How to Live With Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger's Syndrome is a disorder on the Autism spectrum. People with Asperger's Syndrome often have social skill problems that can make life difficult. They also have unique and often remarkable minds. Learning to live with Asperger's Syndrome means learning to read body and facial language, follow social rules, and make the most of your unique abilities.

Instructions

• 1

  Take pride in your uniqueness. Some aspects of living with Asperger's Syndrome can make life difficult. Sensory issues and social awkwardness are two common manifestations that often are problematic. But people with Asperger's Syndrome have qualities that are worthy of pride as well. Maybe you have a good grasp of language and vocabulary, or an excellent memory, all of which are also common Asperger's manifestations. Many people with Asperger's have extraordinary minds and the ability to solve problems in a way that neurotypical people struggle with. Be proud of your mind and your differences.

• 2

  Make lifestyle choices that reflect your needs. If sensitivity to noise and crowds are one way Asperger's manifests for you, there is no need to build your life around a career that requires you to spend your time in noisy crowds. Spend some time thinking about the things you enjoy and those that are difficult for you, and how you can arrange your life to emphasize your strengths and work with your weaknesses. This is good advice for everyone, but especially important for those with differences.

• 3

  Research etiquette. Asperger's Syndrome is a social disorder. If it's difficult for you to follow social rules, it might help to learn the reasons behind them. A good etiquette will help you learn, even if it never becomes easy, how to follow those rules. If reading facial and body language is difficult for you, one trick is to watch soap operas. Soap opera actors are very emotive, and if you listen to their words for context and then freeze the screen on a facial expression or bit of body language, you can learn by rote what might come more naturally to others.