You approach a stranger at a party. He’s nice looking, well groomed and wears stylish clothing. He’s standing alone, with a rather stiff, self-conscious posture. You smile. He stares back a few awkward seconds, then shapes his mouth into a returning smile. You strike up a conversation about a recent game. He nods his head with interest, then begins spouting a stream of statistics and data about the game, the major plays of each team, the coaches, the officials, the history of the sport Your eyes glaze over and you find an excuse to break off and flee to the other side of the room.
You may have met an extremely devoted fan of the game or you’ve just had an encounter with an Aspy.
Asperger syndrome disorder (AS) has only become a distinct diagnosed condition since the early 1990s. It is characterized by social awkwardness, inability to understand facial expressions and body language, clumsy movements, overly formal use of language, preoccupation with favorite topics, poor impulse control, difficulty empathizing, hypersensitivity to light, sounds, smells and touch, and repetitive routines.
Asperger’s is a type of autism, although people with this condition often are highly intelligent, have excellent written and verbal abilities, appear ordinary, and function fairly normally.
Although mostly diagnosed in children, AS is increasingly recognized in adults who initially seek help for depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, self-esteem issues, OCD, ADHD and relationship problems.
One of the most famous Aspys is Temple Grandin, a scientist, college professor, animal rights advocate and author. Grandin has said her condition is like a computer that hasn’t been loaded with software. Most people intuitively know how to make connections with others; Aspys must watch and learn appropriate behaviors, thus loading the needed software into their brains.
So, next time you meet someone who seems odd, be extra nice. They may be an Aspy coping with their limitations.
