When parents hear the diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome, or high functioning autism, they often fear that their child will not have the chance to succeed in life. With a little understanding to the uniqueness of life as an "aspie," and a good support team at school, these individuals not only make it, many thrive and reach high levels of success in both education and careers. There are traits that individuals with Asperger's have that when nurtured and shaped help these individuals achieve.
Traits of Asperger's Syndrome
Some of the most noticeable traits of Asperger's include:
- above average speech and word knowledge, often early talkers
- above normal intelligence gifted in some areas
- odd area of interest, often history, literature, computers or math
- inability to read non-verbal body language
- lack of "common sense"
- clumsy or awkward body movements
Parents and educators alike can help the child with Asperger's by allowing them to indulge their interest while using interest as a bridge to learn to communicate with others. For example, a child who is fascinated with geography should be allow to share their knowledge with a classmate, but should be taught to ask the classmate about their likes and listen while the classmate talks. Therapy that allows individuals with Asperger's to work with classmates that are neurotypical while supervised with a teacher will help the child learn to listen to others. Social stories and body and face reading instruction will help the child learn social cues.
How Aspies Excel
Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome often have superior intelligence and excel in academics, making higher education such as achieving a master degree or higher easy. While they may have learning disorders in some areas, possibly dyslexia or disgraphia, their high intelligence will help them manage learning issues with a tutor or other assistance. As adults, aspies do well in careers where their creative side is allowed to thrive and where limited social interaction is needed.
Career ideas for individuals with Asperger's
The unique way individuals with Asperger's learn and retain knowledge for different subjects makes some careers better suited to their personal interest, such as:
- computer programing
- music field
- mathematics
- research in fields such as history
- teaching at the professional level
Popular Characters with Asperger's
A good way to learn about different individuals with Asperger's is to watch some of the fictional characters found on television or in the movies. Brick on the ABC television show The Middle is a good example of a grade school child with Asperger's. Dr. Spencer Reid on the show Criminal Minds shows a successful adult at work. For children to better understand classmates on the spectrum, the animated children's cartoon Arthur will introduce a new named character named Carl with Asperger's on April 5th, 2010.
Asperger's does not have to be seen as a disability, but rather as a different way of being. The best way to cope with a new diagnosis of Asperger's is to educate yourself on the issues, and ask the school to help with an IEP designed to nurture your child's abilities while working on social issues, and getting occupational therapy for physical skills as needed. Teens and young adults who are newly diagnosed with Asperger's may wish to seek therapy to better understand how to relate socially to others.
With a little understanding individuals with Asperger's or high functioning autism will lead full productive lives, and make many contributions to society.
Disclaimer: Written for information only, seek an actual diagnosis from a certified autism specialist.
Source:
AARP Health Encyclopedia online version www. AAPR.org
Cheryl Bailey - Cheryl Bailey is a freelance writer who lives in North Mississippi. After graduating from North East Mississippi Community College she ...
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