Asperger’s Syndrome can be a very mystifying disorder. Scientists have yet to determine the cause and may never have a cure. People with Asperger’s Syndrome are each individuals and have dealt with generalizations concerning their disorder for years. The following are myths related to Asperger’s Syndrome.
All Children With Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome Have Savant Qualities
Only around 10% of children diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum have savant qualities. A savant is defined as someone who displays remarkable aptitude in a certain area. The main character in the movie Rain Man reflects only a small percentage of the autistic population; not all people with autism hold a remarkable trait.
People with Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome do not Form Relationships
People who are on the spectrum can develop deep emotional attachments. Many times the attachments are for their primary caregivers or people they are around a lot and trust. It is true that they have a great deal of difficulty cultivating friendships with other children at school, but this does not mean that they do not develop relationships.
All People on the Spectrum do not Talk
Only 50% of people on the autism spectrum fail to develop any speech. Many people with classic autism develop early forms of speech, and small amounts of social interaction. People with Asperger’s Syndrome often begin speaking at an early age and often have speech that is well above a typical person’s speech.
People on the Spectrum Will not Make Anything of their Lives
Many individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome do get productive jobs as adults. Some great jobs for these people are working with computers, engineers, video game designer, mechanic or repair person, or artistic work. Jobs that would require the individual to interact often with other people or hold many items in their short term memory such as a waitress or operator would not be good for a person on the spectrum.
People with Asperger’s Syndrome do not Have Feelings
Although people with Asperger’s Syndrome may not be good at showing their emotions or reading others’ emotions, they still have feelings. Even when they are hurt or sad, they may keep quiet and may not show their feelings on their face. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, and that includes people with special needs.
People with Asperger’s Syndrome deal with prejudice and generalizations in their lives. Like typical people, people on the spectrum each have their own personality and differences. They should never be lumped into one category and thought of in a certain way simply because they have a form of autism. Individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome can speak, they do have feelings, can hold a job, can form meaningful relationships, and usually do not have savant qualities.
Source: Grandin, Temple. " Choosing the Right Job for People with Autism or Asperger's Syndrome." November 1999. http://www.autism.com/individuals/jobs.htm
Shannon Hinman - Shannon Hinman is an avid writer and reader. She has contributed material for autism DVDs, as well as written for a pregnancy website. ...
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