Asperger's Syndrome

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

It is my understanding that a deficiency in inherent social skills is part of the defining characteristics of Autism/Asperger's. This is not to say that persons with these conditions cannot learn to read body language, or make eye contact--just that it does not come naturally. If a person does appear to engage in non-verbal communication, understand it, and make eye contact normally without training themselves, I would actually suspect a misdiagnosis of Asperger's.

For my part, I use eye contact to assure others of my sincerity, since they seem to require that--or to dominate them. <lol> I have an easier time understanding animal body language than human body language, but I have learned a few things to look for over the years. I still think most humans behave in an irrational manner, and while I've come to expect many things, and understand why they do it, it's like understanding animal behaviors--I wouldn't do such a thing myself, and don't see why they can't override their impulses with logic.

I agree here. Not being able make and maintain eye contact is a huge part of AS. Those with AS do train themselves to make eye contact. It is not so much a social anxiety thing either. It is a natural way of being. Then when one figures out how society is supposed to be (learning through childhood and conquering these issues) they make it a point to make eye contact. And like said here,, usually to try to convey their feelings or sincerity, as well as to fit in and seem normal like everyone else.

Its like feeling like an alien or an oddity in a human body who interprets things differently, cannot understand "humanity" or lack thereof, societal norms or even physical norms.

I think too many people are not fully informed about this subject. The "symptoms" are all very clear and to anyone else may seem like they should not coincide but to people with AS who have every single "symptom" and sign ever listed, its more than obvious how it all connects.

When you consider the child-like actions and feelings an adult with AS may have, the intelligence level, manner of speaking and conversing, the awkwardness, the way humor is interpreted differently and often taken too literal, the specialization and obsession in one or two areas of interest, nervous ticks.. The list goes on..

It is a form of autism, and if for some reason it is not.. It is closer to autism than any other form of mental or neurological problem out there.

As for understanding non verbal communication? Those with AS usually can. In fact they are more prone to having a much higher understanding of certain things. Much more sensitive to emotion, spiritual, etc.. Which in turn makes it difficult to convey. Nothing in the world is harder to fully explain than Asperger's because those with it are on a different level and those without it dont understand it. Thats what makes it hardest. Always being stuck in your mind because others dont get you.