focused on his work.
Some quotes from Josh:
“I want to change the ‘stereotype’.”
“After the discovery, I am more aware of my past.”
“Humming tones down the mind.”
“Tapping has a calming effect; makes it easier to concentrate. It’s like 20 – 80% revitalized.”
“I always wanted to wear the same shirt.”
“People with Aspergers and Autism have too many emotions which cause them to shut down.”
“I never liked reading books but I make my own books, my own characters.”
“In New Zealand, it is very expensive to get a diagnosis but once diagnosed, New Zealand government gives free money.”
Asperger Syndrome diagnosis is increasing. It may be due to its high prevalence or simply because medical professionals are now more aware of the disorder. We may not know it but the “bright” person next to us may be an aspie. Aspies may not even recognize they have it.
I read this somewhere, and it is by far the most interesting, catchy and controversial thought I have ever come across:
"Even God had some Autistic moments, which is why all planets spin."
~ Jerry Newport
