"Given the fact that Aspies have a hard time socializing"
As a father of a daughter with Autism, I think that you're overgeneralizing quite a bit. People with Autism and Asperger's vary greatly in their personalities. While a lack of social skills may be a prevalent trait, it doesn't mean anyone on the spectrum has a hard time socializing.
Please pardon my ignorance, I have just learned this term after realizing how well it explains 26 years of my life. Wikipedia defines the syndrome like this:
"Asperger syndrome (AS), also known as Asperger disorder (AD) or simply Asperger's, is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests."
From this definition, I get the impression that "difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication" is what defines AS. I'm very curious to learn why you think it is overgeneralization.
I've already explained in my previous comment why I think it's an overgeneralization. Even though it's a prevalent trait, personalities and abilities vary greatly. I know several people with Asperger's and several of them do have a difficult time socializing, others are very social but have other traits. Obsessive hobbies, strict routines, some are very gifted in some areas, but struggle with other things most people find simple, etc...
I found out around the age of 26 as well. From my understanding, the distinguishing characteristic of Asperger's is that its the only form of autism that isn't accompanied by mental retardation. The lack of social skills is a very common occurrence, but I'm not sure its universal.
Personally, I have terrible social skills, but I'm not sure all of us do.
Comments
"Given the fact that Aspies have a hard time socializing"
As a father of a daughter with Autism, I think that you're overgeneralizing quite a bit. People with Autism and Asperger's vary greatly in their personalities. While a lack of social skills may be a prevalent trait, it doesn't mean anyone on the spectrum has a hard time socializing.
Please pardon my ignorance, I have just learned this term after realizing how well it explains 26 years of my life. Wikipedia defines the syndrome like this:
"Asperger syndrome (AS), also known as Asperger disorder (AD) or simply Asperger's, is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests."
From this definition, I get the impression that "difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication" is what defines AS. I'm very curious to learn why you think it is overgeneralization.
I've already explained in my previous comment why I think it's an overgeneralization. Even though it's a prevalent trait, personalities and abilities vary greatly. I know several people with Asperger's and several of them do have a difficult time socializing, others are very social but have other traits. Obsessive hobbies, strict routines, some are very gifted in some areas, but struggle with other things most people find simple, etc...
I found out around the age of 26 as well. From my understanding, the distinguishing characteristic of Asperger's is that its the only form of autism that isn't accompanied by mental retardation. The lack of social skills is a very common occurrence, but I'm not sure its universal.
Personally, I have terrible social skills, but I'm not sure all of us do.