How do you explain Asperger's in 30 seconds or less?

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In situations where time is running out how do you explain Asperger's? I get into conversations with people about Asperger's whether it is through my raising awareness or promoting my book. This often happens in lifts, on public transport or in the street when people or myself are in a rush.

I normally say something like. 'Asperger's is a high functioning form of Autism. The autistic brain is wired in a different way to the typical but as the world does not cater for this it presents barriers for us. Although people with Asperger's have many strenghts and skills we might have difficulties understanding societies illogical conventions and unspoken rules. We tend to not read non-verbal language natrually as typical people do but we can learn these things manually. However because Asperger's is a 'mild' form of autism we are get misunderstood because we appear relatively ''normal'' and the quirky traits that appear odd in relation don't match up to the "normal" appearance and can lead people to think we are arrogant or strange".

I think this is a bit too long. At least with the processing difficulties I have when in noisy environments it is!

What would you say if you were in a lift/elevator and were asked to explain Asperger's before the person you are explaining to vacates?

If anyone asked me about what Asperger's or Autism is, I'd say, "A mental condition mainly characterised by difficulty in communication" and then promptly shut up. Hopefully they'll get the joke and laugh along with me.

If not, it will no doubt trigger more questions and I'll just go with the flow then.

I would say, "To truly understand Asperger's, it will take more than a brief explanation in such a short time period."

If they are really open to understanding, then they will search out credible sources of information on their own time.

I'm a bit like Rainman with some extra charm and I have my own busines/am a successful writer/consultant/nuclear scientist/biotech researcher................

I would then say.............'Who's on first'?, with a completely straight face (easy for an Aspie_

I would say:

"Asperger's Syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder most generally characterized by difficulty socializing. Several great minds have had it, it's just that those of us who have it tend to be blind to social cues."

At this point, if they bring up 'great minds', throw Grigori Perelman, Richard Borcherds, Vernon Smith, and Tim Page at them. Temple Grandin and Bram Cohen are also some pretty good candidates for description.

It's autism

Naah - that scares NTs.

Someone asked me once, who didn't know I had it. I responded (rather vaguely) "it's...uh...very complicated!"

Maybe "think Edward Scissorhands meets Adrian Monk, with an occasional touch of Einstein or Temple Grandin".

The first time that I had to explain this, I said 'autismo chiquito' -small autism-. Some of them begun to understand. But some of them told me: 'What? You are not crazy'

'I'm and excellent driver'

if my explanation of my AS was compressed into 30 seconds, then it would sound like white noise.

Asperger's Syndrome is most generally characterized by difficulty socializing and a tendency to focus intensely on a single area of interest.

ROFL! Priceless!! !! !! !! !! !! !! ! I've never mentioned it to anyone although my sister mention it to her friend while we were in NY and when she called the other day mentioning an Autism Seminar she mention to the guy I had Asperger's I've mention it in passing to family otherwise I keep it to myself. Oh and Psychiatrist to see there view of course.

I'm a bit weird

But it is Autism, and not 'little' autism.

'High Functioning' doesn't make your sensory overstimulation any less, it just makes you better equipped to get on top of it, instead of being totally incapacitated by it.

I don't care how 'normal' you think you're passing for, the NTs around you are not fooled. If you don't acknowledge that you have a handicap, then as far as they're concerned you're just a freak. They may not say it to your face, but trust me, they're saying it. And thinking it. And they're never going to cut you any slack until they understand that you have a disability (no, this will do nothing to change the attitudes of bullies).

Autism is the only short explanation for AS. And letting the world know they're the same thing is the only thing that's ever going to get rid of the popular notion that Autism = mental retardation.

I'd say "If you're narrow minded, shallow and sensitive, then I'm an as*hole".