Is messy eating part of AS?

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My son was diagnosed with Asperger's at age 5, and is now 15. I'm sorry to say that yes, messiness at the table, and in general, are characteristic of Asperger's (according to the doctor who diagnosed my son). He absolutely does not notice when he's spilt cereal on the floor, etc. The good news is that he understands manners, and can eat in public without making a spectacle, but has to concentrate a bit. My approach at home has always been to realize this is characteristic of the syndrome, and to calmly request that he cleans up after himself - which he does promptly and without complaint.

Put me down as a messy eater. My fine motor coordination isn't great, not to mention the micro seizures I have and distractions that occasionally cause me to drop my knife and fork or knock things over. When I'm with a group of people and really concentrate, I can do pretty well. I am fortunate because my good old mom tried mightily to teach me the value of etiquette and to explain that other people would find my eating style gross.

My son was/is a perfect eater. Even at age one, he didn't get a crumb on his face. He was able to eat with a spoon at age 10 months, if not younger.

It think some kids can be pretty "clean" eaters if they have significant sensory issues where they really can't stand anything on their face. The spatial awareness is an issue with a lot of kids, though. It's just not with my child. He is actually better than me.

My son notices everything that is spilled on the floor. He is just so "anal" and clean. Luckily the dog eats it right up.

My sons strengths include extremely good fine motor skills, motor coordination and spatial skills.

Good point.

Or back to my personal observation, rule #1 for being Aspie:

When it comes to any trait, someone with AS either excels at it or can't do it. There is no "average." Which traits fall where is not universal, just the pattern of high highs and low lows.