Asperger's Syndrome

[ColdFront77]

Josh. I understand that Asperger's Syndrome is high functioning autism; and not everyone that has high functioning autism has Asperger's Syndrome.

[petal*pusher]

Had an interesting afternoon.....

I was in Toledo this afternoon taking care of my Alzhiemers Mom. I stopped at a local store and overheard the clerks conversation with another customer about Autism. She mentioned a friend with 2 young sons.......both with Autism. As we have had several Autistic students, and one this year with Aspergers', I easily joined into the conversation.

I almost fell over when the clerk said they call the older brother (10) "The Little Weatherman"!! She described how fascinated this youngster is with weather.......sound familiar?? I suggested that she do some research on Aspergers Syndrome.........what an interesting thing the mind is!......p

[ColdFront77]

Thanks for sharing that, petal*pusher.

[ColdFront77]

Did Einstein and Newton have a form of autism?
Thursday, May 1, 2003 Posted: 4:27 PM EDT (2027 GMT)


LONDON, England (Reuters) -- Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton were geniuses but British scientists believe they may have suffered from Asperger syndrome -- a form of autism.

The condition, first described by Viennese physician Hans Asperger in 1944, is a disorder that causes deficiencies in social and communication skills and obsessive interests.

But it does not affect learning or intellect and many people with AS have exceptional talents or skills.

Newton seems a classic case. He hardly spoke [and] was so engrossed in his work that he often forgot to eat.
-- New Scientist magazine


Although it is impossible to make a definitive diagnosis in people who are dead, Simon Baron-Cohen of Cambridge University and Loan James of Oxford University studied the personalities of Einstein and Newton to see if the two scientists had symptoms of AS.

"Newton seems a classic case. He hardly spoke, was so engrossed in his work that he often forgot to eat, and was lukewarm or bad-tempered with the few friends he had," New Scientist magazine said on Wednesday.

Baron-Cohen said Einstein was also a loner and as a child he repeated sentences obsessively. Although Einstein made friends and spoke out on political issues, Baron-Cohen suspects he showed signs of Asperger syndrome.

Copyright 2003 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

[azskyman]

Have to admit I miss working with young John at the learning center. I need to check on him to see how he is progressing. John, it seems, was diagnosed with Asperbergers at a young age. He must be about 11 by now.

Those of you who are challenged by this "label" are so enlightening to those of us who are not. Your experiences, and the words you bring to these forums, add value and wisdom to our lives. And I thank you for the opportunity.

That we use the weather umbrella to bring us together is a terrific way to meet!!!

[breeze]

Tom, I have heard several reports that Albert Einstein possibly
had Asperger's. I think you're in good company!

I've noticed how you and Josh and a few others seem to
pitch calculations out like snapping a finger, and, it never
ceases to blow my mind!

[ColdFront77]

Thank you Annette and Steve.

I have heard that Eienstien may of had Asperger's Syndrome, I didn't know that Isaac Newton apparently did, too.

Thank you very much for the compliment on my interest in statistics, Annette. I enjoy numbers and they are used often on messageboard such as at our great site here.

I am sure Joshua and Eric, too... will have something to add to this thread. 8)

[Amanzi]

Tom I am amazed at how much you have grown and how smart you truly are with numbers!

Since I first started reading your posts on TWC and now here, you have really "come out of your shell".

I truly enjoy communicating with you

[breeze]

That's so true, Amanzi! Someone will pitch out numbers
on S2K statistics, and, Tom and a few others respond
immediately with exact calculations! I have NEVER been
the mathematical mind -( I am the artistic mind) - and, it
just makes me "WOW!" when they do that!

[vbhoutex]

What an enlightening thread!!! I never stopped to read it when I was allowed to lurk or post at TWC. I am glad I chose to check it out here!!! I must agree with the fact that all three of the identified AS people on this board just blow me away with their grasp of numbers in an instant. I thought I was good with numbers! :o

I have nothing but deep admiration for anyone with special needs who is willing to share it with others in order to help others and themselves grow!!!

GREAT WORK GUYS!!! A WELCOME CONTRIBUTION TO THIS BOARD!!!

[ColdFront77]

Thank you very much, David. I appreciate your compliment about my grasp with numbers.

I felt the same way over at the TWC off topic forum. I thought it would be a very good idea to post an Asperger's Syndrome thread here, too.

I am very glad to know others here at Storm2K have AS and having the same common interest... meteorology. It is wonderful how we can correspond with each other and with everyone else here.

Also, I feel relieved that everyone here is understanding with each other on just about every issue put forth; but this one in particular is important to me and those with the condition.

AS remains relatively new, considering that it has only been diagnosed here in the United States for nearly a decade. Many people in the United States haven't heard of it yet; compared to "regular autism."

[furluvcats]

Thanks for sharing with us Eric and Tom....BUMP

[weatherlover427]

I have a gift for numbers. I can see a number just one time sometimes and bam - it's in my memory. I also can memorize people's license plates real easily as well.

[isobar]

If you guys don't mind me asking, how is AS treated? Are there meds or other treatments that help?

I'm trying to find some answers for my 13 y/o son, who's having a hard time this year. Moving twice in the last 2 years hasn't helped. But a few years ago, doctors ruled out Asperger's for him, because they said he is able to make (brief) eye contact with people. I'm considering having him evaluated again.

Thanks a lot for your insight!
Donna

[ColdFront77]

Donna, there is really no treatment for Asperger's Syndrome. I have heard that medications don't help and I do not want to be dependent on medications for my AS. It sounds like you should have your 13 year old son evaluated again.


Joshua, I have a gift for numbers, too... as you probably noticed. I have a very good memory, once something passes my short term memory I remember something. I never really tried memorizing license plates... I assume I can do so well.

[isobar]

Thanks Tom. I appreciate your reply.

[ColdFront77]

You're welcome, Donna. I understand that some people with Asperger's Syndrome take medications for associated disorders, but there technically aren't any exclusively for AS.

[weatherlover427]

I thought I'd bump this thread back up because I found a nice article on AS / autism:

It can be found here

[ColdFront77]

Thank you Joshua. This thread hadn't been responded to in 107 days.

[weatherlover427]

No problem Tom .