What is it Like Having Asperger's Syndrome?

Individuals who have been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome usually have characteristics in common with each other but may have symptoms that vary in intensity or may have more symptoms than the next person. The main symptoms which all individuals who have Asperger's Syndrome have in common is that they have a great deal of difficulty dealing with social situations. They have difficulties understanding or taking social cues; have been bullied in school for being different, odd, and even eccentric. They have a great deal of difficulty with non-verbal communications. Social situations can be very confusing times for someone with Asperger's Syndrome.

Those with Asperger's Syndrome find it difficult usually to make "small talk" at parties or other social gatherings. They have a great deal of trouble when asked to come up with an imaginative piece at school, as they are very literal people. They are good at recognizing details and facts, but cannot interpret what others are thinking or feeling based on body language and other non-verbal communications. They are often accused of being rude in public even though that was not the intention of the person. They like routine and doing things by rote. They can get extremely agitated when they experience changes. They are often accused of being inflexible and that they have repetitive behaviors such as wringing hands, or flapping hands.

Recognizing the symptoms of those who have Asperger's syndrome and relating them to someone who has not been diagnosed yet can give a sense of relief that there is a name for what they have been experiencing all their life; there is a diagnosis to be had, support and treatment that can bring relief.

Having Asperger’s Syndrome can be like driving down the street blindfolded or having a conversation with a person that you are very interested in talking to but someone turned down the volume on your hearing aid. Think of all the things you do on a daily basis that involve some sort of non-verbal communication from greeting family members and sharing a meal with them to meeting strangers on the street on your way to work. The workplace is a cornucopia of situations that involve non-verbal communications. The ability to make friends, date and find a mate all involve some sort of non-verbal communication. Non-verbal communication is very difficult for someone with Asperger’s Syndrome to accomplish successfully.

When the diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome is made the life of the individual can be improved through interventions, therapies and medication. The blindfold comes off the driver and the hearing aid is turned up. There is hope that the individual being treated for Asperger’s Syndrome can learn to develop skills that will overcome or at least dilute the symptoms of the syndrome that keep him or her imprisoned in a cell where verbal and behavioral communication is stifled. The treatment unlocks the cell door allowing them freedom to participate in social situations, to participate more fully at work and school and to even be able to have a normal family life.