Asperger's Syndrome Documentary
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ส.ค. 2024
- 4334 Up Votes 187 Down Votes (Nov 2021)
This short documentary about Asperger's Syndrome shown on TV in 2005 is about me, I have mild Asperger's Syndrome. I was diagnosed in 2002.
I knew I was different from the age of about 6 years old, hypotheses included - the reincarnation of King David or Pliny the Elder, a left behind Space Alien and finally mild autism (after seeing a TV documentary). Other pupils were loud and ran around randomly, while I preferred a mature intellectual life. I became interested in astronomy/science ~3 years old, so I'm told, it was my interests that made me stand out in school.
Later on in primary school, I became fascinated by mineralogy too. I found it difficult not to talk about my hobbies, one time I stopped taking for a week or two after the summer holidays, because I knew if I talked ... the bullies would again realise I was different and the bullying would start again. I was bullied badly, sometimes beaten up, for years. Bullying mostly stopped in secondary school as I found a group to hang around with.
In 1987, at 14, I went to an astronomy lecture, but due to the excitement of it all I had a panic attack and I had to leave (a panic attack over astronomy?). This began over a decade of anxiety & panic attacks and increased reclusiveness, which I completely overcame in 1998. Perhaps due to my bad experience with Astronomy, I turned to Mineral collecting.
One of isolating aspects of Asperger's is, we tend to talk at people not with people. However, in 1998, I did a 6 week geological mapping project with a friend, and I every hour or so we would sit and chat. After 4 weeks our conversations became two way. While I noticed this improvement, it also led to my growing sense oddness. This processes I am told, is called gaining insight, some young adults with Asperger's try to transition from the basic social skills of childhood to the more sophisticated social skills of adult life, but fail.
My diagnosis in 2002 was a great relief, I felt better about myself and understood myself more, I didn't feel the need to be normal so badly (that ever that is). I set up a social group in 2002, made many good friends and found a girlfriend though the group. I find people with Asperger's (I have met aver 100) are all extremely kind and interesting people. My social skills have improved allot. I graduated with a PhD in geology in 2008.
Please visit my photo website: bbrhuft.photium...
My brother has Asperger's. I love him to death, and I'm not ashamed to hang out with him in public or stick up for him. The smallest things bring him joy, and he's my best friend in the world.
Awww :'-( :-)
PushTheFat, I have it too but a lot of people used to hate me, it was right that way, the in the 7th grade almost every student hated me. I haven’t had real friends until the end of 8th grade and now. I used to be a total loser.
Same here brother
I have a brother like that
@@KevinKurzsartdisplay kind of the same because i kept bragging and being sarcastic but 8th got better
Respect.
My brother has Asperger's, diagnosed at 5 and my parents told he wouldn't have a "normal" life. I don't know how the bugger did it, but he completely rewired his brain and lives a very fulfilling life with a gorgeous wife, a great kid, a successful career and an large circle of friends.
Not saying your trying to be rude but he didn’t “rewire” his brain.. he just learned how to mask it better throughout his life. Which is what most of us have to do to have a successful life
@@savvy_0333 he actually did rewire his brain, he's told me himself that he doesn't mask his Asperger's as he no longer believes he has it and seeing the transformation from when he was a kid to now I believe him.
@@Tazza81 I, he’s either masking subconsciously or just doesn’t care and is being himself (which happens to aspires when in a relationship)
@@savvy_0333 look up neuroplasticity it challenges the notion that you cant rewire your brain- its being taught in schools. I think we still dont know alot.
The damaging thing emotionally is that you end up being on the outside of the joke. People stop laughing when you come up to them in groups and when you leave. They talk to you like you're a child. They talk behind your back and you can hear it if you listen closely enough. I've learned to sense when its happening.
find a roommate named leonard "badum tss*
It posses me off when people say people with Asperger's lack empathy. I seem to literally feel embarrassed for people sometimes. It can be quite debilitating.
+jack darrell it's more so the ability to process and deal with it, many of us get an overload of empathy and emotions at very trivial things
***** I'm INFP.
Hello, I'm a INTP. Is that typical of Asperger's (I'm an aspie)?
I agree, it's the polar opposite for me. When I enter a room full of people, I start picking up on ther behaviour, expressions and demeanour, I start to gather their feelings and when I've gathered so much it's sometimes TOO much.
My name is Ryan, I am 15 years old and I have Asperger's. I have no friends and i'm a high functioning aspie. On average Aspies have one obsession(common interest) ...Mine is computers and programming software. I've been programming for years(I program Java, js, php, css, html, c++, xml,and many others). Unfortunately there are no Asperger's support groups were I live so i'm researching Asperger's, Im trying to find others like me. I am happy beyond belief after learning I am a Aspie for now I finally I know i'm not alone, that there are others like me. My grammar skills are not the best nor is my spelling but I am quite good with science, physics, and the main one, Mathematics
Ryan i have Asperger to and im like you i have 1 friend and im 13 and in shool i hide evryday and the teacher dont understand me sometimes its hard for me but yea i hope you get a nice life that im working on so yea and im from finland/soumi im not from USA and i speak swedish to :) :)
I have the disorder as well. I've been bullied quite a lot because of it l. And I though I was the only one out there with it. Now seeing some of the comments it really makes me fell happy that there's others around who have it. To any one out there. Is their any advice or guidance someone could give me on how to deal with this. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance
D'Andre Collier Listen to me, Asperger's is of no punishment but it is a gift, it is no disorder rather they consider as such or not. And why should those guys be bulling you? You more likely than not being a Aspie have twice the IQ as they. When bullied stand strong my friend for once you and they graduate high school and when popularity has no meaning you will be more successful than they due to your IQ.
Timmie Degerth D'Andre Collier, Do you guys have Skype, Facebook, and or Instagram? If so I would like to meat you guys some time
Timmie Degerth Thank you, would you like to Skype?
I remember when my mom told me 5 years ago that I have aspergers, I was confused because I didn't know what it was, but when I found out, I instantly could see why I was lonely at school, and how I was picked on, whoever else has this, you're not alone, im a 17 year old aspergers teen whose about to be Eagle Scout soon, I pray for those who are bullied and undiagnosed
I hate myself the more I watch these Asperger documentaries.
This is the best short documentary on Asperger's I've ever seen. Having Asperger's myself, I was able to identify on so many levels. So encouraging and awesome! Thank you for this video!
PEOPLE WITH ASPERGERS ARE SO AWESOME I LOVE THEM
Also if you play a game called 'To the Moon' it's about a love story with someone with asp and it's most emotional thing ever.
My faith in humanity and being accepted into society was restored thanks to your comment.
SpiderGuy125 Me as well!
Whoopee! N' shit.
I have this condition and have never had a job. Employers have no patience with our issues. I was on unpaid work experience and after 4 days they dropped me. This also happened in 2013. A big problem in Ireland is that if you font have substantial prior work experience, getting a job is very difficult. The government tried to fix this by setting up Jobbridge to give people work experience. Unfortunately the employers are not bound to keep you for a minimum time frame. The supervisor marked my work as excellent but still dropped me. Prejudice perhaps?
Too often in Ireland, getting a job depends on who you know not what you know. People tend to recommend a person for a job based on reputation, they might have met them as a social event, or conference, or know them through friends. However, if you have Aspergers you are more likely to be socially isolated and will be at a disadvantage as people do not get to know you personally. However, I set up a blog talking about GIS and showcasing my work. That has helped me to network and get work.
ieqgis.wordpress.com/
Irish Druid I have Aspergers and I'm treated like shit CONSTANTLY, by my supervisor. She hates when I ask questions, and singles me out ALWAYS. It pisses me off. Of course, she has NO intelligence, whatsoever. I have a VERY high intelligence and I'm very analytical. I talk about science and video games, and math. She always freaks out at me. She is an idiot.
Jon Ossim Screw her, stand up for yourself, a boss/supervisor can't treat you like a pile of shit, that's against the rules. Heard this story about a supervisor for the car brand Volvo, he was really cocky treated everybody like shit, one day he walked past a glove, and he whistled at one of his employes, and told him to pick the glove up, this employe got so angry that he was almost charging him and then when their faces met he said this to him: "I am not your dog pick your god damn glove up yourself, and if you whistle at me one more time I will beat the joy out of your life", this supervisor never treated anybody like shit after that guy stood up for himself.
+Irish Druid I was tested by a doctor. He had a scale of 1 - 8. #1 barely there and #8 being full blown case. He was one your medical professional had to get you the appointment to see. I found out I was a #8. I've held jobs. But the best ones I've had were factory jobs. As in assembly line work.
As for you. you may wish to check out this list to see what suits you best. It has both good and bad job lists for various types of ASD.
www.myaspergerschild.com/2010/10/best-and-worst-jobs-for-aspergers.html
+Irish Druid move to the U.S. we have a disabilities act. Ive got a job and my bosses love me and tell me they need a whole work force like me. i secretly feel superior to everyone lol. i live in the southern united states it is not exactly the land of high IQ's. who coined aspie btw what a fucking stupid nick name. I think it was the british. they have the worst slang its so stupid sounding.
I don't think aspergers would be considered a disorder if human cultures didn't function with such strict social rules. an ongoing problem between neurotypical and aspergers people... Not only from parent to child, but almost all relationships in general. They see a lot of our characteristics as problems and I don't understand why. I don't fucking like it either
+Obey Rostipher thats because you have it, which makes it difficult to understand why.
Obey Rostipher humans tend to exclude different people, it's sad but i dunno if it will change anytime soon
I think most people sre judgemental, especially in more close minded countries. Im from Greece and here even neurotypical people who will do something off will be name called and stigmatized.
I'm a high-functioning Aspie in community college at the moment. Some people ask me if I wish to have a day out with them, to which I kindly decline. They ask what do I do, usually. "I come here, do work, then go home." I never understood the social aspects of things or particular emotions, friends are not something I aspire to have in all honesty. My interests and being alone with them is what makes me most happy, which is interesting because, I've always thought myself as a morbid child from 6 on. I'm 23 now, and anything in regards to the Holocaust or that of human tragedy is fascinating. I know more than most people my age about such subjects. One thing that is a bit audacious for an Aspie is to become an actor, which is also a passion of mine. I learn about emotions as I go and how to act it out. Perhaps that is one way of understanding social activities more if your job requires you to do that.
I think it's really cool how you aspire to become an actor. Actors, by definition, are just acting out the emotions anyway. I never thought of it like that
Small talk is useless. Reason for it is simple for me... pal don't truly care about how your day was or how your family is doing, it's all fake. Why so fake? What's the need. People think Asians are rude, no they just focus on the task, they don't go out of their way to make you smile. They don't fake
What?
Albert Stare For wondering why people bother asking small talk questions?
Kerpal true
Kerpal having aspbergers is a fotm of being asian. asian people are much more in their own zone yet they arent being disgnosed with aspbergers
THIS is how I’ve felt my entire life!!!!!! It drives me nuts then I’m like ‘oooh right it’s small talk’ smh. Like it’s such useless dialogue, why bother asking. We can find other ways to greet people. Lol
The sad thing about being afflicted with this disorder, is that if you actually KNOW that you have it, you can adapt to it quite fast... I was diagnosed 4 years ago, and it took me less than 2 years to learn how to act on my newfound knowledge. I still haven't had a relationship with a girl at the age of 27, but i have gotten many new friends, who understands that the way i act isn't something to be avoided, but just another way of being a human...
+skynet091287 Have you tried dating websites? I read that it could help people with Aspergers find someone willing to date them.
Powerranger6342
I'm taking small steps. I want to be comfortable around people first, and when that starts feeling natural, i might go on some dates...
It's destroying everyone's lives, it's like destroying our planet during global warming for real
I've got Asperger's too, and I've got mixed feelings about it. And no, I don't mean Ass Burgers. That's the kind you get from McDonald's.
A common misconception I'm seeing is that all people with Asperger's have high IQ's. Yeah, a fair few do, but most don't. They've usually got as much brainpower as the next guy. Also, nobody with Asperger's are the same. If you've met one person with Asperger's, you've just met one person with Asperger's. We've got different ways of dealing with it.
I can't stand my complete inability to read facial emotions or vocal tone. I can't stand my incredibly heightened senses of touch and taste. Nor can I stand my picky eating habits. And I sure as hell can't stand that I'm either completely obsessed or completely uninterested in something.
But on the bright side, I don't have low-functioning autism. That would suck.
I have exactly the same problems but I try to work around them when talking to people. Most of the time when someone is upset I don't really care but I pretend I care just to seem like a normal person. It works for me but putting on an ego all the time has distracted me from my true self.
When it's pronounced "ass-burgers" I always think of it as an injury sustained from falling off a skateboard :-)
So fucking right, for some reason they do believe that for the fact of having aspergers syndrome you are some sort of a genious... Personally i consider myself quite average, maybe even below average lol
I have Asperger's too, and people bully me because I got Asperger's, they call ass burgers or ass boogers or ass burn, it makes sad that I am useless in this world, but I could fight it, and though I might not, I do wish I am useful in this world 😖😖😖
I have Asperger's too. I really do care what others feel, or want to understand. My problem is that I want to understand...everything. God has taught me that I really know little.
I met two homeless alcoholics who I am convinced had Aspergers, one for example obsessively talked on and on about Irish history without break (and his ex-wife). Aspergers is 24/7, some AS people end up drinking 24/7 in an attempt to feel less shy & to forget. Alcohol and Aspergers is a bad combination.
Hendrickx, S. & Tinsley, M. 2008. Asperger Syndrome and Alcohol: Drinking to Cope?, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 147p.
What's it like? It's like a sense of detachment from your environment which can be very difficult and stressful but can also be fascinating. When you are emotionally on the outside you have a greater vantage point to view behaviour exactly as it is. Emotional behaviour is irrational and therefore often doesn't make a lot of sense when you look at it without the rules.
You can also focus so completely that you enter a zone and get into a state of flow where you lose track of time. It's really enjoyable. I learned very little at school though as all of the distractions around me kept me from concentrating to any degree.
Much of the time my minds volume is switched on full which can be exhausting but I never get bored in my own company. Who needs outside stimulation when you have a firework display in your mind.
By the way, I love it how some people who have wandered onto here are convinced that it is fake and made up despite countless years of research by brilliant people in the field of psychiatry. I mean, what would they know.
I have Asperger's, 22, and feel that it is a lot like getting trapped in your own consciousness of the way things exist and occur. Understanding people is probably going to be the greatest difficulty in my life as I have taken it as a quest to solve the quirks. I feel unsuspectingly persistent with my interests and some matters, and can only peak my curiosity as far as the horizons of such.. As I continue digging for answers throughout the years, I then realized that the best help we can get is from our own forms of independence that some cannot understand. So I have to take up on that challenge for the rest of my life, and invite others to do it to keep their doubts of life at bay as well as mine.
I'm 68 and just found out I am High Functioning Aspergers. It feels like a relief because now I know why.
Are u 68 years old??
70 now.
@@khadijagwen 72
Im an aspie and a drummer of 20 years, music helps people!.
Me too im not joking! haha! what a coincidence!
: /
Steven Pounsett you ok?
***** no im aspie...
You?
Well i don't like to label it, its just a way of being, everything in this world is nothing more than alive ok, so don't make yourself uninspiring or unsuperior, because its a lie.
I was misdiagnosed when I was 16 of having depression, anxiety, and people phobia. At 23 I went to a different doctor and he instantly knew I was an Aspie. My behavior and body language was very obvious. So I've had to learn to blend in as best as I could by myself most of my life.
Its really not that much a challenge to overcome the effects of aspergers, I observed how people talk to each other, and found away to apply it to my speech patterns and behavior until it literally looks like I don't have it, only problem I face is making I contact.
gamelvr1 I sense a bit of anger or frustration in your comment, I did not mean to offend, what I was trying to do is give my fellow aspies hope in finding a way to overcome the effects, I may still have it but I learned to deal with it and not use it as a handicap but as a gift.
SpiderGuy125 I don't have Asperger's and I didn't sense any anger or frustration in the comment. They're just pointing out that no two people are the same and that even people with Asperger's will have different experiences from one another. It's a spectrum.
SpiderGuy125 This reflects the way I think so well. Even though my aspergers is just mild.
Gin Ichimaru so is mine
***** Like I said, since its different for many people it can be more or less harder to do what I did, It was easy for me mainly because I have a mild case of it, If someone were to have it more severely then I would suggest visiting a highly trained psychiatrist that specializes in this if they want to seem normal.
I have this and it has been a struggle, due to the social issue where I just keep quiet for fear I may offend someone by accident. It has pros and cons. Pro the hyper focus helps with studies. Con the hyper focus may scare off people. And that lanza debacle really hurt our cause.
I do that often at school, only because nearly every time I open my mouth: 'someone happens to get offended.' I'm not exactly shy, I'd just rather avoid a fight with someone.
What an amazing degree of insight. So impressive. Wishing you all the best, Dave.
One thing I've actually noticed is that individuals on the autism spectrum often are seen as unfeeling. Not true in my experience at all. Highly sensory, feeling, and perceptive people. The whole 'autism/high-functioning aspergers' is a disorder is simply ignorant. ASDs (as varied as these conditions are) often provide unique and important perspectives. I wish western society would stop being so down on it.
All these people seem normal.
Because they are "normal". Just because some people have difficulties, it doesn't mean they aren't "normal". People don't realise that.
I have Aspergers syndrome.. It's not that bad.
Same here. When I used to think I was NT (neurotypical) I used to think there was a definition for 'normal'. When I got my diagnosis (little over a month ago) I realised there was no definition for 'normal'. It was only what people thought.
Define normal.
I have it and I hate it. The only upside is i feel like if i didn't have it I might look a bit worse
I have Asperger's Syndrome, I didn't know much about it, I still don't really, however, this video has helped me to start to fill the gaps in about it. So to whoever made the video, Thank you for posting it here.
First of all Dave, thanks very much for sharing this with us. I've also always described Aspergers as "social dyslexia" because that's pretty much what it is, it's a very accurate term. This is the first time I've heard it described this way by someone with the condition, and frankly this comparison should be made more (especially by professionals) as the two situations are very similar, just different areas of learning. And you know what this means...
This statement will likely get a lot of beef because it's not widely known yet, but psychologists are starting to find that just like dyslexia (which is also an issue of how the brain is wired), AS is most accurately treated as a learning difficulty that WITH THE APPROPRIATE KIND OF WORK FROM THE INDIVIDUAL can be overcome, due to what we now know about the human brain and its plasticity. This has been proven time and time again, as even though the brain starts off being wired a certain way in the beginning, this wiring can be changed immensely throughout life. It's all about knowing how to implement strategies to make those changes, as it doesn't just happen on its own.
This means that people with Aspergers should not feel the need to resign to being socially awkward and unable to understand others forever, IF and only IF they are willing to put the necessary amount of work into it - just like dyslexics with literacy abilities. If someone truly values the skills/instincts that are required to effectively communicate with others socially, and are willing to put blood sweat and tears into eventually acquiring them, then aspergers does not have to stop them. If a human being can learn to rewire an area of their brain, then it's well within an aspie's capability to rewire their brain using the right strategies as necessary for them as individuals. Unfortunately many aspies themselves remain ignorant of this, when they of all people need to be aware of it.
Many people who met the AS criteria in childhood and adolescence no longer do later in adulthood, and it's not because they "grew out of it". It's because they are the ones who did not buy into the notion that aspergers has to be a part of their identity forever no matter what, and took the time and effort to learn how they would best develop social instincts as individuals, applying these strategies until social cues and effective interpersonal communication eventually came naturally to them - and before they knew it they no longer met the AS criteria.
This doesn't happen with ALL aspies of course, because not all of them value these skills enough to work so hard to acquire them, and many are permanently traumatized by past negative social experiences - not to mention many of them actually quite enjoy the label and identifying with a group (eg "aspie pride"). But it's critical that people with AS are aware that they have considerable power in their situation, no matter what the general attitude of AS currently is. People with Down's syndrome, for example, do not have this kind of power and people with AS should not take this for granted, they are not in a situation where they have the right to complain that their lives are impaired forever and that they shouldn't even bother trying. Hell, there are respected clinical psychologists nowadays who met the AS criteria as children, that should tell you all you need to know! Because there is no field in the health profession that requires more advanced social communication skills than psychology, and these people obviously didn't let AS stop them from achieving that goal.
Psychologists are now just starting to understand that asperger's is not an indisputably permanent issue - it is only permanent under certain conditions. Namely, when the individual never acquires the necessary instincts for effective social communication, which most often happens when they spend their whole life shunning interpersonal relations out of fear of embarrassment, or when the person is so attached (or resigned) to their status as an aspie that they don't feel the need to even address the possibility of working to become socially competent at all. If more aspies were aware of this fact, then there would be even more proof that the condition doesn't have to always be considered permanent, and that people should think twice before labelling it so. AS can eventually be considered part of someone's HISTORY and not a label they always need carry around for life, and it won't be long before this is officially recognised as such. Not every condition has that luxury, so aspies, please know that you are incredibly privileged to have this option.
Sadly, right now it's only some psychologists who officially recognise this important aspect of the condition, but fingers crossed this changes in the near future. Many untrue myths about AS have been busted - it's about time that the most persistent and inaccurate myth - "Once an aspie, always an aspie" - is added to this list of misconceptions.
As an aspie I do think I can learn to "act" normal. But I shall never "be" normal. But with practice and patience I'm sure I can acquire prosthetic social skills. I shall have to expend much more effort in social interactions and it shall never be autopilot. As far as "rewiring" the brain I'm not sure what you mean. You can not turn an aspie into a neurotypical. You can help the aspie with social skills so that he/she is fully functional in life. But things like obsessive interests, repetitive habits will remain. And quite frankly, if aspies enjoy that, then where is the harm? Just don't neglect social skills.
majungasaurusaaaa Nobody, on the AS spectrum or off it, can ever truly BE normal. You'll find that there's not a whole lot of difference between "acting" normal and "being" normal in society. If there may as well be no difference, then who cares? Don't think being an aspie makes you so fundamentally different that even as you develop your social/communication skills, you need to resign to "never being normal".
When you say "it shall never be autopilot", isn't this making an assumption about yourself based on an idea of your condition that may not be completely true? It eventually becomes autopilot for others with a history of AS (but of course you know yourself and your strengths/weaknesses better than anyone else, so this isn't necessarily a definitive statement on you as an individual) - I'm just saying, it might not be the best thing for yourself OR the public view on AS to make these assumptions purely based on your diagnosis.
Now, regarding your statement on turning an aspie into a neurotypical - "Neurotypical" is a point of view. Believe it or not, aspergers neurology is pretty much neurotypical compared to other disorders (like apraxia, Down's syndrome, epilepsy and low-functioning autism, to name just a few). You do realise that, as an aspie, you are actually neurotypical in most areas? Your language skills are normal (unlike aphasia), your text interpretation is normal (unlike dyslexia), and you are intellectually/physically normal (unlike Down's)... and that's just the tip of the iceberg! More importantly, you realise that normal cognitive functioning at the fundamental level is part of the aspergers criteria - it's mainly your communication skills that need work? This is hardly something to call yourself abnormal over! Everyone has an area of difficulty that needs work - whether it's physical, intellectual or communicative (like AS). So that begs the question, who truly IS neurotypical? If they don't have one area of difficulty, they're guaranteed to have another. It's part of being such a complex race with a complex brain.
Here's just one example of why, really, comparing an aspie to a "neurotypical" is pointless; an aspie without dyslexia, for instance, is neurotypical compared to a dyslexic, because that area of the brain functions in the neurotypical range in a non-dyslexic aspie. See how it's impossible to draw the line between "aspergers" and "neurotypical", because aspergers is far from the only non-neurotypical condition?
Aspergers is a brain wiring issue. Brain wiring changes all the time throughout life, and specific changes can be made when the right strategies are put in place. In other words, brain wiring can no longer be assumed to be a permanent or definitive brain issue that will affect the individual for life; an aspie can BE normal if they are committed to it and know the right "tweaks" to make. But of course when an aspie is so attached to their label, insists on seeing the issue as "us aspies against the world", or is so resigned in the assumption that they'll "never" do this and "never" achieve that just because of their diagnosis, then in that case nothing much can be done (and of course they can't be forced to do anything). I'm not saying YOU are like that, it's just a common and persistent attitude amongst aspies which may not be entirely healthy, even if it's not harmful per se.
It's interesting you should mention the issue of obsessive interests/repetitiveness; not everyone is open to this idea thus far, but it's worth considering that this is a by-product of the aspies' anxiety due to their communication issues, even if they don't consciously feel it as anxiety.. it could be an outlet, of sorts, to provide them with the security and consistency that social interactions very often don't. Since repetitiveness/obsessive rituals are not exclusive to AS disorders (they're also present in OCD and many anxiety disorders) I think it's worth considering that they may both stem from a similar source.
Sorry about the monster of a reply - as an enthusiast in this particular area of psychological study I do tend to get carried away with it. But I think it's worth at least SOME aspies giving this some thought.
my completely unprofessional opinion would be for people with Asperger's to take up music. It's mostly based on patterns and structures but it has that emotional connection too. Performing in front of other people might be awkward but practicing by yourself could help you attune
You're not very smart, If an Aspie interest is music hes gonna be good at it. Look at Susan Boyle and autistic savants. I have high functioning autism and i'm good at music, not talking to dumb people like you.
Elisha Thompson chill the fuck out, I didn't ask you to respond and I'm entitled my two cents. I don't even see how your point differs from mine. meh
Elisha Thompson I agree Elisha, I am an Aspie too¬!
I dont need prozak, i misread the comment, i thought he meant Aspies shouldn't take music and i was shocked!
I must admit that music has helped me relax mostly I ignore the words and listen to the melody
I am 20 years old now and I have Asperger's. I used to seriously struggle with talking to people, but I did Theatre or acting. I was extremely terrified of being in front of so many people. From doing acting and watching others act you can get a grasp of emotion from others. Actor's have to show emotion and facial expressions and playwrights make it pretty clear how the actor or actors may feel. It helped me tremendously. I know most would not be open to acting, you can do tech parts such as set design or lighting, or you can even go watch a play. I promise you it will help. Before I started acting in High School, I had no friends and I was constantly bullied by others. From acting I learned what emotions and facial expressions were, but of course nothing is so black and white with people. I but I can proudly say I have many friends now and a successful relationship with my boyfriend who I have been dating for 2 years.
Imagine if in high school, most people were into science and philosophy instead of rap music and alcohol. Then, I bet you most people who looked like an asperger's patient would be completely normal, and those who we would call normal now would be labeled as "socially awkward", or "having difficulty making friends". Or, take a vegetarian and see how easy it is for them to make friends at a meat-lover's convention... All the sudden, they don't look so normal anymore.
As long as the vegetarian isn't a self righteous dick, he'll get along fine.
In the UK we call it "as-per-jis"
Ass-burgers really America
Aspergers is the doctor who discovered it's name, so whatever way his country says it is how it is properly said
*As per jers
Thats anotther Uk pronounciation
I use the same one as Bob, as far as I'm concerned thats the proper way to say it, the guy who discovered it was named Hans Asperger he was form Austria.
***** He discovered it, not sure he had it, but he researched mental disorders and illnesses especially in children, where is when aspergers is most prominent generally
I have been diagnosed with aspergers since I was a toddler. One of the most key characteristics that I possess is that I don't look at artwork or paintings as a whole - I inspect the extremely obscure details that make up said artwork/painting.
I like "Aspie's!" My cousin is an Aspie and he's exceptionally brilliant and awesome to hang out with. It made my heart break when the guy in the video explained that kids were making fun of him by calling him "Space Cadet." Personally, I think Space Cadet's are really cool and have to be very smart in order to fly missions and operate scientific equipment. I think that when kids make fun of people they don't even realize that sometimes they're paying them a complement above themselves. I doubt any of the kids who make fun of people with Aspberger's could even be smart enough to do some of the things that Aspie's can do. Sherlock Homes had a form of Aspberger's and so does Sheldon from "Big Bang Theory." I doubt many people could solve every crime that comes their way, or study particle physics easily. :)
good point
Your comment just made my day happier :D
It's not about getting a girlfriend. It's about getting a girlfriend that you like. What does it take to get a girlfriend? just ask girls out, eventually you'll find someone that wants you. But i don't want to settle for girls i don't want like some people do so they can increase their status...
Tell that to Christian Chandler.
One of my friends has Aspergers. It's certainly noticeable that he is different if you were to meet him for the first time, however you couldn't meet I nicer bloke and he is the most talented musician I've ever had the privilege to play with. Drums, Bass guitar, Guitar, Piano, he excels at them all. I understand that he has difficulties in the social area of his life but as we get older he seems to be adjusting which is good. I think it's very important that everyone takes the time to learn about the condition and realise that people with Aspergers contribute so much to this world probably more so than people who don't have the condition
Thanks man
maybe I have this
I even got a degree in psychology. I studied human interactions for years. People can hardly notice I'm an aspy but when they do they often stigmatyze and isolate me. The feeling of being an alien living among humans can be both isolating and enlightening.
Knew he was Irish the minute I heard him
I wonder, do most males with Asperger Syndrome struggle to get a girlfriend, do most not get their first girlfriend until a later age? do most never experience having a girlfriend or can most guys with Asperger Syndrome get a girlfriend? because I don't want to feel that it is hopeless for me
well obviously different for men than it is for women because men are expected to be the initiator
It's too late for me. I've lived my life in loneliness and rejection. They didn't have a name for it when it mattered to me. I hope you cherish the recognition and intervention that is lavished on you. I'm happy for you.
peace my friend
i have Aspergers Syndrome
So has me just founded out through the wiki
I would like to get a job someday but i tend to get distressed in crowded places and my social communication skill are poor. I'm on the spectrum any advice?
Just be yourself
+jack bran sorry
I wish that my son was just "acting stupid"...my son is in advanced classes in all of his main subjects. Its the way he interacts in social situations. He has been bullied at school, and he struggles with "fitting in". This is all new to me and to my son. Hearing about others experiences has been very helpful Thank you for your story.
Wow this comment section is like a cancer... The nerve of some people to talk about something they clearly have no idea about and the lack of humanity makes me cringe...
Thats because there are a load of neurotypicals watching it and are not intelligent enough to understand.
one thing you learn when you have aspengers is that every new person is a possible dirtbag.I was right on this 90% through middle school.I genuinely dislike people now,they're all the same,can't see the issue,only laughing material.The exceptions are too far and few to make a difference,but I do appreciate them.As for the rest,they could just die for all I'll care.
i have this classmate called Benjamin McBride. he is very fond of birds and skips around the school every break. everyone hates him but he is incredibly smart. he can repeat things very fast that my friends and classmates can't. he is in a way unique.
I have mild Asperger's Syndrome too but I consider myself lucky and truly blessed. I see the world through a very unique vision and I don't believe I could have excelled in my performing arts and writing without it. Yes I have my moments and difficulties but in the words of one of my favourite singers, I was born this way!
Thank u so much for this vid. I was diagnosed with aspergers syndrome in 2005 and I've always had trouble settling in with the crowd but now I feel belonged ;)
I have this. I'm 12 but I was only diagnosed when I was 11. It's hard sometimes but the constant obsession with certain subjects for me science, electronics and computer science really helps me in my school life. My school thinks I have dyslexia and my mum thinks I have dyspraxia.
Excepting yourself is VERY important. I think after nearly 4 years of knowing that I'm different, I can finally do that. Comparing yourself to the masses is pointless, as most people do not have mental illnesses or disorders.
I have Asperger's Syndrome, a mild form of Autism. It's mild, so it's not very active, so I was able to make friends quite easily, though I've been bullied all my school life (except high school, seems quiet) and NEVER took P.E. classes due to other health conditions. Middle school was the worst for the bullying part. I got bullied several times by over 12 different students, and they were in some of the same classes I was in...
I'm self-taught, talented, and VERY investigative and strategic. :)
Don't worry! I was diagnosed with severe Aspergers at age 8, and with the right cognitive therapy and support, I learned to function almost normally. You can get through it. I'm not going to lie, it can be a very rough road, particularly if you're in school, the other kids can be really cruel, and if you're an adult in work it can be tough too, especially when it comes to asking for things, job interviews etc. Get in touch with psychologists and they can help you a great deal, don't be scared!
I have aspergers and I 've learned to live with it and I attend social skills traing and has helped me improve my social skills.
It makes me sad to think that my best friend has aspergers but at the same time I am really happy to be with him and make him understand that he is not alone.
I'm 14 and I have aspergers. Thankfully In middle school kids were nice enough to accept me even though I was EXTREMELY socially awkward. Because of talking to people I wasn't necessarily comfortable around at school and my parents introducing me to new family members, old friends, co-workers, ect at this time I guess I learned what was socially normal. I was like talking to someone new every week. I am now 14 and I rarely have trouble answering basic questions and once in a while I might stutter or have someone have to repeat something after saying whatever it was normally. So if you're a parent with a newborn with aspergres one of the things you can do is introduce your child to LOTS of people. Of course you still need to get other treatment but a huge amount of social encounters will help them to :)
For anyone struggling with Aspergers', I empathize so much with your suffering because my self is going through the same thing. Since last month, I've started meditating though, and realised, through self examination (no change in external conditions since then and now), that my suffering from Aspergers' comes from excessive self-centredness. Now, instead of associating myself with those negative emotions that come up so often for 'us aspies', I see them simply for what they are but am not nearly as much affected by them.
I highly encourage one to check out actualized.org's channel, and specifically his 'no bullshit guide to meditation' as well as 'How To Stop Caring What People Think Of You'. I hope that those in need of guidance see this and take it into consideration, as I know I would have benefited alot if i saw this when I wasn't aware of myself yet.
Much love,
Peter.
Just in case some of you might think I'm making money off of this guy's referral, it is not the case. I have no affiliation with actualized.org.
I believe my Dad has it, clears up a lot of things if this is a correct diagnosis. Conversations one sided, likes to control them, often gets done walks away, doesnt like a large crowd/parties, will go onto balcony or leave, doesnt like confrontation, would rather just drop something, not have problems of any sort, doesnt pickup on gestures, bothered by loud noise, continuous noise or unexpected, will look you in the eyes, prefers to close eyes or look off to side. A brilliant rocket scientist.
Thank you for sharing this video, I've been doing alot of research on Asperger's recently. My father has it, and I didn't know much about it. He told me to look it up because it explains so many of the problems I've had since I was younger.
I am 61 and in the last year I believe that I and 2 of my children have aspergers. None of us have ever been diagnosed with it.. but other possible things! But clearly I can see aspergers in all three of us! Thanks for the video!
I have Aspergers. When I found out I had Aspergers it was good for me, as I found out what was wrong with me. It gave me a sense of relief because now I know that I will make social mistakes and decide not to let it get to me. Socially I am like a one legged man in race with people with two legs.
Whether you're socially awkward, have trouble with emotions, or interacting with your family and friends, you're still a remarkable individual. And if someone tells you otherwise you have my permission to smack them in the mouth.
no problem joshua you are the one who is speaking directly and truer.Ithank you for being honest.
My boyfriend Joel Lane is totally deaf and has High Functioning Autism and Aspergers Syndrome. We communicate using American Sign Language and we video chat with each other. I love him so much.
I was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome a few months ago.... I'm still in a state of shock, and although it has explained to me why I am like I am in so many ways, in honesty, it doesn't feel like a gift.
I have high functioning autism & I'm the same way when it comes to talking to people. I find it a lot easier when it comes to talking about things that I know a lot about.
Wish i saw this years ago, I recently discovered that i have a form of Asperger's, Can relate to a lot of this and i've had no idea for my entire life (I'm 24 now). Great watch!
It's been a while since you were last active so you probably won't see this but thank you Diamonddavej :)
Thanks for expressing what it means to you to have the diagnosis. I see many traits you have spoken about in myself and even though no two Aspies are the same your thoughts have helped me to identify myself as an individual person not some odd weird outcast in society.
I was told by my mother when I was 17 that I was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome that actually depressed me for a while because it made me understand why I never was able to fit in or socialize. I know it may seem crappy, but don't give up, dude. I personally feel content now with the way I am, as I find people without Asperger's less interesting.
You will find someone to start a family. You will succeed, my friend :)
I relate entirely. I was diagnosed late too ( at 19) and was previously misdiagnosed with social phobia /social anxiety. I relate especially with the part where you said, " I've had to learn to blend in as best as I could by myself..''.. Aspergers can feel quite isolating.
This documentary is amazing. I'm diagnosed with O.C.D. and it was important to know that many of aspies are like me I have strange interests in the point of view to a lot of people LIKE the ASPIES and I don't mind !! it's wondreful to be different !!!
thank you for the advice to deny. we are getting some assessments done ASAP. kind regards.
1. I agree, well at first, I was diagnosed when I was 11 (now I'm 21) so I suppose I've had longer to digest it but after some time you feel a bit confident in telling people about it. It might be just be me but you sort of get a confidence boost when you do tell someone who you've spoken to for a while and they say something like "Wow, I never even noticed".
2. Granted it is not commonly recognised but it is receiving more recognition each day and all the more accepted.
I learned that when I was about your age. My consolation would be that being detached can be extremely useful. Many people allow emotional and social concerns to utterly dominate them. Being detached can help you see things other can't.
My advice (such as it is) is to find a way to make it work for you. We can't change who we are. But we can change how we react to it.
my boyfriend has Aspergers.He communicates very well, but I find myself doing most off the talkin.we are together 2 yrs now.i have epilspsy myself and diabetes type 1. What i found was that when i dated normal guys in the past who had no disabilities whatsoever..we just did not connect.My boyfriend has a very IQ.He is super!!! we understand one another so well and the communication is superb.I have have to keep asking him is he ok, when he says nothing to try & keep the conversation going.
'Social dyslexia' - what a great description! Aspergers' have the same essential difficulty in non-verbal communication as dyslexics have with written communications. Socialising is such complex business, with no formulas, and how you interact all depends on the situation and the other person's non-verbal signals. If your ability to read non-verbal is limited, you can end up continuously trying to socialise well but continually getting it wrong. The right support can help you succeed though.
One of my best friends has aspergers and i find that i don't even notice the fact that she has it I love her for who she is and i wouldn't change that. Im hanging out with her next sunday to go to the aquarium with my family. :) I find that she is very smart and truly a great person. Good luck to those who have it.
Thank you for your inspiring documentary. Remember the positive aspects of life will get you through. Do not turn towards any mood altering drugs illegal or legal...just be yourselves! You are all beautiful people with so much to share! :)
When he was telling about the animals, I could rely to it and minerals...the video made me cry. Space ailen...brutal.
Agreed, 100%. Gets better after a few years, trust me. There'll come a point where you begin to embrace the positives, and begin to acknowledge the perks of being able to appreciate things from an outside perspective. Trying to be normal doesn't help matters, either. You'll be okay.
I think my dad has asperger's that has gone unnoticed. No warmth, empathy, or emotional support from him growing up. Extremely introverted, oblivious to social cues, very strange, obsessed with books and trivia, no social life. He will sometimes come into the living room and go on about some scientific topic, not realizing nobody cares. It really screwed me up psychologically, having a father figure that just couldn't connect with people.
This is me all over! I do try to communicate well with other people, but after a few sentences of something out of my interest I can't make any more convocation with them. This video really touched me and made me felt like I wasn't the only one socially suffering with it.
I appreciate this fellow's uncommon candor and above average intelligence.
I am a proud aspie, originally diagnosed in first grade with ADD and mild OCD, then re-diagnosed in fifth grade with Asperger Syndrome.
I'm 25 and have Asperger's syndrome. I constantly feel like I'm detached from the World all the time, and have felt this way since childhood.
I'm 16 and I was diagnosed with aspergers last week and this video helped me understand it a bit more because ever since I was little I've had an "obsession" with celebrities and TV shows and I hate talking to people but everyone use to call me shy and that use to annoy me because I'm not shy also people use to bully Me for liking justin bieber and because I cut my hair like his and they use to call me bieber girl or bieber freak now I understand a lot more about why I've always been like i have. ...and sorry for rambling I just felt like I needed to say how I feel and how I've felt over the years ......and just to clarify I'm not that obsessed with justin bieber any more. ...its fifth harmony demi lovato little mix and one direction
They differ from rest, but people need to know that it's not an illness. My best friend has aspergers and he was born with it. It was very awkward when we met a long time ago at school. He was all alone and everyone thought he was weird. He had special skills in arts, and it was his dearest activity. He became always morere
don't hate it, embrace it and use what you have. I am an aspie and it has given me an obsessive focus on music which I have used and now am djing and hosting name that tune games at bars and pubs.
Thanks for providing this insight , parts of this really helped me.
I was diagnosed with Aspergers when I was 4, I have been bullied, rejected and quite frankly, I had a painful childhood. And now, I'm still dealing with social problems and still a subject of being bullied and isolation.. its a very rough life, even if I'm religious...
I have Aspergers and I have a healthy relationship with two wonderful children. I don't think it needs curing, I see it as a gift, it's my little world, my special thing. If I didn't have Aspergers, I doubt I'd be as clever as I am, or as observant, or logical, kind or relaxed as I am. As is said in this documentary, I probably wouldn't be a biologist or a horse lover if I wasn't an Aspie. It gives me difficulties, but it gives me a gift too.
I have also got mild Aspberger's. The interesting and challenging part for others can be the logical analysis of an emotional situation/ problem.
I have aspergers and what i found difficult in life mainly was socialising with people i used to get bullyied alot in primary school to the extent i didnt talk at all until 4th year or transition year where i built uup my confidence to talk and made lots of friends but for me it still is not easy to understand other people sometimes and make a long convo i just wish more people knew more about aspergers and what we go through in life but the good thing about aspergers is the fact that we act like we are adults around the age of 10 from my experience people thought i was 20 when i was actualy 10 we are also very smart when it comes to stuff we are intrested in.
I have aspergers. I used illegal drugs to feel normal. Any friends I have are a result of meeting me while intoxicated. The happiest years of my life were the two years I spent homeless and constantly on drugs. Strange how the darkest days of my life were the happiest.
Thank you. Im crying. This just speaks to me.
Dinosaurs and geology have always been my focal points regarding Asperger's. But it's difficult when teacher's praise you for wanting to learn, then have everyone else look at you like an animal for enjoying what they don't.
Hey, you know, Don't beat yourself up over it. I have Asperger's my self and I get counseling every week and social skills training too. It's difficult for me when I was young like you because doctors couldn't find what I had but in my early 20's my parents are starting to acknowledge what I have and learn to live with me and un derstand me a little more. So don't beat your self up over it learn to live iwth and work around it.
my girlfriend have aspergers, thats why im here, i become very frustrated with her and now i just kinda like ... when her mom said i completly change her life for the best that made me the most happy man in the world
I have been diagnosed an aspie but I find aspies have more control over their own brain so it may not always be that you don't seem to have emotions but more you need to learn to use the emotions you have.