Friday, May 30, 2008

Another Void. Another Post!

Greetings, friends, unto you!

I apolozize, again, for my affinity for hypocracy in not updating this blog. Though the usual barrage of reasons validating this lack of posts exists, I shan't use it as a crutch; but must be foreward in saying that I have been uncommonly lazy of late, and with the advent of summer, intend (dearly) to dismiss my sloth. Onwards - to the post!

Basically, with this post I intend to raise awareness about a mental disorder called 'Asperger/'s Syndrome', which is a form of very high-functioning autism. The usual sterotypes applied to autistic patients - repetitive, exaggerated movements; apparent mental retardation; the inability to express oneself - are not present or are very mild in an Aspie (one diagnosed with Asperger's). 'Then,' you may question, 'what is Asperger's Syndrome?' A basic definition can provide that it is primarily a social disability. Though individuals with Asperger's are generally quite intelligent, they are uncomfortable in an unfamiliar or (for them) hostile environment; however, further signs of Asperger's vary between patients. Thus, to make readers aware of what it is to the best of my ability, I'll describe my own case, and try to relate it to someone unaffected by it.

It's probably fair to say that I was a very normal, pleasant young child. However, my concerns were allocated in areas other children wouldn't worry about. I was always overly concious about manners, and felt terribly whenever my parents would spend money on me. Though at this time I probably did not have complete Asperger's, these signs very well could have led to the case I now have (as it is a developmental disorder.) Perhaps the first indications of full-blown Asperger's were the terrific stage fright I developed around fourth grade, and with that a tendency to rock sligtly from side-to-side before large crowds. I became acquainted with my viola (and thus the broader world of music) in sixth grade, and have since developed a great interest there.

From about fourth grade until near the end of eigth grade, my social habits depreciated. I failed to find friends outside of those I made in elementary school; my voice began to quiver (and I began to perspire, slightly) when talking before the class; eye contact became very difficult to maintain (this last is another defining trait of Asperger's). At the end of eigth grade, a series of events led my parents to seek phychologic help. Through this terapy, I was eventually diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.

So, now: my life with Asperger's. Like all things, it has disadvantages, and with them equal advantages. When speaking with people I cannot maintain eye contact for more than a few seconds without fair discomfort ensuing. I don't like meeting new people, and don't particularly care to be touched unexpectedly. I often speak too quickly for people to comprehend what I'm saying, without realizing that I'm doing it. In general - I don't seem to fit in. This is something also found in many Asperger's patients: other people see them, and notice somehing different, but can't point to what it is. It's very fair to say that one could be acquainted with an Aspie and be ignorant of his/her disorder until they are told of it. A great deal of this miscut edge in the puzzle of society is that Aspies often don't recognize social hints the way 'normal' people do. During cross country season this year, for example, I was dressed in running shorts at school, and didn't realize that it was something people simply didn't do. One of those unwritten social laws, I suppose. Aspies might also take unfamiliar phrases literally; an extreme example (i.e., one that an Aspie would never process in this way): literally breaking a leg after being wished to 'break a leg'.

Honestly, though, I don't think Asperger's is a disability. Aspies have specific areas of interest in which they heavily specialize. A good analogy would be a wide, but shallow, pool - representing the interests of a 'normal' person - against a very deep, narrow well - the Aspie area of interest. Just to give an example (by no means is this intended as bragging), my musical interest has developed to a point, in such a short period of time, that I could almost be called a savant (according to my therapist). With the help of an instructional book, over a period of about three months, I can now play the piano quite well, and have composed several pieces of music, all of increasing complexity. Another interest of mine is reading. This was probably another pre-Asperger's diagnosis sign, but by second grade I had read the complete Lord of the Rings, amongst others. Et cetera, et cetera, for all Aspies (of course, interests vary). I am able to learn things very quickly, and prefer (when learning things), to have the information directly, instead of - perhaps - through a game.

Another cool thing about Asperger's is how it allows its patients to think. Usually, a person processes information beginning with the larger picture, and, if necessary, taking in the smaller details later. In an Aspie, the opposite is true. They see smaller details immediately, and piece together the larger picture. So, they are generally able to see things that others may not pick up at first. I don't know if this is true, but according to a research article, 'normal' people usually are unable to picture a word in their head, or have some amount of difficulty in doing so. As an example, if they were given the word 'pen', they would understand it to be an ink-based writing utensil, and all other associations linked to pen that they are aware of, but would not be able to picture it without effort. With Asperger's, the picture of the pen is called to mind effortlessly. Again - I don't know if that's true; but it's accurate based on personal experience.

That's about it. I haven't touched on every facet of Asperger's Syndrome, and may write more on it in the future. But the cliche message I would like to impress upon readers is that Aspies are just like everyone else - they wish to communicate and interact (to an extent, like all people) - but simply find it difficult to accomplish. I find it extraordinarly aggravating when someone greets me as if I've the mental capacity of a child. They stroll over, and immediately a false, cheesy grin spreads across their face; in a fake, 'friendly' voice they might exclaim some simple greeting, and emphasize, 'How - are - you?' Ugh! It's rather late, and I probably didn't describe that very well, but what I'm trying to say is that - yes, Aspies may look retarded, or unstable, but we're not. We just carry ourselves differently. That's enough said for now. Thanks for reading! My intentions are to update more regularly, assuming nothing barricades spare time throughout this summer.

4 comments:

Thalib said...

"He's a genius! Best wizard in the world! But, he is a bit mad, yes."
-- Percy

I always knew you were loony.

But seriously, Logan, I believe that this "diagnosis" is simply a diagnosis of your personality. I'm not sure that it even counts as a syndrome. What's an "Aspie" but a name? You're still Logan.

"Oh, what's in a name? That which we call a nose by any other name would still smell."
-- The Reduced Shakespeare Company

Just messing with your now officially crazy mind.

Virgil said...

*Grin* And you see it the way I wish everyone would.

And very nice (and almost appropriate) use of relevant quotations!

Megan said...

I especially like the quote from Percy. Of course, that could be due to the fact that I am a Harry Potter fanatic. Naturally, the Shakespeare one was terribly amusing, too. That might just be because I recently saw that particular skit on stage... hilarious, it was.

But I'm getting off subject. I totally and completely agree with Thalib, though I have no idea who that is. I don't really care what personality traits of yours people choose to pull out and examine critically. It's every bit of it Logan, whom I am quite fond of. I really do miss seeing you, old lad. *grins*

Oh dear. I do hope that wasn't too mushy. I am a girl, after all... *wink*

Virgil said...

Not at all, though what I just wrote seems a bit insensitive considering the placement. Though I am a boy, after all... *attempts friendly smile that becomes what appears to be a grimace of pain*