I have Asperger's Syndrome. I was self-diagnosed, yes. No, you can't tell me I don't have it because I'm not 'professionally' diagnosed.Let me tell you a few stories.A list of symptoms from WebMD:1. Not pick up on social cues and may lack inborn social skills, such as being able to read others' body language, start or maintain a conversation, and take turns talking.I've always been extremely introverted. I can force myself to be an extrovert during parties, but I hate it. Plus, it's mentally straining to maintain a conversation; I don't find it relaxing. I find it annoying to have to speak to anyone.2. Dislike any changes in routines.This symptom is severely decreased in me, mostly because my family moves a lot, and changes routines quite a bit. So I have less problems with change than other Aspergers, simply because my routine changes every day.3. Appear to lack empathy.This has been a huge problem; even when I'm insanely excited about a little sibling's creation, I can't express it at all well. I'm good at listening, but I have to focus all my mental energies on keeping my facial expressions right. Which is frankly annoying.4. Be unable to recognize subtle differences in speech tone, pitch, and accent that alter the meaning of others’ speech. So your child may not understand a joke or may take a sarcastic comment literally. And his or her speech may be flat and hard to understand because it lacks tone, pitch, and accent.I've found this one actually kind of easy, mostly because I'm a huge joker myself; I can detect sarcasm and jokes without any kind of hesitation or mental effort.5. Have a formal style of speaking that is advanced for his or her age. For example, the child may use the word "beckon" instead of "call" or the word "return" instead of "come back."You should see the video of when I was six. There were these stairs in our backyard, which were filled with rocks and rimmed with wood. "I do not prefer to step on the rocks, because the hurt my feet. I prefer to step on the wood, for it can only give me splinters."I've always had a ginormous vocabulary.(And occasional problems with modesty. )6. Avoid eye contact or stare at others.…Yah. That problem. >.O7. Have unusual facial expressions or postures.Actually, I've adapted this into my daily life and become quite the comedian with it. Mostly, I do it intentionally. But occasionally, I'm caught staring at someone/something they're holding with laser-focused interest.8. Be preoccupied with only one or few interests, which he or she may be very knowledgeable about. Many children with Asperger's syndrome are overly interested in parts of a whole or in unusual activities, such as designing houses, drawing highly detailed scenes, or studying astronomy. They may show an unusual interest in certain topics such as snakes, names of stars, or dinosaurs.Green Anoles.Greek Myths.Bionicle.EV Nova.Fantasy.Dragons.Cats.Birds.Writing (one of my current special interests).Art.Graphic Design.Product Design.Website Design.Architecture.Typography.This list goes on for a lot longer. And I didn't just think cats were cool; I had 4-inch-thick books listing every kind of cat species, how to care for them, general things about them, and pretty much everything anyone would ever want to know about cats.9. Talk a lot, usually about a favorite subject. One-sided conversations are common. Internal thoughts are often verbalized.See above list. I've babbled, I've monologued, I've discoursed with people for hours on end.As for internal thoughts being verbalized? Me and my big mouth. All I have to say.10. Have delayed motor development. Your child may be late in learning to use a fork or spoon, ride a bike, or catch a ball. He or she may have an awkward walk. Handwriting is often poor.I'm insanely clumsy. I can trip over my own feet, or even my arm. Top that. :PAnd my handwriting, even after hundreds of curriculums, years of focused practice, I still can't write an "I" that looks like an "I," it looks like an "S."11. Have heightened sensitivity and become overstimulated by loud noises, lights, or strong tastes or textures.Oi. When I was younger, I used to spaz and throw a tantrum every time I entered a loud room; now, I'm able to control myself, but if it gets too loud… I can sit in a corner and become invisible. Exactly what I want. Ah, the joys of introverts.Anyway. Sign me up as an 'Aspie!'
