“Autism is one word trying to describe millions of stories. Offer support. Not judgment.” –Stuart Duncan, autism advocate Whether someone you love has Asperger’s or autistic spectrum disorder, it’s likely they struggle with meltdowns — and you’re at a loss. How do you help them? Where do you start? Here are some tips at walking […]
Autism and meltdowns
According to the American Heritage Dictionary, the formal definition of meltdown is a “disastrous situation” where a nuclear reactor core overheats and melts, with potential for widespread harm. It turns out nuclear reactor cores and humans both have meltdowns when overstimulated. For humans, a meltdown is an “emotional breakdown.” These breakdowns are loud, angry, scary, […]
How to Understand Asperger’s Syndrome
Asperger’s is a syndrome that causes problems in every arena of one’s life, including difficulty with socializing and the types of interests a person pursues. Doctors typically equate Asperger’s Syndrome to high-functioning autism; it is considered an autistic spectrum disorder. What are the symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome? People with this illness have average to above […]
Asperger’s: tips for talking to neurotypicals
Neurotypicals (the Asperger’s term for people without autism) are complex, fascinating, and frustrating, and communicating with them often feels like you’re playing a complicated game without knowing the rules. To help simplify things, here are some guidelines about communicating with the non-Asperger’s society. Look them in the eyes. In simple terms, the rule (at least […]
Asperger’s: MORE tips for talking to neurotypicals
Stating the problem This article is about learning social skills. But first, let’s talk about abilities! People with Asperger’s Syndrome have many strengths to balance out the difficulties life throws in their direction, like high IQ’s, amazing mathematic and scientific skills, and a quick, punny sense of humor. Socially they tend to be honest, straight-forward […]