Aspergers Syndrome

This is my newest phrase to myself and close family members lately:  “Your Aspergers is showing!”.

What do I mean by that?  Let me give you a little history.  Our daughter was diagnosed a few years ago with Aspergers Syndrome.  Needing more information I searched the internet for tools, books and information.  I stumbled across a site which had a book by Tony Atwood called “Aspergers and Girls”.  When I went to buy the book I noticed that Tony himself would be in town for a seminar on Aspergers that month.  I attended the all day seminar and it was worth every penny!

One of my favorite points that Tony Attwood mentioned in his seminar also has become a very helpful tool in explaining Aspergers Syndrome to others, especially when they ask if it is a hereditary trait.  Tony explained Aspergers as a 100 piece puzzle.  He said people with Aspergers Syndrome have 80 or more pieces of that puzzle.  He then explained that family members may not have Aspergers Syndrome however may have pieces of the puzzle but not enough to be considered Aspergers (20,40, 60 pieces or so but not the full 80 or more). 

I now am able to identify Aspergers “traits” within myself, and family members.  I also have noticed them in other people.  I have shared this with teachers as I have constantly advised them to get educated on Aspergers and Autism for now and the future.  I explain that even if they do not have a child with Aspergers they can always benifit from knowing how to deal with specific “traits” that will pop up.

This is where the “Your Aspergers Is Showing” phrase comes from.  I tell myself this at times and even mentioned it to family members as I see them saying or doing things that have the Aspergers traits. 

Is your Aspergers showing?  How many puzzle pieces do you think you have?