What it's Like to Have Aspergers Syndrome: A Story
81What's it like to have aspergers syndrome?
Asperger's syndrome is a high-functioning form of autism. One of the most notable characteristics of aspergers syndrome is a problem with communication. Although people with aspergers speak, and may have a very extensive vocabulary, they have difficulty understanding the subtle nuances of communication. Nonverbal communication can be particularly difficult for some of them; therefore, forming lasting friendships is a huge task.
I am not an expert on aspergers syndrome, but I do have a son who has this syndrome. I've also had students in class with this disability. I have had the opportunity to observe individuals with aspergers syndrome and how they react to others. The following fictional story is based on my observations. I have written this piece of "flash fiction" to help others gain a better undertstanding of aspergers syndrome and what issues these gifted individuals face. I have attempted to tell this story from an objective point of view, as if I were a person looking at the scene and reporting what happened. My goal is not to make any judgements, but simply provide you with something to think about. Following is the story, "In a Cartoon World."
"In a Cartoon World"
The new kid came to school dressed in camouflage every day.
The girls sat at the back of the classroom and whispered. "Why does he dress like that?"
"Where'd he come from? Who is he?"
The boys just sat, stared, fidgeted.
At breaktime, most the kids would go over off of school grounds and have a smoke.
The new kid wandered about the classrooms or the school grounds alone.
He didn't say much, but he was polite when asked a question and would reply very matter-of-factly.
Sometimes he doodled in class. The teacher would say, "Jack, pay attention."
Without even looking up he would respond, "I am." And he continued doodling.
The teacher figured he wasn't bothering anyone, so she let him doodle.
One day the teacher walked around the classroom and noticed the doodles in Jack's notebook. They were extremely detailed cartoons with intricate lines and beautiful shading.
"Those are beautiful drawings," said the teacher. "You're very talented."
"Thank you," was all he said.
********************
He was quiet, but sometimes he followed people around.
Sometimes, not very often though, he joined a group on the school grounds and appeared to join in the conversation. But after awhile the kids would walk away from him. Jack would follow them for a bit, then wander off by himself again.
*******************
One morning three girls went into the principal's office. "That new kid is weird. He follows us around," said the shortest of the three.
"Yeah, he's creepy. He draws pictures of cartoon characters and guns," said the red head girl.
"He's just plain scary," said the third girl.
"Has he done anything to hurt you?" asked the principal.
"No...but he's just weird," said the redhead girl.
"Well, we're all a little bit weird! That's what makes each of us an individual," said the principal. "If he hasn't done anything to you or said anything bad to you, or threatened you, I don't know why you're here. It's time to go back to class."
The girls got up and left the office.
********************
A couple doors down from the office in the classroom at a desk sits a boy dressed in camouflage doodling. His head is bent as he scrutinizes every line of his drawing. Each line is precise and the shading mirrors shadows perfectly. In his cartoon world, he is in control, and he is safe.
*********************
A person can only guess what it's like to have aspergers syndrome. The important thing to remember is: The world can be a very difficult place for these individuals and we need to accept them and try to understand them because they have much to contribute to our world.
For more information on autism and aspergers syndrome see:
For information on children and social skills see:
For information on children and medication see:
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Comments
You're right, Ralph. Asperger's is a part of the autistic spectrum, and it has it's own internal "degrees" but overall, individuals with ONLY Asperger's can generally live mostly normal lives. :)
My soon-to-be Husband has a mild case of Asperger's, and living with him is just on this side of interesting.
Ralph, Aspergers syndrome is a form m of autism, and autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning it covers a wide range. Some people with autism have no verbal skills, while others have verbal skills but cannot understand nonverbal communication well. The medical community and the educational sometimes have different criteria for establishing a diagnosis.
Many people exhibit characteristics of autism, yet would not meet criteria for being labeled autistic. It is a peculiar disorder, and there is much more to learn about it. Yet, experts suspect many great people have been autisitc -- Einstein comes to mind. I suspect you're right -- there are many people walking around who exhibit characterisitics of aspergers syndrome. Thank you for your comments. Julie
The story sounds a lot like me in kindergarten :-)
While I have never had a formal diagnosis (don't want to know), all the tests I've taken indicate very decided Asperger tendencies, so I've researched it a fair amount. There is definitely a question as to whether it is a problem at all, or simply a side-effect. E.g. if you have a scale where 1 is "normal" and 5 is an acute example of Aspergers, a lot of science/math/computer types are at about a 3.
If you find your niche, it's not bad at all. And...if you keep working at it, the social aspects get easier over time (just another problem to solve, after all). I was once the weird kid that your "cartoon" describes, now I'm the weird adult who seems to be able to talk to just about anyone. Yeah, never quite able to shake the "weird" adjective, but it's not crazy weird, just slightly-skewed weird. For example, many people's thinking is "inside the box". Creative types try to "think outside the box". Me? I can't help but wonder: does it need to be a box? Is a container necessary at all? If it is, then can we use different shapes? And what about what the box/container/whatever is made of? Can we make it out of something else? If all of those are options, then how do those options, both separately and in various combinations, effect the result? (Yes, it's very noisy in my head.)
Great flash, btw. Very illustrative.
CJ
gamegirl, you're right-- many people with aspergers syndrome live very normal, productive lives. They, like others with disabilities, learn to compensate. Julie
cjcs, Thanks for the compliment. Your main paragraph reminds me of the way I think my son thinks -- his mind goes in at least five directions at once, and all the possibilities could be the "right" answer! Thank you for your insightful remarks. Julie
Thank you for bringing Asperger's syndrome to light. Not many people, including myself have heard of it. God bless you and your son.
flutterbug, I hope more people are learning about it because it seems to be on the increase. Thank you for your response. Julie
Oh Julie, it makes me want to go and hug your child. Thanks for sharing.
Ripplemaker, Thanks for reading. Share a hug with someone today. Julie
Wow, I admire your commitment. Its hard just to be a mom, but having a child with special needs must put you and your family through tremendous stress, but probably strengthens the family bond at the same time. I don't know, just speculating, but I admire your contributions all the same! Great work!
lilfaerie, I think in life you do what you have to do. There are times that are incredibly stressful, but there are good times too. What does not break us, makes us stronger-- I think that holds true with family bonds, too. Thank you for comments. Julie.
Julie, I worked for several years in special needs in a public school system. What I learned through that experience is that we are all different. We all have our strengths and limitations and that it is important never to underestimate ANYONE. The key in education, in my opinion, is to find the strengths and focus on that rather than the limitations. For instance, if a child is a kinetic learner, do what you can to give them the opportunity to solve tasks using a hands on approach. So many children fail to thrive in school because they are expected to conform to the dominant learning styles. Further, socially differences in personality and behavior are hard for people to adjust to especially when they don't understand the underlying reasons for those differences. Your article is enlightning and your flash fiction is a great way to illustrate how Asperger's is experienced and percieved. Nicely done
Jeanette
Jeanette, Focusing on strengths is so important! I'm glad you found the flash fiction enllightening, and I hope others do too. Thanks so much for compliments and taking time to read this hub. Julie
Wonderful story that depicts both sides of a situation. A friend of mine was just diagnosed with mild Asperger's, and he feels that, for the first time in his life, he can understand things that have happened to him all his life, and why he responded as he did in certain situations. He is relieved to finally have a better understanding of himself.
filarecki,
Thank you, I'm glad readers see both perspectives in the story. It's good your friend is learning to understand himself better; understanding will allow him to find more of a sense of peace within himself. I'm sure as friend you will offer him the support and understanding he needs. Julie
I was diagnosed with "non-verbal learning disability or aspergers syndrome" a few months ago at the age of 56(!) although I'm still the same person I always was, and considered myself always to be somewhat introverted. I have a fairly narrow range of interests - cartooning, computer graphics, photography, choir, piano/organ, etc. and one pastor at one time thought I might be a bit "lopsided" in my range of interests.
At times we are all a bit "lopsided," and that's all right. Celebrate and make the most of yours gifts, or talents. Everyone has important and special qualities to share with the rest of the world. Thanks for your comment. Julie
I loved your flash fiction on this Julie. I know a few people with Aspbergers personally, in fact I suspect my oldest son, may have a very mild case. My six year old was diagnosed with Autism 3 years ago, and we have quite a challenge at home as you can imagine. Everytime I meet someone with Aspbergers though I am so drawn to them and feel a connection with them. I really felt drawn to the young man in your story. I think you did a great job portraying some basic personality traits and social challenges of Aspbergers in so few words! Enjoyed it!
Thanks so much for sharing Julie. Information is so powerful and your sharing is so helpful to those who have never been exposed or don't understand. I have a son who has physical disabilities and it is interesting to see how people react to an active 4 year old who can't walk. Once they are willing to ask and learn their reaction and interactions change completely. Thanks for sharing.
Ralph Deeds says:
17 months ago
Touching story. I've often wondered if Asperger's may not be a matter of degree rather than an either/or, you have it or you don't have it, condition. I know several people who I suspect may have a mild form of Asperger's.