Can my child have aspergers AND a overactive imagination?

Question

Thanks Jayme S, sounds like my little guy and his Dad!

Answer 1

Overactive imagination how? Does the child say random and sometimes funny things often? Do they sound scripted? Do they play pretend, or refer to a story that is not really happening? Autism also deals with social issues. You will need to be more specific if you want assistance on this. So many disorders have similar symptoms and behaviors.

Answer 2

I wouldn't worry so much about the particular "label" doctors want to use.  And someone else here mentioned that, different docs will call the same kid with the same symptoms different things, because the disorders have a great deal of overlap in symptoms.  

And I know some kids with Asperger's with very active imaginations.  Don't hyperfocus on just one symptom, look at the whole picture of your child.  And then get your child the best help you can.

Answer 3

yes they can and yes they do.

foster that imagination into something that your child can excel at.  

My daughter has an overactive imagination.  Her imagination has led her to create her own stories that deal with real issues that she faces every day.  She has written and illustrated numerous short stories since she was 5.  I think her imagination and her unique perspective of life gives her the ability to see things that neurotypical kids don't - and that gives her an edge.

Answer 4

I have a cousin who is 6 years old and has asperger's.  He is the most imaginative child I know.  He makes up stories.  He usually combines his favorite cartoon characters and some historical event.  He doesn't write the stories down, but can recall them word for word after he has made them up.  On of my favorites was when he made up a story about Winnie the Pooh on the Oregon Trail.  It was the about the Donner Party, so Pooh ended up eating all of his friends.  His story was full of accurate facts as well as creative fictional moments.

His "special interest" is history.  Just in case you couldn't tell.  So I would say yes, an Aspie can have an imagination.

EDIT:  Your son's change in intrests is key in knowing that he has asperger's and is not a standard autistic.  Most autistic's interests don't change (savant), but an Aspie will become an expert in whatever interest them at the time.  I didn't mention this before, my husband doesn't like me to talk about it, but I am married to an Aspie.  Life isn't easy, he is rude, doesn't think about how his actions affect others, but is hyper-sensitive to how other's actions affect him.  He has a hard time being in a croud, like a party, or a busy day at the grocery store.  He is extreamly smart and excells in his interest, which right now is going to school for chemical engeniering.  School comes before anything else, family, friends, me.  Except food.  Any food comes before everything else.  Despeite all of these adversities, I love my husband dearly.  When he is thinking about it, he is a wonderful father to our two children, and a good husband.  The key is getting him to think about it.  Good luck with your son.  No matter the diagnosis I am sure he is a joy to you.

Answer 5

I had  a student who would tell stories about the volcano in his backyard.  The new fish he just discovered, a new species of tiger.  He had aspergers.

We had a another kid who would talk in detail about hunting with his dad and uncle.  He even explained how to skin it and cook it.  Met the parents, turns out he has never been  hunting in his life.  He was ADHD.

Either way their imaginations run away with them.

Answer 6

I agree with what's already been said and would like to add...just because a person has some form of autism doesn't mean they can't have an excellent imagination.  autism does not affect the intellect, just the expression of it.  don't stop  looking at the forest because you're too involved with the trees.

Answer 7

Asperger's Syndrome is often considered, by many experts, to be part of the Autism, High Functioning Autism, ADHD spectrum.  You could take your child to one specialist and he/she might be diagnosed with Asperger's.  Take him/her to another specialist and you might get a diagnosis of ADHD . . . or autism.  You get my drift.

These disorders are diagnosed by history and symptomology.  Because every child is different, children often don't fit clearly into one category or another.  Your best bet as a parent is to continue to seek answers, but more than that, seek the best educational, social, and medical settings and supports you can that fit YOUR child, not necessarily the diagnosis.

(This is from the mom of a severe ADHD kid.)