is Asperger's really on the autistic spectrum?

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I am puzzled by the fact that there are a couple identified disorders nearly identical to Asperger's, namely Multisystem Developmental Disorder and Nonverbal Learning Disorder (just to name 2). In my view, these three disorders (AS, MDD, NLD) are identifying the same group of people but are approaching the "problem" from three different perspectives. Asperger's approaches it from autism. Multisystem Developmental Disorder approaches it from from a social (?) perspective, NLD approaches it from a learning disorder perspective. What puzzles me is: who's to say which is correct? Isn't this like saying "purple" is "red with blue" VS "blue with red" VS "reddish blue?"

My instinct says that it is an autistic spectrum disorder, but I can also see how it could be conceived of as a separate, non-autistic, social or learning disorder.

I did not answer in the poll because without some conclusive genetic markers its impossible to say. Anecdotal reports show aspies having higher rates of LFA children than NTs so makes me think its possible there is in fact some common genes. Which would certainly make them on the same spectrum. But assuming that genetic markers are not found anytime soon a large study comparing LFA offspring rates in aspergers and NT parents should provide a reasonable enough answer.

I have no trouble with AS being autistic as I show many autistic signs. I wonder if it is at the far end of some autistic dimension - right at the end where it runs into something else.

Autism.
Oblivious so society, consumed by their mind, Lord of self.

To be honest, AS is just like Autism, only just there aren't all the traits that are normally associated with autism.

Yes I think you bring up an important point: depending on how one looks at it, one might understand our condition differently.

Maybe they are all correct. Also maybe none is correct. For me it doesn't really matter anyways. I just figure it doesn't have any practical implications for the way I live my life, so what is the difference, really?

It is an interesting topic though, to consider differnt new ways of understanding AS.

Last edited by the-over-analyzed on 27 Apr 2007, 10:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.

i voted its probably on the autistic spectrum, the thing that puts it there the narrowed intrests. i do think it fits in more with nvld though

Another way to look at it.
There were a lot of people who had the same traits/problems/abilities.

ah, yes,
Salvatore Dali said "The difference between me and a madman is I am not mad"


Merle

I've even voted yes it is, and I am one of the staunches anti-medical view people on here.

Gah, xboxboy! Your avatar is the stuff of madness! I can feel my eyes crossing just looking at it.

I myself feel that it may be more rightfuly a part of the Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum, along side O.C.D., A.D.H.D, and Tourette Syndrome.