Many people with AS gain academic success
and go on to hold down rewarding jobs.
One of Hans Asperger's own patients studied theoretical
astronomy at university and also proved a mathematical error in Newton's
work.
Asperger's: assets and advantages
Logic: People with AS can make exceptional
programmers and computer scientists.
Maths and physics: Some AS sufferers have
an excellent academic reputation in these areas.
Punctuality: Employers find that people with
AS are reliable and conscientious timekeepers.
Relative immunity to 'peer pressure': Schoolchildren
and students with AS are usually oblivious to the need to drink, smoke
or wear designer labels to 'fit in' with the group.
Special interests: AS suffers show remarkable
concentration and tenacity when involved in one of their 'special interests',
persisting far longer (and with more success) than their peers in academic
work and projects.
Spelling and checking: AS sufferers' precise
nature lends itself to meticulous work.
Possible problems and pitfalls
Accommodation: Adapting to halls of residence
or shared houses can be problematic.
Body language: Failure to read body language
can lead to misunderstandings.
Bullying: People who have problems 'fitting
in' with peers can be particularly easy targets.
Communication: Some people with Asperger's
have language difficulties, although some are very verbally adept.
Drugs: Research shows that any mood altering
drug, including alcohol, is more likely to lead to serious side-effect
(such as paranoia and psychotic episodes) when a person has tendencies
towards mental and emotional problems.
Relationships: Inability to form friendships
can lead to isolation.
Sleep: People with AS can be prone to sleep
problems.
