http://www.drownedinsound.com/articles/10708.html

Is this a disease or just a modern day excuse?

i thought it was terminal lack of originality

From WebMD.com

Asperger's syndrome, also called Asperger's disorder, is a type of pervasive development disorder (PDD). PDDs are a group of conditions that involve delays in the development of many basic skills, most notably the ability to socialize with others, to communicate and to use imagination.

Although Asperger's syndrome is similar in some ways to autism -- another, more severe type of PDD -- there are some important differences. Children with Asperger's syndrome typically function better than do those with autism. In addition, children with Asperger's syndrome generally have normal intelligence and near-normal language development, although they may develop problems communicating as they get older.

Asperger's syndrome was named for the Austrian doctor, Hans Asperger, who first described the disorder in 1944. However, Asperger's syndrome was not recognized as a unique disorder until much later.

What Are the Symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome?

The symptoms of Asperger's syndrome vary and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:

Problems with social skills: Children with Asperger's syndrome generally have difficulty interacting with others and often are awkward in social situations. They generally do not make friends easily.
Eccentric or repetitive behaviors: Children with this condition may develop odd, repetitive movements, such as hand wringing or finger twisting.
Unusual preoccupations or rituals: A child with Asperger's syndrome may develop rituals that he or she refuses to alter, such as getting dressed in a specific order.
Communication difficulties: People with Asperger's syndrome may not make eye contact when speaking with someone. They may have trouble using facial expressions and gestures, and understanding body language. They also tend to have problems understanding language in context.
Limited range of interests: A child with Asperger's syndrome may develop an intense, almost obsessive, interest in a few areas, such as sports schedules, weather or maps.
Coordination problems: The movements of children with Asperger's syndrome may seem clumsy or awkward.
Skilled or talented: Many children with Asperger's syndrome are exceptionally talented or skilled in a particular area, such as music or math.
What Causes Asperger's Syndrome?

The exact cause of Asperger's syndrome is not known. However, the fact that it tends to run in families suggests that a tendency to develop the disorder may be inherited (passed on from parent to child).

How Common Is Asperger's Syndrome?

Asperger's syndrome has only recently been recognized as a unique disorder. For that reason, the exact number of people with the disorder is unknown, although it is more common than autism. Estimates suggest Asperger's syndrome affects from 0.024% to 0.36% of children. It is more common in males than in females, and usually is first diagnosed in children between the ages of 2 and 6 years.

How Is Asperger's Syndrome Diagnosed?

If symptoms are present, the doctor will begin an evaluation by performing a complete medical history and physical examination. Although there are no tests for Asperger's syndrome, the doctor may use various tests -- such as X-rays and blood tests -- to determine if there is a physical disorder causing the symptoms.

If no physical disorder is found, the child may be referred to a specialist in childhood development disorders, such as a child and adolescent psychiatrist or psychologist, pediatric neurologist, developmental pediatrician, or another health professional who is specially trained to diagnose and treat Asperger's syndrome. The doctor bases his or her diagnosis on the child's level of development, and the doctor's observation of the child's speech and behavior, including his or her play and ability to socialize with others. The doctor often seeks input from the child's parents, teachers and other adults who are familiar with the child's symptoms.

How Is Asperger's Syndrome Treated?

There currently is no cure for Asperger's syndrome, but treatment may improve functioning and reduce undesirable behaviors. Treatment may include a combination of the following:

Special education: Education that is structured to meet the child's unique educational needs.
Behavior modification: This includes strategies for supporting positive behavior and decreasing problem behavior by the child.
Speech, physical or occupational therapy: These therapies are designed to increase the child's functional abilities.
Medication: There are no medications to treat Asperger's syndrome itself, but medications may be used to treat specific symptoms, such as anxiety (nervousness), depression, hyperactivity and obsessive-compulsive behavior.
What Is the Outlook for People With Asperger's Syndrome?

Children with Asperger's syndrome are at risk for developing other mental illnesses, such as depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. But, there are various treatment options available for these conditions.

Because the level of intelligence often is average or higher than average, many people with Asperger's syndrome are able to function very well. They may, however, continue to have problems socializing with others through adulthood.

Can Asperger's Syndrome Be Prevented?

Asperger's syndrome cannot be prevented or cured. However, early diagnosis and treatment can improve function and quality of life.

View the full table of contents for the Mental Health Guide

No excuse.

This is very very hard to diagnose and always really crappy.

For a year my son bounced from dr to dr due to problems and they thought HE had it. He went through a lot of testing with shrinks over it(many of you may remember my hell last year Xmas when he was hospitalized for a couple weeks). It's not a fun mental illness let me tell ya. I learned quite a bit about about it. It's a cousin to Autism though the person can communicate unlike the autistic.


It's a very sad thing to be diagnosed with. Ugh.

Very interesting stuff epa. Glad I didn’t elaborate but would have been cautious about calling his behavior made up. I really thought it had to do with the drugs, alcohol, and the rock and roll life style.

Now if I can just figure out what is wrong with me?

I'm sure the drugs, alcohol, and lifestyle don't alleviate the symptoms, you know?

Supposedly Einstein had it, and they believe Isaac Newton may have had it too, so like Jen was saying, it really isn't an excuse.

-Phil

If by drugs, you mean Silver Krylon Paint, I think you may be on to something.

Yeah, it can actually be the explanation for WHY the drug and alcohol problems occur. Most people with these illnesses are often not diagnosed for a very long time, and so they can't explain what's wrong with them and they end up trying to mask the problems with the chemicals. It's a soother.

Ok, I'll share this. My son isn't the only person in my world who has had a close to diagnosis of it. If it gives you a better idea of what Asperger's is and can be like:


My sister's husband is a physicist who has no friends really, no social life, spends most of his time working or at home in the basement in his office. He's a nice guy but the commonly used phrase that comes out of every and anyone's mouth after first meeting him is " he's a bit odd". He will hit you with 500 questions as soon as you come in to view, many of which are often personal. He doesn't know when to stop. He has no concept whatsoever of what goes on in the outside world aside from his work. NOT kidding. It's like he just stepped out of a bubble.

Now at first sight and dealing with he's normal but a little different. And he's fucking BRILLIANT as all hell. He's working on a team of scientists that are working towards the cure for cancer. He travels all over the world for it. He can function in that atmosphere, but outside of it he's like a fish out of water.

He can't even be alone with his own child. He doesn't know what to do half the time.


He's recently being tested for it and according to my sister the Dr's are pretty sure he's had Aspergers his whole life.

This board is pretty good. No matter what you throw out there, people generally have a personal story or are quite knowable about it. I know it’s all over the Internet and can find it myself but who has that kind of time. I would just read this article and filed it away in my memory banks. Instead I posted it and learned something today. Good job Jen, and the rest of you, as always.

woof!

My oldest son has a slightly more profound version of Autism than Asberger's, though he is able to communicate. Every time I hear someone say "Asberger's," I automatically think of Homer drooling over a grilled patty of rump roast: "Mmmmm...ass burger...."

I take back all the time I spent making fun of jen about her vines review. Seems like the boy's brain really is like a cheeto.

hahahaa So I guess I really wasn't that far off.

(though that was in bad taste of me to say, but still)

Thanks Billy

Two silly things:


I rather like the Vines latest album.

My son was misdiagnosed with Asperger's for nearly two years. But, as he exhibited signs of empathy and a sharp sense of humor, the diagnosis wound up as Sensory Integration Disorder.

I like Winning Days better than earlier stuff, even if none of their fans and the rest of the planet disagrees with me.


Vines Singer Gets Medical Discharge
(E! Online)

By Charlie Amter

The charismatic, but mercurial frontman for Australian rock band the Vines may be off the hook, but he's in for a rough ride.

Singer-guitarist Craig Nicholls was cleared Friday in Sydney of assault charges stemming from an incident where he allegedly kicked a photographer and trashed the woman's camera at a May gig.

But the 26-year-old singer also revealed in court that he has Asperger Syndrome, a mild form of autism that can manifest itself in erratic behavior.

Once Nicholls made the admission, the judge dismissed the charges on the condition that the musician continues medical treatment for the disease.

The revelation sheds some light on the band's troublesome history. Nicholls has been known for his sometimes freaky onstage antics and was even booted from a Tonight Show appeareance after destroying equipment during rehearsal.

The Vines had been slated to open for Incubus on a high-profile North American summer tour, but pulled out--presumably because of Nicholls' struggles with AS. The lack of touring hurt the sales of the group's 2004 release, Winning Days, which has only sold about 168,000 copies Stateside, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The Vines primarily rely on concerts to reach their audience.

In a statement on the band's Website, TheVines.com, the group's management says, "The last six months has been a very trying time for the Vines and those close to them. Craig was recently diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome, a neurobiological disorder which is a mild form of autism. People with AS are generally considered exceptionally intelligent (and often obsessively focus their attention to music or art), but have difficulty reading social situations and are often accused of being deliberately rude and antisocial. They also have difficulty coping with change and only find security in a familiar routine and environment.

"The band has NOT broken up and Craig looks forward to doing what he loves and lives for--getting back to writing and recording music with the Vines. On behalf of Craig and the Vines, thank you to family, friends and fans for their continued support, understanding and compassion."

The band is also reportedly still with Capitol Records, despite the dismal sales of Winning Days.

Nicholls, often compared with a young Kurt Cobain, first burst onto the U.S music scene two years ago with the Vines' breakout alternative rock hit "Get Free."

The Vines achieved buzz-band status with their critically lauded 2002 debut, Highly Evolved, which peaked at 11 on the Billboard 200 and going gold with sales of 671,000.