When following popular media coverage, or even the statements of some professionals, the average person could be forgiven for believing that Asperger's is "just" a social disability. But defining it in these terms misses some very real issues faced by many on the spectrum. Take, for example, problems with pain perception and body awareness.Learning about Asperger's has been, for me, a journey. I
12 Vote(s)
September 13, 2010
August 13, 2010
It’s Different for Girls
In yesterday's post, I referenced a video made by a young woman with Asperger's. In it, she says: "It took a team of 2 psychologists and a doctor, and a couple of months of testing" to obtain a diagnosis. In today's world, this is not all that unusual - but now, news out of the UK says that there may be a better, faster way. Via a 15 minute brain scan.Given the painful process it takes to get a d
12 Vote(s)
12 Vote(s)
Comments Off
February 15, 2010
Asperger’s, Autism and Ambivalence: On Losing My Label
The DSM changes. Hot topic du jour. It seems to have engendered heated feelings on both sides. But me? I just don't know what I feel. <!--break-->Had you asked me a few years ago, what my feelings were on this issue - I'd probably land on the side that many with Asperger's do - in defense of the Asperger's label. Now, I'm not so sure. My feelings are
7 Vote(s)
7 Vote(s)
Comments Off
January 1, 2010
December 9, 2009
December 8, 2009
Just Being A Brat
Recently, while catching up on the case of Wendy Portillo, the teacher who, in May 2008, led her class in voting a 5-year old boy with Asperger's (Alex Barton) out of her classroom, I clicked into this story from one of the local Florida papers. Several comments on the article reminded me strongly of the controversial comments made by talk show pundit Michael Savage, who said that autism is
9 Vote(s)
9 Vote(s)
Comments Off
November 3, 2009
Reshaping autism spectrum diagnoses in DSM-V
by Michael D. Anestis, M.S. Few issues in clinical psychology prompt as many varied and strong responses as discussions of autism and autism spectrum disorders (e.g., Asperger's disorder). Individuals argue about potential origins, treatments, assets, and liabilities associated with these...
16 Vote(s)
16 Vote(s)
Comments Off
July 24, 2009
Getting To The Root Of It
Since I began my Asperger's journey several years ago, I have read just about anything I can get my hands on regarding autism and Asperger's, in an attempt to understand the community and my place in it. In the process, I've seen a lot of troubling negativity, on both sides. Like PT blogger John Elder Robison, many times I have wondered, "Why Can't We All Get Along?". One of the
8 Vote(s)
8 Vote(s)
Comments Off
May 6, 2009
Sheldony or Aspergery?: Big Bang Theory
When talking about portrayals of Asperger's in the media, whether it be here, or in other forums, there are certain shows that keep coming up time and again. The one I had heard of most recently was CBS's comedy Big Bang Theory. I've been trying to catch it for months now, but never seemed to manage to, partially because it's scheduled directly opposite another of m
9 Vote(s)
9 Vote(s)
Comments Off
Gardening, Asperger Style: Learning When Not To Follow The Rules
Well, it's spring again and the gardening bug has definitely bitten me. While the weather is still too unpredictable where I live to plant, that didn't stop me from stopping by a local nursery to dream. While making my great plans for the season ahead - I found myself reflecting on the origins of my interest in gardening, and my disastrous early attempts. I wondered...how
12 Vote(s)
12 Vote(s)
Comments Off
Compassion in the Classroom
7 Vote(s)