Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) is a rare but rising developmental and behavioral disorder, characterized as a high functioning subgroup amongst the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) eliminated Asperger’s Syndrome as a single standing diagnosis and input it as a subgroup of Autism Spectrum Disorder. The main factors that differentiate AS from ASD is an individual’s ability to verbally communicate and their IQ level being average to above average as opposed to Autism having delayed, or non-present verbal communication and a below average IQ. Some common characteristics of adults with Asperger's Syndrome include;
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difficultly maintaining eye contact
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lack of inflection or different pitch in speech patterns
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hyper/hypo-sensitivities via smell, touch, sound, taste, etc.
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difficulties interacting in social settings
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maintaining an intense focus on specified subjects
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stubborn with strong sense of justice
Most studies point to genetics and hormones being the main contributing factors for an Autism and Asperger's diagnosis. Wendy Chung discusses in her TED talk, Autism - What We Know (And What We Don't Know Yet), that there are between 200-400 different genes that add to the cause of autism. With this information we can be more accepting of treatments of Autism Spectrum Disorder, rather than fixate on a "cure".
My older brother was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome when he was about 7 years old and he is, without a doubt, my favorite human. Unfortunately, through the years I have witnessed many injustices be imposed upon him; from bullies to everyday misconceptions. For this reason, I have grown passionate about this particular group because of the many obstacles he has had to face but also because of the many wonderful qualities he, and others with Asperger's, posses but are often overlooked. My mission is provide families and individuals with information in order to make transition more accommodating. I believe that adult transition helps bridge the gap to create a common understanding amongst people with and without Asperger's to work in a proactive way. Along with this, it provides a productive environment to enrich people with Asperger's self worth.
My motivation
My mission
What is Asperger's?
"It seems that for success in science or art, a dash of autism is required."
Dr. Stephen Shore
“If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.”
Dr. Colin Zimbleman
Dr. Hans Asperger
“Autism … offers a chance for us to glimpse an awe-filled vision of the world that might otherwise pass us by.”
“What would happen if the autism gene was eliminated from the gene pool? You would have a bunch of people standing around in a cave, chatting and socializing and not getting anything done.”
Dr. Temple Grandin
Why is transition important for individuals with Asperger's?
Due to Asperger’s Syndrome and other ASDs causing people to have the inability to understand social norms and cues, many affected individuals are left feeling isolated, frustrated, and misunderstood. Subsequently many adults with Asperger’s Syndrome are treated for major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and thoughts of suicidal ideation. Transition programs help integrate young adults into the workforce and use different treatment strategies to help individuals progress in a personal and social way. Dawn Hendricks from the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation explains that, “Employment provides a forum that promotes personal dignity and has been demonstrated to improve quality of life in individuals with ASD as well as improve cognitive performance”. Many people with Asperger's, although have difficulty in social situations, crave them like any person does, so giving them an opportunity to thrive in a work environment and follow a specific set of rules will help them use that experience as a source of confidence as well as a guide to apply in other situations.
This video, "Hire Me", was introduced by Liza Krassner through Inclusion Films to emphasize the ways people with Asperger's can be utilized in the workforce for their consistency and specified interests. "Hire Me" came out in 2013 so some of its numbers are outdated but its message is still valid.
Our duty in autism is not to cure but to relieve suffering and to maximize each person’s potential
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- John Elder Robinson
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