Functioning Level with Asperger's

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He sent me an email saying it in response to a question I sent him about whether - given that the main acknowledged difference between AS and HFA is a language delay, would a child who received speech therapy - or simply grew out of it "upgrade" their diagnosis from HFA to Aspergers.

I still see a massive difference between my HFA and my AS child but only in that their strongest displayed traits are different.

is possible that an aspie have bad or considered borderline IQ,well in a test perfomed in 1990 they conluided that were borderline IQ but the rare is that think that is out of reality, just is because is.

lol

With regards to functioning level... keep in mind that there are many factors that contribute to "level of functioning". Let me give you an example/ share my story. I recieved a late diagnosis of AS at 20 which was 5 years ago, [long story short, my home life was unusual/ dysfunctional]. I have had depression, OCD, & other psychiatric problems, which responded very well to medication. I also learned that I am on the schizaphrenia spectrum [which manifests with negative symptoms] after beginning medication [my negative symptoms are indistinguishable from autistic symptoms, except that they can come & go, & the meds help a little]. Also, I learned that my testosterone levels were low! -which, in a person who already has mild executive functioning deficits... lets just say daily tasks ended like something from a Mr. Bean [or Three Stooges] skit! lol {testosterone is important to s.t. memory & emotional functioning]. Over the past 5 years: I got my hormones in balance, ADD & OCD medicated, got some counseling, have matured as a person, & hold myself to high standards, & have learned some new skills/coping mechanisms, and am now almost indistinguishable from most of my peer group [I am 25]. Between 18 & 25 alot of growth happens in non-autistic people, but with autism, I venture to say that that span can yield a much greater difference! So, yes I have AS, which is always a challenge, but I have found that for myself, treating the comorbids/secondary psychological problems has made all the difference! [b.t.w: I know that schizaphrenia is not a comorbid, I mean the others. The low T-levels was a medication thing]. Often times, disabilities can propel you to self-discipline & personal growth, if you are a hard worker. Self esteem goes a long ways... Thanks for letting me share! P.S: The book "Feel the Fear & Do it Anyways" by Susan Jeffers should be required reading for anyone over 12 [especially autistic spectrum individuals].