Positive Psychology of Asperger's Syndrome

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It gets tiring to hear of the problems associated with Asperger's syndrome sometimes. How about something positive? After all, Asperger's syndrome is more than what we can't do!

Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger's syndrome is a pervasive developmental difference whose benefactors are notable for their powers of concentration, sensory perception, individuality, and depth of knowledge. This syndrome should be recognized in those people who prefer important endeavors over petty gossip and meaningful relationships over shallow impressions.

A. Individuality

• Is not afraid to express own opinion despite possible social repercussions
• Dresses for comfort and preferred aesthetic
• Acts on principle, not trendiness
• Has a unique sense of humor
• Has a compassionate concern for others
• Is not persuaded by deceptive, vague arguments; values appeals to logic
• Original approach to solving problems
  

• Has acute sense of hearing
• Has hypersensitive vision
• Has sensitivity to touch
• Is aware of details others do not notice
• Has deep, informative language style
  

• Can stay focused on a task for extended lengths of time
• Does not avoid confronting problems
• Has strong interests
• Has committed relationships with others
  

• Knows many facts about a subject
• Can explain the nuances of an abstract matter
• Enjoys learning
• Is undaunted by the possibility of learning esoteric pursuits
• Sophisticated vocabulary
  

That was a GREAT post to read, Neant! I also find people don't focus on the positve enough either. Have you read any of Oliver Sack's writings on Autism/AS? i think you would enjoy them if you haven't.

One thing I couldn't apply to myself though- the great concentration. I have terrible concentration, that's why I use a dictaphone to record long lectures.

Would it be to forward to tell you that I loved you?

Hallelujah ! !



I love my brain.

The Aspie Criteria, by Tony Atwood and someone else whom I can not remember...

I've read it before, in fact I saved it onto my computer, and onto my webspace so I can spread the word as it were.

GA

WONDERFUL! What a fantastic POV!

Exactly my thoughts. I've tried to enlighten people a little on here, but you've done a far better job than I did...

Congratz!

Thanks Neanthumain!! That is wonderful and I like your spin on the positive. I like all the positive aspects of AS and believe me, I use them to my advantage.

Thanks again for posting this!!

Right now i am perfectly happy not interacting with people often, but i plan to take up jobs where i interact with people. Which will make it infinitely more easy for me. I am a very sociable person, but i wanna talk to everyone all the time, and in a room the grouping just doesnt work that way, so instead of screwing up i stay in a corner alone, with world of warcraft.

I'd like to see an update to this. Specifically with temple grandin's visual/non-verbal/verbal thinking types along with seligman's positive psychology and humanistic psychology.

Anyone know anything about this connection?

Those are all the reasons I've enjoyed meeting the citizens of wp.

I can only relate to a few of those things.

I'm a individual but I usually don't say certain things because I'd be afraid of what reaction I'd get. There's just so many times I like to get yelled at.
Sophisticated language and concentration does not apply to me, but still I love to learn and have to read about the same thing a lot for it to really get stuck into my memory.
I don't think I have committed relationships with others. People are just so hard to be around.

I have a natural artistic ability though. My sister told me that she can no longer draw how she used to because she stopped doing it for a time. But I went on a long break from drawing to and when I got back at it I had developed a more free flowing style and can pretty much draw whatever I set my mind to. My mum even said the teacher at my art class thought I had an incredible artistic ability.
I love to learn, especially things about science. I have a high regard for rules but not for those that discriminate.

I could go on, but yes, there are some positive things about AS.

I relate to it, very well.

Thanks to the OP.
I REALLY need to read this today so that I do not continue down the gurgler and into the abyss of overload, negativity and generalised and all-pervading depression for the umpteenth time in my life......Life is NOT dandy today, and I need and want to be reminded of the many positive attributes that are a part of my AS. It helps me to challenge the downward spirals when they happen.
So again....Thank you.