Asperger's Syndrome and Autism
You've probably heard of autism, but what is Asperger's syndrome?
Indeed, relationships prove difficult for people with Asperger's syndrome, and divorce is more likely as well. These patients might also find themselves limited in their careers; some of them don't advance at work, Baron-Cohen says, because of a lack of people skills or difficulty with managerial responsibilities. But that doesn't mean that people with AS don't have the same desires as everyone else. "The desires are the same in terms of wanting a close relationship, and some people with AS do manage relationships," Baron-Cohen says. "It's about if they can meet a partner who accepts how they are different."
That is likely one of the largest challenges -- the fact that people with this problem are often so misunderstood by other people. Finding support for parents, children, and adults with AS is extremely important. Schuler says networking with other parents has improved life for his family -- something other parents often take for granted. "When you join support groups, and find a community of people with similar issues, you look out for each other. You discuss everything from what rights you have in certain districts to how to find babysitters."
With new research the future may bring more valuable treatments and a greater understanding of Asperger's syndrome. While kids and adults with the condition may find it difficult to connect, parents will likely find the opposite to be true. "One good thing about Asperger's is that you will always be in touch with your kid's teachers and administrators," Schuler says, of being well connected to the people in his son's life. "You don't just put your kid on a bus and send them off to get educated. You can't possibly be disconnected from your kids and their education when they have AS."
Asperger's Syndrome and Autism
You've probably heard of autism, but what is Asperger's syndrome?
Growing Older With Asperger's Syndrome continued...
Indeed, relationships prove difficult for people with Asperger's syndrome, and divorce is more likely as well. These patients might also find themselves limited in their careers; some of them don't advance at work, Baron-Cohen says, because of a lack of people skills or difficulty with managerial responsibilities. But that doesn't mean that people with AS don't have the same desires as everyone else. "The desires are the same in terms of wanting a close relationship, and some people with AS do manage relationships," Baron-Cohen says. "It's about if they can meet a partner who accepts how they are different."
That is likely one of the largest challenges -- the fact that people with this problem are often so misunderstood by other people. Finding support for parents, children, and adults with AS is extremely important. Schuler says networking with other parents has improved life for his family -- something other parents often take for granted. "When you join support groups, and find a community of people with similar issues, you look out for each other. You discuss everything from what rights you have in certain districts to how to find babysitters."
With new research the future may bring more valuable treatments and a greater understanding of Asperger's syndrome. While kids and adults with the condition may find it difficult to connect, parents will likely find the opposite to be true. "One good thing about Asperger's is that you will always be in touch with your kid's teachers and administrators," Schuler says, of being well connected to the people in his son's life. "You don't just put your kid on a bus and send them off to get educated. You can't possibly be disconnected from your kids and their education when they have AS."