Positive traits of aspergers

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somerandom15
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25 Nov 2011, 10:57 pm

I just found this article. I have to say, it helps. No aspie should be ashamed of who they are.

Quote:
Many of those with Asperger's syndrome have a number of positive characteristics, including integrity, intelligence, endurance, and freedom from prejudice.

Often referred to as “autism lite” or a “shadow syndrome” of autism, Asperger's syndrome is relatively common, with up to 1 in 250 people in North America meeting the diagnostic criteria (Brasic, 27 April 2011).

Those with Asperger’s, or “Aspies” (a term coined by Liane Holliday Willey in Pretending to Be Normal) are high-functioning in the sense that they are better able to maintain social relationships than those with autism. Unlike those with autism, Aspies often score highly on measures of verbal intelligence.

When contemplating disorders such as Asperger’s syndrome, there is a tendency to focus on negative aspects, such as difficulty in reading social cues. But many of those with Asperger’s syndrome have positive traits as well, which has led some people to question whether it should be viewed as a difference rather than a disorder.

Trustworthy and Reliable

Most people with Asperger’s are dependable and loyal. They don’t play games or force others to live up to demanding social expectations. Aspies have no hidden agendas and no interest in harming others or taking advantage of their weaknesses. They are not inclined to lie to, steal from, or attack the reputations of those around them. Aspies are not likely to be bullies, con artists, or social manipulators, and girls with Asperger’s syndrome are less inclined to be fickle or bitchy than their neurotypical counterparts. While some people with Asperger's may lash out when provoked, they are unlikely to launch unprovoked attacks, verbal or otherwise.

Aspies like to spend time alone and are perfectly capable of entertaining themselves. While most like to have friends, their need for social contact is not usually as strong as that of ordinary people. Because they are not motivated by an intense social drive to spend time with anybody who happens to be available, they can be selective, choosing honest, genuine, dependable people who share their interests.

Free of Prejudice

Aspies are very accepting of the quirks and idiosyncrasies of others. Most don’t discriminate against anyone based on race, gender, age, or any other surface criteria, but instead judge people based on their behaviour. They don't usually recognize hierarchies, and so are unlikely to accord someone superior status simply because that person is wealthy or has attained a high position in an organization.

Those with Asperger’s can listen to people’s problems and provide a fresh perspective, offering pure assessments based on the the information provided, untainted by the judgments that people often make regarding one another's social position or social skills. Others can relax and be themselves around an Aspie without fearing social censure.

High Integrity

Aspies will not go along with the crowd if they know that something is wrong. Most stick to their positions, even in the face of intense social pressure, and their values aren't shaped by financial, social, or political influences.

Most Aspies have a good work ethic and pay attention to detail. Conscientious, reliable, and honest, many Aspies make very good employees if able to control their pace and work within either a solitary or socially supportive environment. Aspies are persistent, and when they set their minds to something or make a promise, they can usually be trusted to follow through.

Intelligent and Talented

Those with Asperger’s syndrome often have above-average intelligence, and many have one or more highly developed talents. They are more likely than those of the general population to pursue a university education, and because many are drawn to technology, they tend to become proficient in the technological media required for lucrative employment in the Information Age.

Enthusiasm and a propensity for obsessive research ensure that Aspies develop a broad and deep base of knowledge in subjects of interest. They loathe small talk and trivialities, preferring instead to talk about significant things that will enhance their knowledge base.

Because they have exceptional memories, those with Asperger’s can bring up a variety of interesting facts (though some of these facts will only be interesting to the Aspies themselves), as well as recalling fine details that others miss. They also bring a highly original perspective to problem solving, and their acute sensitivity may support creative talents as well.

According to Brasic (27 April 2011), "Published case reports of individuals with Asperger syndrome suggest an association with the capacity to accomplish cutting-edge research in computer science, mathematics, and physics, as well as outstanding creative work in art, film, and music."

Extreme Endurance

Some of those with Asperger’s syndrome have great endurance when engaging in activities they like, which may translate into a talent for certain athletic pursuits, despite an inclination to be clumsy. Some Aspies have talents for swimming, rowing, running, bodybuilding, or other activities that require sustained physical effort. They tend to prefer individual sports to team sports, as there are no social demands and they can exercise complete control over the activity.

Those who develop an interest in sport or fitness are likely to work at it every day, often for long periods of time. This tendency to adhere unvaryingly to routines enables Aspies who have fitness interests to stay fit and healthy, manifesting an exercise ethic that ordinary people can only match with a heroic exertion of will power.



one-A-N
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26 Nov 2011, 12:00 am

Quote:
Those who develop an interest in sport or fitness are likely to work at it every day, often for long periods of time. This tendency to adhere unvaryingly to routines enables Aspies who have fitness interests to stay fit and healthy, manifesting an exercise ethic that ordinary people can only match with a heroic exertion of will power.


That has been true in my experience. I started exercising regularly about 12 years ago. Have kept religiously to the schedule since then, even when I went overseas on vacation.

Some of the descriptions in the article, though, strike me as a bit idealistic. Sure, Aspies have tendencies towards those sorts of characteristics, but Aspies also vary a lot.



aspie_giraffe
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26 Nov 2011, 1:16 am

I can be quite prejudiced when I'm cranky.....but it's more saying it out loud to releive frustration and alert my family to my crankiness



ictus75
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26 Nov 2011, 4:34 am

I read this article a while ago and felt like it really look at Aspies in a positive way. Istead of always coming down on us, and telling us what is wrong, I think there needs to be more article and discussions like this, that focus on what Aspies CAN do, rather than what we cannot.


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CockneyRebel
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26 Nov 2011, 8:10 am

That's a very good list of traits and I can relate to everything that's on the list. I agree that we need to look at the positives instead of always dwelling on the negatives. I always like to look at the positives of being an Aspie. Thank you for sharing that list. :)


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somerandom15
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26 Nov 2011, 7:01 pm

one-A-N wrote:
Some of the descriptions in the article, though, strike me as a bit idealistic.


I find it pretty accurate and it's nice to be positive for once. Besides, this is the haven, you have to balance out the way people are made to feel in the nt world.



conundrum
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26 Nov 2011, 11:28 pm

Thank you for sharing this. :)


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MysteryLife
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27 Nov 2011, 1:32 am

Thanks for sharing this :)