Understanding Asperger's Syndrome

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Hamza Asadullah

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Asalaamu Alaikum, i have created this thread for the purpose of making us more aware of this condition because we do have a member who suffers from this condition - TruthSeeker63.

Knowledge is icrucial in order to gain clarity on any matter and so we should know about this condition so that we are aware of its implications and what behaviours those with such a condition show so that we can be more sympathetic to those with this condition.

Symptoms of Asperger syndrome

Asperger syndrome is part of a group of conditions where people experience difficulties with communication and social skills, and which can lead to isolation and emotional problems. Because there is a wide range of severity and symptoms, the conditions are collectively known as autistic spectrum disorders. Symptoms vary from so mild that the person can function as well as anyone else around them, to so severe that they are completely unable to take part in normal society.

People with Asperger syndrome are usually more mildly affected than those with autism. In fact, many people with milder symptoms are never diagnosed at all, and some argue that Asperger syndrome is simply a variation of normal rather than a medical condition or disorder.

Even so, many people with Asperger syndrome (or their family) find it causes particular problems getting on with daily life and this can result in isolation, confusion and other difficulties, all of which could be defined as 'disease'.

There are three main aspects to Asperger syndrome:


Difficulty with communication. Although a person with Asperger syndrome may be able to speak fluently, sometimes there are difficulties judging or understanding the reactions of those they are talking to. Common problems include:
  • Failing to notice the body language of others.
  • Appearing insensitive to the feelings or views of the listener.
  • Continually talking, unaware of the listener's interest.
  • Appearing over-precise in what they say.
  • Taking comments literally (for example, misunderstanding jokes, metaphors or colloquialisms).
Difficulty in social relationships. People with Asperger syndrome often enjoy or want to develop social contacts but find mixing with others very hard. In particular, they have problems with:
  • Understanding non-verbal signals such as body language, gestures, facial expressions and tone of voice.
  • Obsessions with objects, interests or routines which tend to interfere further with building social relationships (this is known as stereotyped or repetitive behaviour).
Lack of imagination and creative play. Children with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above intelligence, and may be particularly good at learning facts and figures. However, they may also lack imagination and find creative play or thinking in the abstract very difficult.

This means they may be particularly good at topics such as maths or history, but struggle with subjects such as philosophy, religious education or creative arts.

Treatments for Asperger syndrome

There's no specific treatment or 'cure'. Instead, the aim is to help the individual learn to manage in a world that thinks or functions slightly differently than they do. An early diagnosis is important as this will help the individual and those affected understand and appreciate the syndrome and how it can influence their relationship with the world around them, and find the right support.
Because the syndrome varies, some children manage (or in fact do very well) in mainstream schools, especially if extra support is available.

However, even when children cope well academically, they may have problems socialising and are likely to experience teasing or bullying.

More severely affected children need the specialist help provided by schools for children with learning disabilities.

Drugs may sometimes be used for symptoms often associated with Asperger syndrome such as obsessional behaviour or depression. Many other things can be helpful including:
  • Behavioural therapy.
  • Appropriate specialist education.
  • Social skills training.
As they get older, children with Asperger syndrome may become aware they are different from others. This can lead to a sense of isolation or depression, especially if they have trouble building a circle of friends.

Helping them develop some insight into the condition is an important step towards adjusting to, or at least coping with, the way the rest of the world works.
Some people with Asperger syndrome do very well, especially in an environment or job where they can use their particular talents.

Advice and support

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/autism2.shtml
 
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Jazakallah khair. Not many people know about this. The indian film called My name is Khan is based on this topic too.

At my previous work, one of my customers little 5 year old kid has this syndrome and he has obsession with things he watches on adverts on tv. He always touches those things like he always say taste the rainbow (skittles) and he loves Ariel Gel. Always pick that up.
 
Thanks for the info (much as I don't like strict definitions of illness). I hope bro TruthSeeker63 is ok with you sharing that since I haven't heard him mention it in any of his threads.
 
:sl:

One of my really close (non-Muslim) friends has a stepdaughter who is autistic (not full-blown Asperger's, but close), so autism is something I am more aware of than I used to be.
 
Who Am I? said:
:sl:

One of my really close (non-Muslim) friends has a stepdaughter who is autistic (not full-blown Asperger's, but close), so autism is something I am more aware of than I used to be.
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I thought autism was a worse case of aspergers and aspies had the lighter form of it.

I heard ADD was on the other end of the spectrum from Aspergers.
 
My son has a very mild (according to the school psychologist and special education teacher) form of aspergers, but is very high functioning. He tends to obsess over the minutia of pokemon cards and characters, and he has some difficulty understanding people's facial expression. He is also quite gifted academically. He began reading at 3 years, and was able to read fluently at 4. He's become more adept, over the years and with some counseling, at navigating the social environment and has developed healthy friendships at school.

Kids with Aspergers are seen as "vulnerable" by bullies and get more then their share of unkind teasing and bullying. The school environment can be quite difficult for them. My son seems to be doing OK with the support of his teachers, though.
 
I have PDD-NOS also a kind of autism, but not fully. From what i see it has alot of positive effects also. people with autism are often quicker in learning a subject they want to study. Combine this with my ADHD.

I dont see it as anything negative, the media and all those doctors can talk what they want. They treat us like we're retards or something.

Those doctors claimed that i had a IQ of 72, fools should know better lol....thats why i dont trust them anymore, and all the ''help'' on school. They really thought my problem was because of my autism (i was a bit of social awkward in the kindergarten) but that was because i felt hopeless and didnt know what to do (Very bad youth) it wasnt due to my autism.

But i cant stand that we get treated as low-life retards. it makes you lose your pants.
 
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Autism and Asperger's Syndrome has nothing to do with intelligence. I wish more people would understand this and would stop patronising people with autism or Asperger's.

Full disclosure, I do not have autism or Asperger's, nor do I know anyone who does, but I know enough about it to understand that treating people who do as if they are stupid is offensively ignorant.

So, good thread!
 
Muezzin said:
Autism and Asperger's Syndrome has nothing to do with intelligence. I wish more people would understand this and would stop patronising people with autism or Asperger's.

Full disclosure, I do not have autism or Asperger's, nor do I know anyone who does, but I know enough about it to understand that treating people who do as if they are stupid is offensively ignorant.

So, good thread!
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true, incase most of the symptons mentioned are most likely not caused by autism. Alhamdulillah i have a great intelligence, yet i got diagnosed with a iq of 72.
 
Greetings,

One good way of gaining an insight into some aspects of Asperger's syndrome is by reading Mark Haddon's tremendous novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. The story is told from the point of view of a teenage boy with Asperger's who has a mystery to solve. His voice is one of the most distinctive in modern fiction, and the book is already widely regarded as a classic.

Peace
 

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