Asperger's Syndrome: The Disease of Geniuses

The mildest form of autism is a common occurrence among geniuses

Asperger's Syndrome is on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) list, as the mildest form of autism or high-functioning autism. On the other hand, it is a disease of genius people.

People who do not know anything about this syndrome think that "aspergers" are strange. But in fact, they are usually even more "normal" than we are. They clearly follow the sequence in the actions, and have less expressions. Often these are geniuses who reach incredible heights in some field of science. This is because their intelligence is closely focused on one topic. So they have an interest in one particular subject and become experts in this field. For example, a child of five years of age can understand functioning of electric motors as an engineer, or world of dinosaurs like a paleontologist, simply because he is very interested.

How do people with Asperger's syndrome differ from the others?

"Aspergers" are quite sensitive natures open to the world. And the fact that sometimes they seem closed and detached - is just an attempt to protect themselves. The fact is that their brain digests a huge amount of incoming information. For example, looking out the window, they immediately analyze how many leaves are on a branch, how many different types of plants are in sight, in what sequence a pigeon pecks grain, etc... And when it collects too much information, wants to be excluded. Otherwise, due to saturation - can suffer a nervous breakdown.

Also, "aspergers" can experience a nerve breakdown by very emotional speech, too loud sounds or too bright, or quickly changing pictures.

An important feature of a person with Asperger's syndrome is difficulties in communication, the basic characteristic of autism. Because of these features of information perception, a person with Asperger's Syndrome has difficulties in communicating with people. But sometimes they just do not need communication, simply do not feel the need to talk. In addition and very often, during the conversation, "aspergers" do not look at the eyes of their interlocutor. As a rule, this is due to the fact that he wants to better understand what he has heard. In this way, they avoid over-concentration on the physical appearance of the interlocutor.

Besides they may have difficulty in understanding allegories, jokes, irony and sarcasm. How to start a conversation and how to finish it. They may also have problems with the implementation of unwritten social norms. For example, people with Asperger's syndrome can stand very far away from their interlocutor, or very close. Also can react indifferently or rudely.

People with Asperger's syndrome do not like change. So "aspergers" prefer to eat only familiar food, and in limited quantities, wear the same clothes, travel the same route, wake up at a specific time, and the like... For example, eat only green, yellow and white food - with one form and taste, wear only a shirt and jeans...

How to live with Asperger's syndrome?

People with Asperger's syndrome live a normal life, with some minor differences. As a rule, such persons are highly functional, with an excellent IQ level. Thanks to that, they are well-versed in the exact sciences (mathematics, physics...) However, their thinking is different from the thinking of ordinary people and they observe the situation by looking only one part of it, often without noticing the other parts, which is actually very close.

Most often does not require special treatment, because Asperger's syndrome is not a pathology. For those who are near such a person, it is enough to understand what is happening to him and act accordingly.

So, if you notice a manifestations of this syndrome in the child, you do not need to force him. For example, to eat whatever it is offered or to wear different things every day. Provide him several identical shirts and pants - and he will be very happy. Also, these children can not be punished, it is important to maintain a daily routine and do not invent surprises. The child with AS may need psychological help - to improve communication skills or improve his nutrition. It is hard to endure, when a child eats only a potato with sausages of one certain brand. In addition, it is harmful to his health.

If you meet someone who is behaving in the described mode - show understanding. "Aspergers" are good and smart people - and many of them are genius.

Famous people with autism

If you're interested, here is a list of famous people with autism, ranked by fame and popularity.

> For this post I used Pixabay images <