Re: Aspie Unity

April 22, 2005

> What a strange theory. From my work with autistic students I dont think

> this is the case at all with no desire to be part of this world.

I think was just expressing the common conception of autism. I too

sort of had that image. I only know one autistic person and he really does

seem quite content in his own world, even though he doesn't mind going

places and doing things. But while he happily goes along with whatever his

careds decide, he sings and talks to himself and only addresses another

person if he wants something from them.

> Autism includes a mental disability as far as I understand it.

Many times however an IQ cant be mesured correctly on an autistic

person. I claim that a great number of autistic students that I've met

are severely misjudged simply because health personel dont have the

ability " to see behind the mask " and that the tests aren't developed

specifically for people with autism.

I have suspected this (as I wrote on my site " being unable to talk does not

necessarily mean that one cannot think " ) but I have not had enough contact

with autistics to find out if it may be true or not.

> I've only seen a few that seem to be content with their own world. They

> are usually very retarded.

OK.

> I think it's more of a question of not realizing that they can gain

anything from social contact and in many cases they when they have tried

the results have been poor...and why risk it again?

Right!

> Most people want to learn to understand and to socialize. People with

> austim/HFA/AS seems to

just want it a little bit less;)...what do you think?

Yes! That makes perfect sense. I want to socialize sometimes, but not ALL

the time, like NTs.

> Maybee people with AS get the idea a little bit more due to their

> intelligence? But then again we

are all so different....

Still took me about 35 years or so to figure out that I'm not a very social

person... :-)

> As far as the difference between High functioning autism and Aspergers

Syndrom I see a difference in motor skills that seem to be much better

för people with Aspergers. Poor motor skills is not even a needed criteria

for Aspergers Syndrom. A high functioning autist in my experience is usually

more " closed " and have a greater severity in the autism itself. Not

necessarily

a problem with intellectual ability. With Aspergers Syndrom your IQ should

be below normal (in Sweden above 80-100) which is allowed in high

functioning autism.

It is very confusing to meet people that have the same diagnose and they are

so

different regarding the autismmatter. I hope the doctors soon will agree on

even more

narrowed testings and maybee different/new dx:s..People with AS and ADHD in

combination

is also a sub-group that differs quite a bit.

Right! That's where I've seen the biggest difference among Aspies; those

with and those without ADHD.

> Went to an interesting lecture this week about the Serotonin effect for

> autism/HFA/AS.

It seems like abt 25-30 % of people with AS/HFA have an increased level

(very much so)

of Serotonin and that also might explain why many dont see a change with

SSRI like Prozac

or Zoloft.....Interesting study and it's continuing right now in Stockholm.

How do they measure serotonin? Can it be seen in some blood test or what?

Inger

>

> I've been in many discussions about what is the difference between

AS

> and autism. Some people theorize that those with classic autism are

> in a world of their own and that there is no desire to be part of

> this one, whereas those with AS have more desire to communicate.

Hope

> this makes sense.

>

> > > > > > " We're not sick, we're just wired up a little

differently. "

> > > > >

> > > > > Even 'differently' has its own negative connotations. Can't

> we use

> > > > some

> > > > > sort of positive expression? I'm at a loss for just the

right

> words

> > > > at

> > > > > the moment, but am searching.

> > > > > Rainbow

FAM Secret Society is a community based on respect, friendship, support and

acceptance. Everyone is valued.

Don't forget, there are links to other FAM sites on the Links page in the

folder marked " Other FAM Sites. "

FAM Secret Society is a community based on respect, friendship, support and

acceptance. Everyone is valued.

Don't forget, there are links to other FAM sites on the Links page in the

folder marked " Other FAM Sites. "

April 22, 2005

> What a strange theory. From my work with autistic students I dont think

> this is the case at all with no desire to be part of this world.

I think was just expressing the common conception of autism. I too

sort of had that image. I only know one autistic person and he really does

seem quite content in his own world, even though he doesn't mind going

places and doing things. But while he happily goes along with whatever his

careds decide, he sings and talks to himself and only addresses another

person if he wants something from them.

> Autism includes a mental disability as far as I understand it.

Many times however an IQ cant be mesured correctly on an autistic

person. I claim that a great number of autistic students that I've met

are severely misjudged simply because health personel dont have the

ability " to see behind the mask " and that the tests aren't developed

specifically for people with autism.

I have suspected this (as I wrote on my site " being unable to talk does not

necessarily mean that one cannot think " ) but I have not had enough contact

with autistics to find out if it may be true or not.

> I've only seen a few that seem to be content with their own world. They

> are usually very retarded.

OK.

> I think it's more of a question of not realizing that they can gain

anything from social contact and in many cases they when they have tried

the results have been poor...and why risk it again?

Right!

> Most people want to learn to understand and to socialize. People with

> austim/HFA/AS seems to

just want it a little bit less;)...what do you think?

Yes! That makes perfect sense. I want to socialize sometimes, but not ALL

the time, like NTs.

> Maybee people with AS get the idea a little bit more due to their

> intelligence? But then again we

are all so different....

Still took me about 35 years or so to figure out that I'm not a very social

person... :-)

> As far as the difference between High functioning autism and Aspergers

Syndrom I see a difference in motor skills that seem to be much better

för people with Aspergers. Poor motor skills is not even a needed criteria

for Aspergers Syndrom. A high functioning autist in my experience is usually

more " closed " and have a greater severity in the autism itself. Not

necessarily

a problem with intellectual ability. With Aspergers Syndrom your IQ should

be below normal (in Sweden above 80-100) which is allowed in high

functioning autism.

It is very confusing to meet people that have the same diagnose and they are

so

different regarding the autismmatter. I hope the doctors soon will agree on

even more

narrowed testings and maybee different/new dx:s..People with AS and ADHD in

combination

is also a sub-group that differs quite a bit.

Right! That's where I've seen the biggest difference among Aspies; those

with and those without ADHD.

> Went to an interesting lecture this week about the Serotonin effect for

> autism/HFA/AS.

It seems like abt 25-30 % of people with AS/HFA have an increased level

(very much so)

of Serotonin and that also might explain why many dont see a change with

SSRI like Prozac

or Zoloft.....Interesting study and it's continuing right now in Stockholm.

How do they measure serotonin? Can it be seen in some blood test or what?

Inger

>

> I've been in many discussions about what is the difference between

AS

> and autism. Some people theorize that those with classic autism are

> in a world of their own and that there is no desire to be part of

> this one, whereas those with AS have more desire to communicate.

Hope

> this makes sense.

>

> > > > > > " We're not sick, we're just wired up a little

differently. "

> > > > >

> > > > > Even 'differently' has its own negative connotations. Can't

> we use

> > > > some

> > > > > sort of positive expression? I'm at a loss for just the

right

> words

> > > > at

> > > > > the moment, but am searching.

> > > > > Rainbow

FAM Secret Society is a community based on respect, friendship, support and

acceptance. Everyone is valued.

Don't forget, there are links to other FAM sites on the Links page in the

folder marked " Other FAM Sites. "

FAM Secret Society is a community based on respect, friendship, support and

acceptance. Everyone is valued.

Don't forget, there are links to other FAM sites on the Links page in the

folder marked " Other FAM Sites. "

April 22, 2005

> What a strange theory. From my work with autistic students I dont think

> this is the case at all with no desire to be part of this world.

I think was just expressing the common conception of autism. I too

sort of had that image. I only know one autistic person and he really does

seem quite content in his own world, even though he doesn't mind going

places and doing things. But while he happily goes along with whatever his

careds decide, he sings and talks to himself and only addresses another

person if he wants something from them.

> Autism includes a mental disability as far as I understand it.

Many times however an IQ cant be mesured correctly on an autistic

person. I claim that a great number of autistic students that I've met

are severely misjudged simply because health personel dont have the

ability " to see behind the mask " and that the tests aren't developed

specifically for people with autism.

I have suspected this (as I wrote on my site " being unable to talk does not

necessarily mean that one cannot think " ) but I have not had enough contact

with autistics to find out if it may be true or not.

> I've only seen a few that seem to be content with their own world. They

> are usually very retarded.

OK.

> I think it's more of a question of not realizing that they can gain

anything from social contact and in many cases they when they have tried

the results have been poor...and why risk it again?

Right!

> Most people want to learn to understand and to socialize. People with

> austim/HFA/AS seems to

just want it a little bit less;)...what do you think?

Yes! That makes perfect sense. I want to socialize sometimes, but not ALL

the time, like NTs.

> Maybee people with AS get the idea a little bit more due to their

> intelligence? But then again we

are all so different....

Still took me about 35 years or so to figure out that I'm not a very social

person... :-)

> As far as the difference between High functioning autism and Aspergers

Syndrom I see a difference in motor skills that seem to be much better

för people with Aspergers. Poor motor skills is not even a needed criteria

for Aspergers Syndrom. A high functioning autist in my experience is usually

more " closed " and have a greater severity in the autism itself. Not

necessarily

a problem with intellectual ability. With Aspergers Syndrom your IQ should

be below normal (in Sweden above 80-100) which is allowed in high

functioning autism.

It is very confusing to meet people that have the same diagnose and they are

so

different regarding the autismmatter. I hope the doctors soon will agree on

even more

narrowed testings and maybee different/new dx:s..People with AS and ADHD in

combination

is also a sub-group that differs quite a bit.

Right! That's where I've seen the biggest difference among Aspies; those

with and those without ADHD.

> Went to an interesting lecture this week about the Serotonin effect for

> autism/HFA/AS.

It seems like abt 25-30 % of people with AS/HFA have an increased level

(very much so)

of Serotonin and that also might explain why many dont see a change with

SSRI like Prozac

or Zoloft.....Interesting study and it's continuing right now in Stockholm.

How do they measure serotonin? Can it be seen in some blood test or what?

Inger

>

> I've been in many discussions about what is the difference between

AS

> and autism. Some people theorize that those with classic autism are

> in a world of their own and that there is no desire to be part of

> this one, whereas those with AS have more desire to communicate.

Hope

> this makes sense.

>

> > > > > > " We're not sick, we're just wired up a little

differently. "

> > > > >

> > > > > Even 'differently' has its own negative connotations. Can't

> we use

> > > > some

> > > > > sort of positive expression? I'm at a loss for just the

right

> words

> > > > at

> > > > > the moment, but am searching.

> > > > > Rainbow

FAM Secret Society is a community based on respect, friendship, support and

acceptance. Everyone is valued.

Don't forget, there are links to other FAM sites on the Links page in the

folder marked " Other FAM Sites. "

FAM Secret Society is a community based on respect, friendship, support and

acceptance. Everyone is valued.

Don't forget, there are links to other FAM sites on the Links page in the

folder marked " Other FAM Sites. "

April 22, 2005

That is very interesting! Maybe that explains why all the various

meds I've been on have had absolutely no effect. Is there a drug that

helps with Serotonin levels?

Kitty

Went to an interesting lecture this week about the Serotonin effect

for

> > autism/HFA/AS.

> It seems like abt 25-30 % of people with AS/HFA have an increased

level

> (very much so)

> of Serotonin and that also might explain why many dont see a change

with

> SSRI like Prozac

> or Zoloft.....Interesting study and it's continuing right now in

Stockholm.

>

> How do they measure serotonin? Can it be seen in some blood test or

what?

>

> Inger

>

> >

> > I've been in many discussions about what is the difference between

> AS

> > and autism. Some people theorize that those with classic autism

are

> > in a world of their own and that there is no desire to be part of

> > this one, whereas those with AS have more desire to communicate.

> Hope

> > this makes sense.

> >

> > > > > > > " We're not sick, we're just wired up a little

> differently. "

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Even 'differently' has its own negative connotations.

Can't

> > we use

> > > > > some

> > > > > > sort of positive expression? I'm at a loss for just the

> right

> > words

> > > > > at

> > > > > > the moment, but am searching.

> > > > > > Rainbow

>

> FAM Secret Society is a community based on respect, friendship,

support and

> acceptance. Everyone is valued.

>

> Don't forget, there are links to other FAM sites on the Links page

in the

> folder marked " Other FAM Sites. "

>

> FAM Secret Society is a community based on respect, friendship,

support and

> acceptance. Everyone is valued.

>

> Don't forget, there are links to other FAM sites on the Links page

in the

> folder marked " Other FAM Sites. "

>

April 22, 2005

That is very interesting! Maybe that explains why all the various

meds I've been on have had absolutely no effect. Is there a drug that

helps with Serotonin levels?

Kitty

Went to an interesting lecture this week about the Serotonin effect

for

> > autism/HFA/AS.

> It seems like abt 25-30 % of people with AS/HFA have an increased

level

> (very much so)

> of Serotonin and that also might explain why many dont see a change

with

> SSRI like Prozac

> or Zoloft.....Interesting study and it's continuing right now in

Stockholm.

>

> How do they measure serotonin? Can it be seen in some blood test or

what?

>

> Inger

>

> >

> > I've been in many discussions about what is the difference between

> AS

> > and autism. Some people theorize that those with classic autism

are

> > in a world of their own and that there is no desire to be part of

> > this one, whereas those with AS have more desire to communicate.

> Hope

> > this makes sense.

> >

> > > > > > > " We're not sick, we're just wired up a little

> differently. "

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Even 'differently' has its own negative connotations.

Can't

> > we use

> > > > > some

> > > > > > sort of positive expression? I'm at a loss for just the

> right

> > words

> > > > > at

> > > > > > the moment, but am searching.

> > > > > > Rainbow

>

> FAM Secret Society is a community based on respect, friendship,

support and

> acceptance. Everyone is valued.

>

> Don't forget, there are links to other FAM sites on the Links page

in the

> folder marked " Other FAM Sites. "

>

> FAM Secret Society is a community based on respect, friendship,

support and

> acceptance. Everyone is valued.

>

> Don't forget, there are links to other FAM sites on the Links page

in the

> folder marked " Other FAM Sites. "

>

April 22, 2005

That is very interesting! Maybe that explains why all the various

meds I've been on have had absolutely no effect. Is there a drug that

helps with Serotonin levels?

Kitty

Went to an interesting lecture this week about the Serotonin effect

for

> > autism/HFA/AS.

> It seems like abt 25-30 % of people with AS/HFA have an increased

level

> (very much so)

> of Serotonin and that also might explain why many dont see a change

with

> SSRI like Prozac

> or Zoloft.....Interesting study and it's continuing right now in

Stockholm.

>

> How do they measure serotonin? Can it be seen in some blood test or

what?

>

> Inger

>

> >

> > I've been in many discussions about what is the difference between

> AS

> > and autism. Some people theorize that those with classic autism

are

> > in a world of their own and that there is no desire to be part of

> > this one, whereas those with AS have more desire to communicate.

> Hope

> > this makes sense.

> >

> > > > > > > " We're not sick, we're just wired up a little

> differently. "

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Even 'differently' has its own negative connotations.

Can't

> > we use

> > > > > some

> > > > > > sort of positive expression? I'm at a loss for just the

> right

> > words

> > > > > at

> > > > > > the moment, but am searching.

> > > > > > Rainbow

>

> FAM Secret Society is a community based on respect, friendship,

support and

> acceptance. Everyone is valued.

>

> Don't forget, there are links to other FAM sites on the Links page

in the

> folder marked " Other FAM Sites. "

>

> FAM Secret Society is a community based on respect, friendship,

support and

> acceptance. Everyone is valued.

>

> Don't forget, there are links to other FAM sites on the Links page

in the

> folder marked " Other FAM Sites. "

>

April 22, 2005

I was expressing other peoples theories - I personally am not 100%

sure on such things.

A friend of mines son is classically autistic - he is a delighfull

child - full of curiosity and obvious signs of intelligence - he

rarely speaks - he interacts only to get what he needs and wants. The

majority of the time he is quite happy being alone and just does his

own thing, at other times he likes someone there - but not to

interact with - just to be there. He is quite happy to play alongside

my son, but they do not play together.

My son is HFA and very verbal - when he was younger he too played

alongside others rather than with and when he did try to interact he

didn't get it right; for example he used to hit people he wanted to

play with - I don't know why he used this technique, but he

fortunately does not use it now :-) and he does now play with others

to some extent - obviously on his terms. My son definitely wishes to

interact with this world, but has problems doing so - he has even

said to me 'I just want to be popular' - not sure he would like it if

he was :-)

My son was diagnosed HFA and not Aspergers because he had a language

delay - but I think the reason he had a language delay was because he

had serious problems with his hearing when younger and needed

grommits fitted. When he was diagnosed they said to treat his as if

he has Aspergers. Like I have said previously there are some that

argue there is no difference between HFA and Aspergers - I do not

know?

Also I have heard of cases where people had assumed that someone was

classically autistic and had low intelligence - only for them years

later start interacting with the world and people and proving that

they had taken everything around them in and in actual fact were very

intelligent - I personally find it annoying that people equate non-

verbal with low intelligence. Many people who witter on can sometimes

be quite dense - and here I am wittering on :-)

As for the socializing both my son and I desire to do it sometimes -

but on our terms - we like control over our enviroment :-) and both

of us need and desire time alone too. My son is still having a fairly

hard time - because on the one hand he desires to go to parties and

stuff and yet he cannot handle it - it is sensory overload to him. I

have learned that I'm generally cr*p at parties and it is sensory

overload - I sometimes make the effort - especially if it is for my

son - but I quite often have to distance myself because I find it so

hard and I generally try to escape/withdraw to quiter places whilst I

am there. I just cannot take it all in and it is not fun. I remember

some very bad experiences of parties when I was younger :-( however I

do remember the game 'sleeping logs' and I liked that because

everyone had to lie still and be quiet and as long as I did not have

to be too close to anyone this was fine :-)

" With Aspergers Syndrom your IQ should

> be below normal (in Sweden above 80-100) which is allowed in high

> functioning autism. "

I am confused by this statement - I thought that those with Aspergers

were meant to have average to high intelligence?

I'll stop wittering on now :-)

>

> > What a strange theory. From my work with autistic students I dont

think

> > this is the case at all with no desire to be part of this world.

>

> I think was just expressing the common conception of autism.

I too

> sort of had that image. I only know one autistic person and he

really does

> seem quite content in his own world, even though he doesn't mind

going

> places and doing things. But while he happily goes along with

whatever his

> careds decide, he sings and talks to himself and only addresses

another

> person if he wants something from them.

>

> > Autism includes a mental disability as far as I understand it.

> Many times however an IQ cant be mesured correctly on an autistic

> person. I claim that a great number of autistic students that I've

met

> are severely misjudged simply because health personel dont have the

> ability " to see behind the mask " and that the tests aren't developed

> specifically for people with autism.

>

> I have suspected this (as I wrote on my site " being unable to talk

does not

> necessarily mean that one cannot think " ) but I have not had enough

contact

> with autistics to find out if it may be true or not.

>

> > I've only seen a few that seem to be content with their own

world. They

> > are usually very retarded.

>

> OK.

>

> > I think it's more of a question of not realizing that they can

gain

> anything from social contact and in many cases they when they have

tried

> the results have been poor...and why risk it again?

>

> Right!

>

> > Most people want to learn to understand and to socialize. People

with

> > austim/HFA/AS seems to

> just want it a little bit less;)...what do you think?

>

> Yes! That makes perfect sense. I want to socialize sometimes, but

not ALL

> the time, like NTs.

>

> > Maybee people with AS get the idea a little bit more due to their

> > intelligence? But then again we

> are all so different....

>

> Still took me about 35 years or so to figure out that I'm not a

very social

> person... :-)

>

> > As far as the difference between High functioning autism and

Aspergers

> Syndrom I see a difference in motor skills that seem to be much

better

> för people with Aspergers. Poor motor skills is not even a

needed

criteria

> for Aspergers Syndrom. A high functioning autist in my experience

is usually

> more " closed " and have a greater severity in the autism itself. Not

> necessarily

> a problem with intellectual ability. With Aspergers Syndrom your IQ

should

> be below normal (in Sweden above 80-100) which is allowed in high

> functioning autism.

> It is very confusing to meet people that have the same diagnose and

they are

> so

> different regarding the autismmatter. I hope the doctors soon will

agree on

> even more

> narrowed testings and maybee different/new dx:s..People with AS and

ADHD in

> combination

> is also a sub-group that differs quite a bit.

>

> Right! That's where I've seen the biggest difference among Aspies;

those

> with and those without ADHD.

>

> > Went to an interesting lecture this week about the Serotonin

effect for

> > autism/HFA/AS.

> It seems like abt 25-30 % of people with AS/HFA have an increased

level

> (very much so)

> of Serotonin and that also might explain why many dont see a change

with

> SSRI like Prozac

> or Zoloft.....Interesting study and it's continuing right now in

Stockholm.

>

> How do they measure serotonin? Can it be seen in some blood test or

what?

>

> Inger

April 22, 2005

I think that frequently is the case when there is a communication problem.

My sister's husband has an adopted sister who was diagnosed as severely

retarded when she was young, but after she was adopted her new mother

decided that wasn't accurate and fought to have her appropriately tested and

when the 'powers that be' finally listened they found that she had problems

with speech due to congenital problems with her mouth, muscles in the mouth,

and vocal cords but that she was not retarded. After that, she was able to

get her driving permit, then license and now she is an adult, married and

has a child.

Kathy J.

----- Original Message -----

From: Inger Lorelei <inglori@...

> Autism includes a mental disability as far as I understand it.

> Many times however an IQ cant be mesured correctly on an autistic

> person. I claim that a great number of autistic students that I've met

> are severely misjudged simply because health personel dont have the

> ability " to see behind the mask " and that the tests aren't developed

> specifically for people with autism.

>

> I have suspected this (as I wrote on my site " being unable to talk does

not

> necessarily mean that one cannot think " ) but I have not had enough contact

> with autistics to find out if it may be true or not.

>

April 22, 2005

Lotta,

I'm confused by this statement also. I am diagnosed AS but my IQ

averages around 132.

The things that clinched the diagnosis were the lack of eye contact,

the " rambling on " about topics no one cared about, special

interests, minor stimming, social ineptitude, and...the high

intelligence.

Tom

> >

> > > What a strange theory. From my work with autistic students I

dont

> think

> > > this is the case at all with no desire to be part of this

world.

> >

> > I think was just expressing the common conception of

autism.

> I too

> > sort of had that image. I only know one autistic person and he

> really does

> > seem quite content in his own world, even though he doesn't mind

> going

> > places and doing things. But while he happily goes along with

> whatever his

> > careds decide, he sings and talks to himself and only addresses

> another

> > person if he wants something from them.

> >

> > > Autism includes a mental disability as far as I understand it.

> > Many times however an IQ cant be mesured correctly on an autistic

> > person. I claim that a great number of autistic students that

I've

> met

> > are severely misjudged simply because health personel dont have

the

> > ability " to see behind the mask " and that the tests aren't

developed

> > specifically for people with autism.

> >

> > I have suspected this (as I wrote on my site " being unable to

talk

> does not

> > necessarily mean that one cannot think " ) but I have not had

enough

> contact

> > with autistics to find out if it may be true or not.

> >

> > > I've only seen a few that seem to be content with their own

> world. They

> > > are usually very retarded.

> >

> > OK.

> >

> > > I think it's more of a question of not realizing that they can

> gain

> > anything from social contact and in many cases they when they

have

> tried

> > the results have been poor...and why risk it again?

> >

> > Right!

> >

> > > Most people want to learn to understand and to socialize.

People

> with

> > > austim/HFA/AS seems to

> > just want it a little bit less;)...what do you think?

> >

> > Yes! That makes perfect sense. I want to socialize sometimes,

but

> not ALL

> > the time, like NTs.

> >

> > > Maybee people with AS get the idea a little bit more due to

their

> > > intelligence? But then again we

> > are all so different....

> >

> > Still took me about 35 years or so to figure out that I'm not a

> very social

> > person... :-)

> >

> > > As far as the difference between High functioning autism and

> Aspergers

> > Syndrom I see a difference in motor skills that seem to be much

> better

> > för people with Aspergers. Poor motor skills is not even a

> needed

> criteria

> > for Aspergers Syndrom. A high functioning autist in my

experience

> is usually

> > more " closed " and have a greater severity in the autism itself.

Not

> > necessarily

> > a problem with intellectual ability. With Aspergers Syndrom your

IQ

> should

> > be below normal (in Sweden above 80-100) which is allowed in

high

> > functioning autism.

> > It is very confusing to meet people that have the same diagnose

and

> they are

> > so

> > different regarding the autismmatter. I hope the doctors soon

will

> agree on

> > even more

> > narrowed testings and maybee different/new dx:s..People with AS

and

> ADHD in

> > combination

> > is also a sub-group that differs quite a bit.

> >

> > Right! That's where I've seen the biggest difference among

Aspies;

> those

> > with and those without ADHD.

> >

> > > Went to an interesting lecture this week about the Serotonin

> effect for

> > > autism/HFA/AS.

> > It seems like abt 25-30 % of people with AS/HFA have an

increased

> level

> > (very much so)

> > of Serotonin and that also might explain why many dont see a

change

> with

> > SSRI like Prozac

> > or Zoloft.....Interesting study and it's continuing right now in

> Stockholm.

> >

> > How do they measure serotonin? Can it be seen in some blood test

or

> what?

> >

> > Inger

April 22, 2005

Lotta,

I'm confused by this statement also. I am diagnosed AS but my IQ

averages around 132.

The things that clinched the diagnosis were the lack of eye contact,

the " rambling on " about topics no one cared about, special

interests, minor stimming, social ineptitude, and...the high

intelligence.

Tom

> >

> > > What a strange theory. From my work with autistic students I

dont

> think

> > > this is the case at all with no desire to be part of this

world.

> >

> > I think was just expressing the common conception of

autism.

> I too

> > sort of had that image. I only know one autistic person and he

> really does

> > seem quite content in his own world, even though he doesn't mind

> going

> > places and doing things. But while he happily goes along with

> whatever his

> > careds decide, he sings and talks to himself and only addresses

> another

> > person if he wants something from them.

> >

> > > Autism includes a mental disability as far as I understand it.

> > Many times however an IQ cant be mesured correctly on an autistic

> > person. I claim that a great number of autistic students that

I've

> met

> > are severely misjudged simply because health personel dont have

the

> > ability " to see behind the mask " and that the tests aren't

developed

> > specifically for people with autism.

> >

> > I have suspected this (as I wrote on my site " being unable to

talk

> does not

> > necessarily mean that one cannot think " ) but I have not had

enough

> contact

> > with autistics to find out if it may be true or not.

> >

> > > I've only seen a few that seem to be content with their own

> world. They

> > > are usually very retarded.

> >

> > OK.

> >

> > > I think it's more of a question of not realizing that they can

> gain

> > anything from social contact and in many cases they when they

have

> tried

> > the results have been poor...and why risk it again?

> >

> > Right!

> >

> > > Most people want to learn to understand and to socialize.

People

> with

> > > austim/HFA/AS seems to

> > just want it a little bit less;)...what do you think?

> >

> > Yes! That makes perfect sense. I want to socialize sometimes,

but

> not ALL

> > the time, like NTs.

> >

> > > Maybee people with AS get the idea a little bit more due to

their

> > > intelligence? But then again we

> > are all so different....

> >

> > Still took me about 35 years or so to figure out that I'm not a

> very social

> > person... :-)

> >

> > > As far as the difference between High functioning autism and

> Aspergers

> > Syndrom I see a difference in motor skills that seem to be much

> better

> > för people with Aspergers. Poor motor skills is not even a

> needed

> criteria

> > for Aspergers Syndrom. A high functioning autist in my

experience

> is usually

> > more " closed " and have a greater severity in the autism itself.

Not

> > necessarily

> > a problem with intellectual ability. With Aspergers Syndrom your

IQ

> should

> > be below normal (in Sweden above 80-100) which is allowed in

high

> > functioning autism.

> > It is very confusing to meet people that have the same diagnose

and

> they are

> > so

> > different regarding the autismmatter. I hope the doctors soon

will

> agree on

> > even more

> > narrowed testings and maybee different/new dx:s..People with AS

and

> ADHD in

> > combination

> > is also a sub-group that differs quite a bit.

> >

> > Right! That's where I've seen the biggest difference among

Aspies;

> those

> > with and those without ADHD.

> >

> > > Went to an interesting lecture this week about the Serotonin

> effect for

> > > autism/HFA/AS.

> > It seems like abt 25-30 % of people with AS/HFA have an

increased

> level

> > (very much so)

> > of Serotonin and that also might explain why many dont see a

change

> with

> > SSRI like Prozac

> > or Zoloft.....Interesting study and it's continuing right now in

> Stockholm.

> >

> > How do they measure serotonin? Can it be seen in some blood test

or

> what?

> >

> > Inger

April 22, 2005

I have problems with generalizations - as I point out to

people 'there are always exceptions to the rules' and yes I do

believe we are all individuals.

Now why did Monty Python's 'Life Of Brain' just pop up in my head?:-)

can anyone else remember this? 'yes we are all individuals' 'No we

don't need to follow anyone' (The balcony scene) - now I am smirking

to myself with the memory of this :-)

> I've worked with some autistics who broke that mold - perhaps with

autism we are all individuals and generalizations are difficult with

this spectrum?

> e

>

> Re: Aspie Unity

>

> I've been in many discussions about what is the difference between

AS

> and autism. Some people theorize that those with classic autism are

> in a world of their own and that there is no desire to be part of

> this one, whereas those with AS have more desire to communicate.

Hope

> this makes sense.

>

April 22, 2005

I have problems with generalizations - as I point out to

people 'there are always exceptions to the rules' and yes I do

believe we are all individuals.

Now why did Monty Python's 'Life Of Brain' just pop up in my head?:-)

can anyone else remember this? 'yes we are all individuals' 'No we

don't need to follow anyone' (The balcony scene) - now I am smirking

to myself with the memory of this :-)

> I've worked with some autistics who broke that mold - perhaps with

autism we are all individuals and generalizations are difficult with

this spectrum?

> e

>

> Re: Aspie Unity

>

> I've been in many discussions about what is the difference between

AS

> and autism. Some people theorize that those with classic autism are

> in a world of their own and that there is no desire to be part of

> this one, whereas those with AS have more desire to communicate.

Hope

> this makes sense.

>

April 22, 2005

You mentioned non-verbal. What about people who communicate in other

ways-using pictures for example. Where do they fit in?

Hawkeye

> > > > > > > " We're not sick, we're just wired up a little

> differently. "

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Even 'differently' has its own negative connotations.

Can't

> > we use

> > > > > some

> > > > > > sort of positive expression? I'm at a loss for just the

> right

> > words

> > > > > at

> > > > > > the moment, but am searching.

> > > > > > Rainbow

>

> FAM Secret Society is a community based on respect, friendship,

support and acceptance. Everyone is valued.

>

> Don't forget, there are links to other FAM sites on the Links page

in the folder marked " Other FAM Sites. "

>

> ________________________________

>

April 22, 2005

I hate the ignorance and assumptions of some people, especially those

in authority and professionals Grrrrrrrrr

I am so glad that your sister pushed for a correct diagnosis :-)

I like happy endings :-)

Even better, happy beginnings - happy middles and just happy :-)

No I'm not on anything - just in a silly mood :-)

> I think that frequently is the case when there is a communication

problem.

> My sister's husband has an adopted sister who was diagnosed as

severely

> retarded when she was young, but after she was adopted her new

mother

> decided that wasn't accurate and fought to have her appropriately

tested and

> when the 'powers that be' finally listened they found that she had

problems

> with speech due to congenital problems with her mouth, muscles in

the mouth,

> and vocal cords but that she was not retarded. After that, she was

able to

> get her driving permit, then license and now she is an adult,

married and

> has a child.

>

> Kathy J.

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: Inger Lorelei <inglori@s...

>

> > Autism includes a mental disability as far as I understand it.

> > Many times however an IQ cant be mesured correctly on an autistic

> > person. I claim that a great number of autistic students that

I've met

> > are severely misjudged simply because health personel dont have

the

> > ability " to see behind the mask " and that the tests aren't

developed

> > specifically for people with autism.

> >

> > I have suspected this (as I wrote on my site " being unable to

talk does

> not

> > necessarily mean that one cannot think " ) but I have not had

enough contact

> > with autistics to find out if it may be true or not.

> >

April 22, 2005

I hate the ignorance and assumptions of some people, especially those

in authority and professionals Grrrrrrrrr

I am so glad that your sister pushed for a correct diagnosis :-)

I like happy endings :-)

Even better, happy beginnings - happy middles and just happy :-)

No I'm not on anything - just in a silly mood :-)

> I think that frequently is the case when there is a communication

problem.

> My sister's husband has an adopted sister who was diagnosed as

severely

> retarded when she was young, but after she was adopted her new

mother

> decided that wasn't accurate and fought to have her appropriately

tested and

> when the 'powers that be' finally listened they found that she had

problems

> with speech due to congenital problems with her mouth, muscles in

the mouth,

> and vocal cords but that she was not retarded. After that, she was

able to

> get her driving permit, then license and now she is an adult,

married and

> has a child.

>

> Kathy J.

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: Inger Lorelei <inglori@s...

>

> > Autism includes a mental disability as far as I understand it.

> > Many times however an IQ cant be mesured correctly on an autistic

> > person. I claim that a great number of autistic students that

I've met

> > are severely misjudged simply because health personel dont have

the

> > ability " to see behind the mask " and that the tests aren't

developed

> > specifically for people with autism.

> >

> > I have suspected this (as I wrote on my site " being unable to

talk does

> not

> > necessarily mean that one cannot think " ) but I have not had

enough contact

> > with autistics to find out if it may be true or not.

> >

April 22, 2005

Autism includes a mental disability as far as I understand it.

> Many times however an IQ cant be mesured correctly on an autistic

> person. I claim that a great number of autistic students that I've met

> are severely misjudged simply because health personel dont have the

> ability " to see behind the mask " and that the tests aren't developed

> specifically for people with autism.

>

> I have suspected this (as I wrote on my site " being unable to talk

does not

> necessarily mean that one cannot think " ) but I have not had enough

contact

> with autistics to find out if it may be true or not.

Aren't IQ tests based on cognition, not verbal skills?

Kitty

April 22, 2005

In the US AS has to have an IQ if 100 (which is considered normal) or higher.

The new WISC-IV (an IQ test found an average IQ for Aspies taking the test to be

99).

e

________________________________

From: FAMSecretSociety on behalf of greebohere

Sent: Fri 4/22/2005 10:26 AM

To: FAMSecretSociety

Subject: Re: Aspie Unity