Why do people assume that all people with Asperger's share the same traits?

Question

This answer might require some thinking outside the box. I have a mild case of autism known as Asperger's. I'm not your typical Aspie, though. The stereotype about us is that we're math or science geniuses. I'm not. I am a senior at Texas State University majoring in Geography. I am a whiz at Geography and History. My strongest subjects were History, English, and foreign languages.

I was horrible at Math and Science. I had to take College Algebra three times before I passed it. The third time the Dean was generous enough to let me take it a community college to get the credit. I had to spend over $100 a week on a tutor to just to get a C in that class. Fortunately, I achieved my goal.

I also know how to lie, too. A lot of Aspies don't. Not to boast or anything, but I think I have better people skills than most Aspies do. They're not as sharp as that as the average neurotypical, but they aren't non-existent either. I've been trained how to read people. A lot of my interpersonal skills I've also learned by trial and error. I also know how to read between the lines.

So my question is why do people not believe me when I tell them I have AS? They don't believe me because I am not a savant. However they do believe me when I have ADD because I think I actually have ADD. That leads me to ask another question. Is it common for Aspies to also have ADD?

Answer 1

I didnt....sorry...I see everyone as a person.....good going.. hang in there..

Answer 2

Dustin

I think that people do have a tendency to place people in categories, I suppose from ignorance. Not many people know about the varied degrees of autism or PDD, and especially Aspergers. People may think it has something to do with Idiot Savantism which gets more public awareness or recognition, like from the movie Rainman.

I only worked with young autistic children, not adolescents or adults, but what surprised me more than anything was the wide range of functioning, how each child was so different from the next.

Having said all that, I find that I am impressed with your outstanding social skills and your ability to overcome, with great effort on your part, your disabilities. I am sure you struggle on a daily basis, but I think it's amazing. I suppose it's your very high and effective functioning with Aspergers which may lead to confusion, they may expect someone socially inept and when they see that you are not, cannot understand how this is possible.

Regarding ADD, I don't know. It's more common certainly, a disability which many more people are aware of because so many people are diagnosed with some kind of attention deficit. Whether it's common with Aspergers, I guess you have to look at statistics or ask your neurologist.

In any case, you've made a great impression on me.

Answer 3

It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, especially when those who assert that you're not an Aspie are people who have done no research of their own and are only going by stereotypes. People love to act like they know what they're talking about to cover up the fact that they actually have no idea. F!%k 'em. You know who you are. It is in fact very common for people on 'the spectrum' to also have ADD/ADHD.

Answer 4

I have schizophrenia and im not the typical schizo that everyone thinks of. i dont get disability im not in and out of psychiatric hospitals and im not dirty and homeless. its just stereotyping for people to do so. im not sure about the add but you could get it checked out

Answer 5

People are simply ignorant and stereotype a lot about things they don't understand.

I have similar experiences with people not believing me. Many people refuse to believe that I have disabilities. A common reaction I get is "but you look so normal!" I'm young and don't use a wheelchair, so they think I can't have physical disabilities. I'm female, so they think I can't have Asperger's syndrome because it is more common for guys to have AS. I got good grades in school, so they don't believe me when I tell them I'm dyslexic. People simply make up stereotypes about all kinds of people and when somebody doesn't fit into the stereotype they doubt that the person really belongs to that group.

It all comes down to ignorance.

Regarding ADD, I have heard about some people having both Asperger's syndrome and ADD, but I've also heard about people being misdiagnosed with one of those and later finding out they have the other. If you think you have ADD it might be a good idea to get a professional opinion.