Asperger's Syndrome Characters And Characteristics

People with Aspergers Syndrome are often described, as having social skills deficits, reluctance tolisten, difficulty understanding social give and take, and other core characteristics, is typically quitemisunderstood and/or misdiagnosed in our country today. First recognized by Hans Asperger in1944, who recognized that the patterns of behaviors and characteristics were often noticed in theparents as well, most noticeably in the fathers, and he very perceptively noted, that the conditionwas probably due to genetic or neurological, rather than psychological or environmental factors,(Attwood, 2006, p. 2). Psychologists, physicians, educators, and parents remain largely uneducatedand uninformed regarding high functioning autism and Aspergers Syndrome, particularly in girlsand women, and the person is often misdiagnosed (Fattig, 2007). Aspergers syndrome has probablybeen an important and valuable characteristic of our species throughout evolution, (Attwood, 2006,p. 2).

The difficulty in understanding and acknowledging autism, primarily high functioning autism orAspergers Syndrome, by the medical, psychological, and psychiatric community, can lead tomisdiagnosis and even failure to provide the services needed for students (Autism Today, 2007).Applying these characteristics to famous or historical figures, may allow a better understanding ofthe significant positive impact great Aspergers ancestors have left behind towards an enlightenedand improved society and world.

Science

Albert Einstein provided the theory of relativity and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for thework he did with photoelectric effect. Characteristics, which may indicate that Einstein was a fellowAspie: Einstein could not speak fluently at the age of nine (Botham, 2006, p. 16), language delays arecommon in children with high functioning autism. His parents suspected that he might actually bementally retarded (Botham, 2006, p. 16). Often, children with Autism are labeled Mentally Retardedor Behaviorally Disordered. At the ceremony of induction as an American, Einstein attended withoutsocks (Botham, 2006, p. 16). Children and adults with autism and Aspergers Syndrome often havepeculiar habits, extreme sensitivity to textures (Attwood, 2006, p. 3), and are often rated high onscales measuring atypicality, demonstrating odd behaviors, and seemingly lost in their own littleworld (Fattig, 2007). Frequently, children with Aspergers struggle with finding socks that feel rightor with a line at the toe that doesnt not bother them.

Isaac Newton dropped out of school as a teenager (Botham, 2006, p. 15). A person with Aspergersmay not be able to accept rules in school if they appear illogical, pursuing a point or argument as amatter of principle, which can lead to a significant conflict with teachers and school authorities,(Attwood, 2006, p. 11).

Benjamin Franklin was considered to be one of the most important of the founding fathers of ourcountry. He was a theorist, author, politician, scientist, activist, and diplomat. His scientificcontributions included physics, discovery of electricity, and theories regarding electricity (Wikipedia,2007). He was also the first head of the post office. Indicating the potential need for rigid rule andorder, with sorting tendencies. Benjamin Franklins peers did not give him the assignment of writingthe Declaration of Independence because they feared that he would conceal a joke in it, (Botham,2006, pp. 17-18). Aspies are notorious for an extreme or different sense of humor.

Politics

Napoleon Bonaparte was reportedly afraid of cats, favored mathematicians or physical scientists,and tended to exclude humanists from his inner circle. He believed humanists were troublemakers.He also required his servants to wear his boots, breaking them in for him, before he would wearthem (Botham, 2006, p. 17). Napoleon may have exhibited a social deficit, leaning towards otherswith similar intellectual and personality traits. He may have been preoccupied with perseverative orunfounded fears, with a hypersensitivity to textures on his feet or person.

George Washington, the first president of the United States of America. Aspie signs: George grewmarijuana in his own garden (Botham, 2006, p. 2). Many adults with undiagnosed or misdiagnosedAspergers Syndrome or Attention Deficit Disorder, self medicate in order to soothe their restlessbrains and bodies, (Richardson, 1998, p. 1). He was extremely terrified of being buried alive,therefore, he dictated that he be laid out for three days just to be sure he was dead, (Botham, 2006,p. 2). Perseverative fears and bizarre adherence to seemingly ineffectual rules or rituals are commonin people with Aspergers Syndrome and autism. People on the Aspie team, perceive or think aboutthe world differently than others (Attwood, 2006, p. 2). George reportedly had to borrow money, inorder to attend his own inauguration ceremonies (Botham, 2006, p. 2). Difficulties with moneymanagement, pack rack tendencies, and/or impulsively giving possessions away are common traitsin the Aspie race (Fattig, 2007).

John Quincy Adams, also a president of the country, owned and kept a pet alligator in the East Roomof the White House (Botham, 2006, p. 3). Again, atypicality is a common thread for our people(Fattig, 2007). He reportedly took his last skinny dip in the Potomac on his seventy-ninth birthday,(Botham, 2006, p. 3). No further comment needed.

Andrew Jackson maintained the belief that the world was flat (Botham, 2006, p. 3), indicating rigidconcrete thinking, without the ability to see anothers perspective (Attwood, 2006, p. 2). May be he,too, was on our team?

Andrew Johnson taught himself tailoring, and made his own clothes and clothes for those in hiscabinet (Botham, 2006, p. 3). Tailoring may have been a means of self-medicating the gut wrenchingfeelings that accompany ADHD, (Richardson, 1998) and Aspergers Syndrome. Often, people withAspergers, like people with true ADHD, feel nervous or fidgety inside and cope through legbouncing, gum chewing, crafting, knitting, steepling their fingers, knuckle popping and otherbehaviors (Garnett & Attwood, 1995).

Abraham Lincoln had a nervous breakdown, and before his election to the presidency in 1860, helost eight other elections (Botham, 2006, p. 4). Aspergers is often first misdiagnosed as depression,anxiety, bipolar, or a breakdown and running repeatedly for office may be indicative ofperseveration, ritualistic need for routine even when it doesnt appear to be working, and rigidity(Fattig, 2007). Also, Lincolns mother reportedly died after drinking milk from the family cow, after itate poisonous mushrooms (Botham, 2006, p. 4). Not a sign or characteristic of Aspergers, but weirdnonetheless.

James Garfield was able to write in Latin with one hand, and in Greek with the other handat thesame time (Botham, 2006, p. 4). Evidence of savant skills?

After being shot, Teddy Roosevelt refused to accept medical assistance, until after completing aspeech he was delivering (Botham, 2006, p. 4). Rigidity of rule and routine, with a touch ofobsessive-compulsive behaviors? He also wrote 37 books (Botham, 2006, p. 4). Repetitive,

stereotypical behaviors with perseverative tendencies perhaps?

William Taft got stuck in his bathtub on the day of his Inauguration, and had to be pried out by hisattendants, (Botham, 2006, p. 5). Eating disorders are often a part of Aspergers Syndrome andautism. Hyper reactivity to gustatory, olfactory, or textural can lead to under eating, refusal to eatall but just one or two foods, or malnourishment. Hypo reactivity to gustatory or vestibular, can leadto bored eating, compensatory eating, comfort eating, and obesity. Unfortunately, professionals aswell as concerned family members and friends mistakenly blame parents of children with autismspectrum disorders for their childs poor eating habits. Sometimes parents concerns are ignored andthey are told not to worry since most children go through stages of picky eating and food fads,(Wheeler, 2004, p. 1).

Harry Trumans middle name remained just an S, because his parents could not decide between twodifferent names beginning with S, (Botham, 2006, p. 6). Although not technically associatingcharacteristics to Harry himself, parents of children with Aspergers frequently exhibitcharacteristics as well. The core characteristics of Aspergers Syndrome include limited or restrictedsocial awareness and understanding; difficulty or inability to maintain reciprocity or give and takeconversationally; and intense or restricted interest in a subject (Attwood, 2006, p. 2).

Royalty with Aspergers Characteristics

Louis IV, who was the kind of France, reportedly had a stomach that was twice the size of a normalstomach, and he only bathed one time a year (Botham, 2006, p. 10). Hygiene issues and failure toacknowledge or dress in trendy fashions can be notoriously difficult for people with Aspergers,especially those with extremely high IQs and a hyper reactive olfactory response. Soaps andperfumes can be overwhelming to their olfactory system.

Catherine the Great relaxed by being tickled, (Botham, 2006, p. 10) which could be a result of thecharacteristic sensation seeking of light to moderate touch, of those Apies with Hypo reactivity totouch or proprioceptive feedback.

Reportedly, Cleopatra and other female Egyptian rulers wore a fake beard (Botham, 2006, p. 11). Inour brains, neurons are the transmitters for perception, thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Researchhas demonstrated massive neurological effects hormones can have on females during the differentstages of life and maturation (Brizendine, 2006, p. 3). Females are considered to be superior inempathy skills and males are traditionally found to be superior systemizers. If a woman with autismis better at systemizing, with extreme attention to detail, and less compelled to demonstratetypically female characteristics in relationships (e.g., valuing altruistic, reciprocal relationships,cooperative engagement, strong friendship bonds, nurturing, and smoothing or resisting conflict);but rather favors task specific activities, aggression, solitary activities, or other male characteristicbehaviors, (Baron-Cohen, 2002, p. 2), she may become ostracized, envied, or socially isolated. Thisemotional maleness may lead to relational conflicts and a lack of intimate relationships, genderconfusion, wanting to dress like the opposite sex, or become the opposite sex.

Peter the Great reportedly killed his wifes lover, and then forced her to keep her lovers head in a jarof alcohol in her bedroom, (Botham, 2006, p. 11). Excessive and unpredictable moods, irrationaloutbursts, or tantrums are not uncommon in people on the spectrum.

Wilhem II reportedly had a withered arm, that he often hid by posing with it resting on a sword orholding a glove (Botham, 2006, p. 11). People with Aspergers become masters of masking ourdifferences.

Alexander the Great experienced seizure disorder (Botham, 2006, p. 11). Seizure disorder is presentin a percentage of people with autism.

Artists

Leonardo da Vinci took twelve years to paint the Mona Lisa lips, and could write with one hand whiledrawing with the other (Botham, 2006, p. 13). Perfectionistic tendencies, with moderate cross overdiscrimination deficits, and savant skills?

Vincent van Gogh committed suicide (Botham, 2006, p. 14). Depression sometimes accompaniespeople with Aspergers and in extreme cases can lead to thoughts, talk of, or suicide attempts(Attwood, 2006, p. 15).

Composers/Musicians

Beethoven was such a poor music student, that his music teachers decided he was hopeless as acomposer and each time he sat to write music, he reportedly poured ice water over his head,(Botham, 2006, p. 30), indicating the potential inability to show what he could do and a potentialpreoccupation of sensory experiences (Attwood, 2006, p. 4), or need for unproductive idiosyncraticroutine.

Elvis was a notorious over eater, failed his music class in school, never ever gave an encore, and hadten distinctly different drugs in his body when he died (Botham, 2006, p. 34). He may have beencompulsive with food/sensory perseverations, school failures, rigid need for routine and control, andself-medicating?

Philosophy

Jeremy Bentham left his estate to a London Hospital, so long as they allowed his body to continue topreside over board meetings. His skeleton was clothed and fitted with a wax mask of his face. It waspresent at the meeting for ninety-two years and can still be viewed there, (Botham, 2006, p. 15).People with Aspergers can maintain vivid or complex imaginary worlds, often with imaginary friends(Attwood, 2006, p. 15).

Socrates committed suicide (Botham, 2006, p. 16), indicating potential depression stemming fromdifficulties with understanding social conventions, a development of compensatory thoughts andattitudes for feeling alienated, socially isolated and not understood, (Attwood, 2006, p. 14). Thesuicide rate in people with Aspergers is higher than that of the neurotypical population.

Inventors

Henry Ford reportedly believed history to be bunk, and he firmly believed in reincarnation (Botham,2006, p. 18). Concrete thinker without the ability to understand or tolerate another perspective,rigid belief system?

Bill Gates has long been suspected of demonstrated Aspie traits, and where would we be without hiscontributions? His first business, Traff-O-Data, involved the creation of a machine recording thenumber of cars passing a point on a road (Botham, 2006, p. 18).

Actors

Robin Williams was voted least likely to succeed in high school (Botham, 2006, p. 27). People withAspergers are noted to have an unusual prosody affecting tone, rhythm, pitch, and speed of speech.And egocentric preoccupation dominates their thoughts, and they often need more assistance in self-help skills and organization (Attwood, 2006, p. 3). Kindergarten through 12th grade is particularlydifficult for our team, and we often can not show who we are or what we can do, until post highschool education.

Tom Hanks is reportedly related to Abraham Lincoln (Botham, 2006, p. 22), and genetic ties arestrong in our people (see above regarding Abe Lincoln).

Marilyn Monroe had a history of emotional instability, depression, and suicide.

Clark Gable used to take more than four showers a day (Botham, 2006, p. 26), indicating potentialobsessive-compulsive characteristics, frequent in the Aspie population.

Every episode of Seinfeld contains a Superman reference somewhere, (Botham, 2006, p. 40). I willsay no more.

Writers

Author, Virginia Woolf, would only write her books when standing (Botham, 2006, p. 59), and shesuffered from depression, social isolation, and eccentricities.

Shakespeare reportedly spelled his own name in several different ways (Botham, 2006, p. 60). HansChristian Anderson was word blind and he never learned to spell correctly (Botham, 2006, p. 61).Written language difficulties often accompany Aspergers Syndrome and ADD/ADHD.

Goethe reportedly hated the sound of barking dogs (Botham, 2006, p. 60), which could indicatehyperactivity to sound or noises; and he could only write if he had an apple rotting in the deskdrawer, (Botham, 2006, p. 60).

Isaac Asimov has a book included in each Dewey decimal category (Botham, 2006, p. 61), whichcould indicate compulsivity or perseverative need for control or ritual.

The novel, Gatsby, written by Ernest Vincent Wright, has a word count of fifty thousand with noword containing the letter e (Botham, 2006, p. 60). Phobic?

Charles Dickinson dropped out of school and suffered from insomnia. He believed that if his bed wasfacing north, and he was in the center, he might be able to sleep (Botham, 2006, p. 61). Difficultyfalling asleep, staying asleep, nightmares or night terrors, is common in people with Aspergers.Creating odd rituals and routines as a coping mechanism is also frequent in our people.

Without Aspergers, Where would we be?

Many children, who are diagnosed at a very young age with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), may infact have Aspergers Syndrome (Brunett & Williams, 2005). Aspergers Syndrome is typicallycharacterized by average to above average intelligence, poor social communication, poor socialskills, lack of eye contact, rigid need for rules and routine, anxiety and/or depression, pedanticspeech, sensory processing difficulty, and perseverative thought processes. Persons with highfunctioning autism or Aspergers tend to rely heavily on rigid internal rules and struggle with theunwritten social rules of social interaction. Failure accompanies a student with AS, like a close

companion, and we may need much reassurance during stressful periods. A psychologist, and friend,stated, You have to remind them that for every criticism, it can take upwards of hundreds ofcomplimentary comments to undo the extreme embarrassment or humiliation, (Caton, 2007).

References

Attwood, T. (2006). The Complete Guide to Aspergers Syndrome. Retrieved December

12, 2007, from: http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/extract/9781843104957

Autism Today (2007). What causes Autism? Retrieved October 22, 2007, from:

http://www.autismtoday.com/autism_cause_diagnosis.htm

Baron-Cohen, S. (2002). The extreme male brain theory of autism. Trends in Cognitive

Science, 6 (6).

Botham, N. (2006). The Book of Useless Information. New York, New York: Penguin Group.

Brunett, R. & Williams, W. (2005). Aspergers syndrome: The invisible autism.

Retrieved October 22, 2007, from: http://www.e-bility.com/articles/aspergers- autism.php

Caton, J. (2007) Personal Communication.

Fattig, M. (2007). I have Aspergers yes I do. I have Aspergers how bout you?

7th Book of the Annie Books Series: Experience Aspergers and Attention Deficits

Through the Eyes of a Child. Genoa, NE: Flower by the Water Publishing.

Fattig, M. (2007). Of the, So I have said, so it shall be litany, professional development seminarseries. Living and Parenting with Aspergers and ADD.

Fattig, M. (2007). Women and Girls Women and Girls on the Spectrum: Autism, High FunctioningAutism, and Aspergers Syndrome The Underserved and Unrecognized Population. White paper

submitted to the Journal of Austism and Develomental Delay December 27, 2007.

Garnett & Attwood, T. (1995). Adult version: Australian Scale for Asperger Syndrome.

Modified and Copyright: Roger N. Meyer (2000). Retrieved December 25, 2007,

from: http://www.aspires-relationships.com/articles_adult_version_ austrailian_scale_for_as.htm

Richardson, W. (1998). ADHD, Alcoholism and Other Addictions. Retrieved November

13, 2007 from: http://www.addresources.org/article_adhd_addictions_richardson.

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Wheeler, M. (2004). Mealtime and children on the autism spectrum: Beyond picky, fussy, and fads.The Reporter, 9(2), 13-19. Retrieved December 28, 2007 from:

http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/Medical/mealtime.html

Wikipedia (2007). Benjamin Franklin. Retrieved December 28, 2007 from: http://en.

wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Franklin

Author's Bio:

Author of the Annie Books Series: Experience Asperger's Syndrome and Attention Deficits Throughthe Eyes of a Child, Michelle is a school psychologist and medical technologist, who volunteers as aparent advocate, and provides professional development to parents and educators, regardingIndividuals with Disabilites Education Act (IDEA), Improving Learning for Children with Disabilities(ILCD), Hidden Disabilities, and Response to Intervention (RTI). She is a proud veteran of the AirForce and previous school board member. Michelle has Asperger's Syndrome, Attention Deficit withHyperactivity Disorder, and learning disabilities. She is a doctoral candidate in EducationLeadership.

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Understanding_Communication_Patterns_in_Adults_with_Asperger_s_Syndrome.html