In a nutshell...

Post Reply New Topic

Anybody got a quick and clean way of describing AS? I'm seriously considering have notecards printed up, because it's such a hassle going through it every time with friends or coworkers. I know AS manifests differently for every person, but some generalized descriptions would be really handy. I'm just tired of trying to come up with ways of presenting my diagnoses that make clear that I'm not mentally ill or ret*d.

How about this? Obviously you'd have to change it a bit or add things to suit you specifically.

AS is a difference in the way the brain is wired, resulting in deficiencies in social skills and difficulties with transitions or changes. Those with AS often have obsessive routines and may be preoccupied with a particular subject of interest. They have a great deal of difficulty reading body language and sometimes difficulty determining proper body space. Often overly sensitive to sounds, tastes, smells, and sights, the person with AS may prefer soft clothing, certain foods, and be bothered by sounds or lights no one else notices. It's important to remember that the person with AS perceives the world very differently. Those with AS have a normal IQ and many individuals exhibit exceptional skill or talent in a specific area. People with AS are often viewed as eccentric or odd and can easily become victims of teasing and bullying.

I know its not exactly quick and clean, but its very hard to describe AS in that way, especially when I don't know the person in question. I thought he could delete the bits that didn't apply to him specifically.

yes, Craig is brilliant, hes my biggest inspiration.

Like high-functioning autism but without the language delays.

a recent dx, i am only just discovering all sorts of things

the low countries have a so-called "autipas", which i will be applying for shortly; getting it requires a doctor's declaration confirming your dx

i gather/believe it is some kind of creditcardlike piece of texted plastic -
i am however in some doubt as to whether all of that text would fit
a suchlike piece of plastic

the NVA (Dutch Association for Autism)-site where i got the info also provides the text, and translations in english (see below), french, and german

apparantly, it allows the individual carrier to indicate which traits might apply

the text itself is longish, and no answer to the original question;
however, the thought of being able to just present someone with an official-
looking auticard is very appealing to me -
as it does shorten the act of explanation so it is an answer still

otherwise, there is the single-sentence non-explanatory description on
the WP home page: "a social disability" which really is too short -
and therefore might only evoke more questions

apart from all the above&below FYI, i think the sunchild shed some good light


" Before addressing a person with autism
People with autism mostly speak clearly and correctly, and look very normal. The problem is that they process information differently. Therefore they sometimes cannot understand or interpret the full meaning of what is said or what happens. Their apparently independent personality sometimes hides fear, insecurity, and social incapacity.

Therefore:
• Do not unnecessarily touch a person with autism.
• First explain what you are going to do, and ascertain whether your words have been understood well before proceeding to action.
• Ask simple and straight questions.
• Avoid irony or sarcasm, and do not use transferred meanings or comparisons.
• Allow a person with autism some extra time to absorb your information, or to proceed to action.
• Be aware that the person with autism does not intent to be impolite by not looking at you.

Important to know about this person with autism:
• may behave inadequate or strange.
• may seem inattentive, or not respond at all.
• avoids eye contact in case of stress, or when under pressure.
• may over-react.
• may seem tactless.
• may seem cocky, stubborn or cross.
• may be extremely docile.
• may mostly dislikes physical contact.
• finds body language hard to understand.
• takes proverbs and metaphors literal.
• may use formal, oldish or stately language.
• prefers fixed habits and rules.
• has a number of specific interests.
• often is unable to empathize.

Important information for police, care providers, and inspectors
A person with autism is vulnerable, whether they are a victim, a witness, or a suspect. Impaired communication, interaction, and imagination capabilities may cause them to get into trouble, or frighten them when their behavior is not understood. Consult an expert to ensure the person with autism receives adequate help. Autism, including the Asperger and PDD-NOS disorders, is classified as a behavioral disorder in the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD10). If you think your client/witness/detainee has autism, please have a psychiatric report be made up for the legal procedure. "


with no apology from me for the occasional mistake in the translation
[e.g. 'eager to please' would have been better than 'docile'] -
i do not apologize for the mistakes of other's

The NAS provides ' Autism Alert' cards in a little plastic wallet which contain info on Autism and Asperger's. Front of the card says:

"Autism Alert
This person has autism
Please see over for informatition
Name _______
Emergency contact details
Name of contact _______ Tel _______"

Back of card says:

"This person has autism (which includes Asperger Syndrome)
*Autism is a developmental disability that affects social and communication skills.
*People with autism may behave in unpredictable ways as a result of their difficulty in understanding language and social situations.
*Please help by being understanding and showing tolerance.
For further information contact The Autism Helpline on 0845 070 4004 (Open Monday-Friday 10am-4pm)

www.autism.org.uk
www.info.autism.org.uk"

The wallet also contains NAS membership card and a small fact-sheet with more detailed information about Autism/AS.

Of course, it's very difficult to find a one-size-fits-all description, but it's pretty useful.

ultimate

Quote: Your brain operates one way, Aspie brains operates another and
for some reason both our wires get continuously crossed - Alyson Bradley

Im in the middle of being assessed and I just had my first session and at the end she said there was a chance that I had it and then she said that if I was diagnosed and ended up coming to that particular place they helped you make these cards that had your name and details on, kind of like the ones Tails describes but instead on the back it describes how it effects you in particular and what others should do if you ever get in a state.
They are for not only everyday use but in case of emergency, maybe something like that would be useful?

Sunchild,

I LOVED your description. It fits ME pretty well, although I generally try to respect the OLD American standard personal space of about arm length or farther. I also expect others to reciprocate. You probably SHOULD change it to say "Those with AS have a normal IQ, or higher".

Oblio's description fit me better earlier, but I wonder sometimes how much I appear to fit "may be extremely docile."! Just a couple days ago a person tried to lie to get me in BIG trouble.(Probably to cover up all the mistakes and problems HE had) Oddly, the next day he gave me a LOT of evidence against him, so his name is MUD today probably. Next week he MIGHT just see how I can fit:

• may over-react.
• may seem tactless.
• may seem cocky, stubborn or cross.
• often is unable to empathize.

to his detriment! I already have it all planned out!

I need a card that says:

"Beware! This person has AS. May not detect correctly who she's supposed to suck up to in the pack. At times may display true, instead of socially accepted, feelings and thoughts. Can grasp only logical arguments."

Good suggestions so far, I'm still formulating something for me specifically. I'm at the pretty high functioning end of AS, so I really just want people to understand that I'm not being evasive when I won't make eye contact, or blush suddenly. I do also get frustrated by being unable to read body language effectively, especially from the opposite sex. I go out to the bar, and I'm always unsure if someone is interested in me or just being polite. I'm still trying to come up with a tactful way to test the waters without humiliating myself, but so far it's proved allusive. Something to the effect of "I don't read body language too well, how do you feel about me?", but less blunt. Any ideas?