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The Clarion \ Feb. 8, 2008
Ask an Aspie
by BJ Wanlund
Staff Writer
Asperger’s syndrome (or AS)
is an autism spectrum disorder
(ASD) that is characterized by
awkward social interaction and
specific interests and activities.
AS has no general delay in
language or cognitive
development.
Now while the standard
diagnostic criteria doesn’t
mention motor clumsiness or
atypical use of language,
although they are frequently
reported.
Asperger’s syndrome was
named after a German fellow
named Hans Asperger who, in
1944, described children in his
practice who lacked nonverbal
communication skills, failed to
demonstrate empathy with their
peers, and were physically
clumsy.
Because of Mr Asperger, AS
is sometimes called “Little
Professor Syndrome” because
Asperger called his young
patients “little professors”.
An Aspie is one who has
Asperger’s syndrome, and who
wouldn’t trade their life for a
normal (or “neurotypical”)
person’s life...sometimes.
Sometimes, an Aspie would like
to trade their life for a
neurotypical
person’s...especially in the
romantic department.
Most Aspies, as I mentioned
earlier, have problems
demonstrating empathy. But,
as I like to say, I dare to be
different. I actually have quite
a bit of empathy.
When I discovered this last
summer, my mother told me a
story about when a friend of
ours named Ise (now dead)
came over for an astrological
reading and I started screaming
and bonking my head into the
wall.
This happened a couple more
times until my mother asked Ise
whether she felt like she
wanted to scream and bonk her
head into the wall. And Ise said
yes!
So I’ve been really trying
harder to have more empathy
for my peers, while at the same
time trying to keep it in check.
It’s a really delicate balance that
requires me to pay attention at
all times. I’m still having
difficulty doing that, as some
of you may know.
And I wish to dispel a
common myth right here: It is
NOT always fun to be an Aspie.
As I mentioned, the romantic
department is a tad bit rough.
For me, it’s been heartache after
heartache. I know that sounds
weird, but it’s true. Most of
the relations with women that I
have had have been strictly
platonic, and it’s really grating
on me.
So, if you want to ask me a
question, just email me at
wanhinjw@brevard.edu with
the subject line “Ask an
Aspie”. I’ll make sure to give
you credit in some fashion in
each column for each question
that is asked of me.
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