by Cinda Smaagaard

Created on: March 28, 2007   Last Updated: July 23, 2011

Asperger's is a form of Autism, a developmental disability of the brain which affects social intelligence. Unlike the character immortalized in the movie "Rainman," many people who suffer from Asperger's can go on to have productive lives. Remarkably they are able to overcome the hurdles imposed on them by the disability, but the nature and essence of how their mind works does not change. Although intelligence can be a factor particularly in an specific area of interest, very few are true savants, but all are missing social skills inherent to most people.  Facial features, body language, emotional triggers and intonation in the voice are like a foreign language to them.  Unlike other forms of autism, many Aspies do not exhibit language barriers or bodily ticks. 

Scientists are still not sure how the disorder occurs. They do know that it could be genetic and run in families, they are also speculating that it may be connected in some way with the Strep virus. I personally believe it has something to do with a chemical imbalance or how neurons fire within the brain, because dietary changes have shown promise among autistic children. But the disorder is primarily neurological in origin and has only been listed among Psychological scales as a diagnoses since 1994.  There may also be a link with Hypothyroidism (a hormone gland in the neck) which can cause weight gain, depression, awkward mobility and mood changes as well as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety.

Adults who suffer from the illness or similar forms of Asperger's, show many signs which their friends or family may not recognize. Here are just a few:

First, many suffer from a form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. This can involve anything from repetative activities such as constantly checking locks on doors, hand-washing and reorganizing things into place. These behaviors could also go to the extreme of constant body movement like rocking, talking, or repeatedly going over the same routines again and again like checking account balances, washing clothes, or walking the dog.

Second, sounds, sights and smells are amplified. The sound of ambulances, trains or people shouting causes extreme anxiety. Nearby smokers, highly scented floral arrangements, car exhaust and the like are horrendously intrusive. Any kind of disorder, things out of place, bad art, trash or cracks on the sidewalk, heavy rain, ringing telephones and barking dogs drive us crazy. Commercials,

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