What are the Characteristics of a Person with Asperger’s?
Asperger’s syndrome is a developmental disorder that impacts children and adults. Symptoms include trouble with social skills and tending to have an obsessive focus on a topic or doing the same behaviors over and over. Today Asperger’s syndrome is no longer a diagnosis on its own. It is now a category in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). Some people with Asperger’s might not be as withdrawn to social situations as others. There are different levels in which it may affect the person with Asperger Syndrome. One of the most famous mathematicians in the world had Asperger’s. Albert Einstein had Asperger’s syndrome and went on to accomplish amazing things in his life.
What is an Asperger’s meltdown?
An Asperger’s meltdown is when the person with Asperger’s temporarily loses control of themselves because of an emotional response to environmental factors. This is not something that is caused by one specific thing. The triggers build up until the person becomes so overwhelmed that they will not be able to take in any more information. This has been described in the past like a can of soda that has been shaken up. When it is opened emotions flow everywhere like the carbonation from shaking up a soda.
This can look like a common tantrum, however, unlike a tantrum this meltdown will not stop by giving someone with Asperger’s their way. Depending on the cause of this meltdown, the best thing you might be able to do to help the person is to take them away from the situation that they are finding so distressing. Some everyday activities that have supported people with Asperger’s recover from a meltdown are sleeping, having a bath, listening to music, or taking them somewhere where they can be alone and feel safe. After the episode is finished, the person may feel embarrassed, very tired, or ashamed.
Can someone with Asperger’s marry?
Every single romantic relationship will have challenges that people need to work out. Being in a relationship with someone who has Asperger’s can cause an additional challenge. However, there is no reason why someone with Asperger’s should not be able to get married. It might not be the easiest of things, but it is possible that someone with Asperger’s can get married to a person.
Can adults with Asperger’s have relationships?
Dating someone with mild Asperger’s might not be the smoothest experience. However, there are ways to survive an Asperger marriage and relationship. There are some things you should try to avoid when dating someone with Asperger’s syndrome. You want to avoid talking down to your AS (autism spectrum) partner. This might make them feel like you are treating them like they are stupid, or they are a child. You also should take your AS partner as a face value, which means do not read into too much of what they are saying. They are not too worried about trying to figure out your constant thoughts or feelings. Another strategy would be respecting your AS partner’s need for some downtime. For example, if you go to a party do not wander off and leave them alone to fend for themselves. A big step is understanding your partner and the way they work. You need to be very specific about your needs and what you are expecting. This is because someone with Asperger’s might not know what you are wanting, and they might not be able to pick up on the signs you are sending them. Being open and honest might be the best thing for them to communicate.
Here is a great video on what it’s like to be in a relationship with a man with Aspergers.