Best Descriptions of AS Online?

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I'm considering telling a friend I have AS. I think it would help him to understand me better. We've been having some communication problems because of my AS-related eccentricities, and I think he's open-minded enough to accept and understand it . . . especially if I were to direct him to some good resources.

So, aside from this site, what Internet resources contain good information about AS? I'm looking for something with a concise description, and something with more detailed information. I'm interested in descriptions that are neither negative nor extremely positive, something that explains the advantages and disadvantages of AS in a neutral manner. Any ideas?

I searched for one recently, because I was in a similar situation. I didn't search very thoroughly, and didn't find a definition I particularly liked. However, the Mayo Clinic seems to have a decent overview.

I told my friend anyway, and he said, "Oh, well... I don't see why that would change anything. I like you the way you are." He has rather alexithymic characteristics, we have been quite close (off and on) for about five years, and is familiar with AS. I can't say that this will be helpful for you at all, but perhaps starting a conversation with your friend about feelings (I know, weird) or communication may invite him to share his thoughts on the subject. I found AS easier to relate to my friend after he told me that he would like to be a cyborg, so "the outside matches the inside a little more."

I hope it goes well for you

Thanks, that is helpful. I've been working on sort of breaking the news gently (as much for me as for him, as this is my first time telling someone). I've told him about my "communication quirks". Just tonight, I sent him an email explaining that I have central auditory processing disorder, and going into more detail about the communication issues. If I'm encouraged by his reaction to that, I'm going to go ahead and tell him about AS. At that point it would basically just be a label for a bunch of "eccentricities" of mine that we've already discussed.

I'll check out the Mayo Clinic description, and maybe refer him here. I just want to make sure that if he researches it, he'll find at least one or two aspie-friendly representations of it, considering that there's so much extremely negative ASD info out there, some of which tends to top the list of Google search results.

Breaking the news gently is an excellent idea.

Something I had to be very careful to clarify, though: AS means we don't understand as much as people think we do. My friend tends to have many underlying messages in his speech, and his body language is very subtle. I had to explain to him that I don't get it, but I can't ask him to change because I am deficient in that area. Just, you know...don't expect too much from me. Sometimes, I get the feeling he thinks my relative innocence and brutal honesty are endearing qualities.

You're a very smart individual, and if you trust this guy enough to reveal so much about yourself, he must be as well. I cannot imagine him shunning you at such a delicate time.

Thank you for the encouragement. I'm going to tell him really soon. His response to my description of my communication issues was very friendly and understanding. He suggested I try to figure out why I am like that (trying to be helpful). So it's a perfect opportunity to tell him.

Good luck with that... I have a similar type friend and have thought to come out and tell her about it but didn't... I have just been explaining some of my communication difficulties in general... and also mentioned that I had ADHD (which is true.. I have both adhd and an autistic spectrum disorder)... When one mentions the word "autism" to an NT, sometimes it can seem worse to them than it really is... I hope it goes well for you and that your friend can be understanding.

The one that I'm happiest about representing me is the National Autistic Society one ---> http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=212

I have written a traits list; the folks on my forum mostly seem to like it and have used it I'm told. Perhaps it might help you. I try to continually update it as people give critiques and comments, so it's not a static list.

http://asdgestalt.com/viewtopic.php?p=16830#p16830