Another YouTube Video on Aspergers

I had my attention drawn to this video recently. It's actually a year old (possibly older) but I think it's still quite relevant and interesting.

News Article: Asperger's and IT: Dark secret or open secret?

I just found this news article on ComputerWorld and thought I'd bring it to your attention. It's dated 2 April 2008, so it's a little over a month old.

Asperger's and IT: Dark secret or open secret?

Aspergers and Introversion

A lot of the more common behaviours and feelings associated with Aspergers seem to lend themselves to a definition of Introversion and it's tempting to see aspies as simply "introverts" but this clearly isn't the case. It is true however, to suggest that there are more introverted aspies than extroverted ones.

Most aspies feel very much like "a fish out of water" at social gatherings. Often, we don't care for a lot of social contact and we need a lot of "alone-time" particularly following intense social gatherings like school, work and parties.

It's fairly accurate to describe aspies as "nerds" but that shouldn't imply that we are all scientifically minded and boring dressers.

Can Aspies be Extroverts?
Many aspies will do extroverted things to their appearance, like get a tattoo, dye their hair or wear "loud" or colourful clothing. Unlike NTs though, they'll do this because they personally like a particular look (or want to "be" a certain fictional or historical character) rather than because they want to fit into a particular group of people. In this way, even an outrageous punk or goth appearance can still qualify one as a "nerd" in much the same way as wearing a Star Trek costume can.

The point here is that loud and colourful people are generally interpreted by society as extroverted. Aspies too can be extroverts.

I saw a recent non-scientific survey of 100 aspies which put introversion amongst aspies at 85%. This figure is possibly a little high but is probably reasonably representative.

Is there a danger that young introverts are being incorrectly classified as aspies?
I think that while there's always a danger of over-diagnosis, aspergers is growing in our society because;

1. It was always more widespread and is only now being more easily detected
   
   
2. Aspergers is now more "fit" for our current lifestyle (in the Darwinian sense) resulting in an increase in numbers.

Most paediatricians who diagnose aspergers look for more than introvert characteristics. They're using the DSM IV criteria which contains things which aren't necessarily the result of introversion. Provided that your child is diagnosed by a practitioner who gives the criteria due consideration, the risk is minimal.


A bit of fun
For a bit of fun, you'll find a link to a quick online quiz for introversion below;

Online Introvert vs Extrovert Quiz

You may find that your results differ significantly from one visit to another because introversion/extroversion changes somewhat with your mood.

What does Ritalin Really Feel Like? (A Personal Experience)

First of all, I'm not intending to cover this from a "medical" perspective. If you want to know this look it up in a medical journal or on wikipedia.

Ritalin is a medication which has had 50 years of field testing in children, it's therefore generally considered to be safe and to have minimal side-effects.

Of course, being a parent and giving my child a daily drug which is deemed safe isn't quite enough for me. I need to know what's really going on. Since my child doesn't communicate in any detail about the effects of the drug, I decided that I should give it a go myself. Since my genes are closest to his, I expect it's the next best thing to testing it on him (and getting decent reporting).

He's currently 7 years of age and is on 1.5 tablets in the morning and 1 at midday of Ritalin 10.

I did two tests, which gave me a good indication of the short term effects. I don't intend to do any further testing - not because of any side-effects but simply because I don't want to be using up my son's supplies. I guess that means that it's not immediately addictive. It also means that I'm only going to be discussing short-term effects.

The first test I did (at home) had minimal effects because I took exactly the same dose as him (despite my weight being probably 3x his). I noted some symptoms here but wasn't positive until I did the second test (at work). Ritalin is obviously still effective in small doses.

For the second test, I took 3 tablets (double his dose and still probably low for my relative weight).

The effects I noticed were as follows;

Slightly strange taste in mouth and loss of taste.
This was not complete loss, but was enough to give me a good understanding of why Ritalin supresses appetite. Even though I became hungry, I didn't feel the urge to eat much while "under the influence" because things didn't taste as good as they normally do.

Clear Feeling
This feeling didn't start until 20 minutes after taking the tablets but when it did, it increased quickly. In particular, the backchat in my head died down a bit and I found that it was much easier to concentrate on things. I felt less distracted by wayward thoughts (not people/object distractions as much but thoughts). I did get considerably more work done. The other thing to note about being "clear" was that it became much easier to keep track of where I was up to in several tasks while multitasking.

Nose clearer/drier
I've always had a "sniffly" nose which was described by my childhood doctor as looking like a jelly inside. It's not often that I am able to breathe freely and without noises (whistling etc) though it and I'm primarily a mouth breather. Under Ritalin however, I found my nose and mouth to be considerably drier and for a time I was able to breathe freely and without excessive noise.

Tingling
After about 30 minutes I started to get a tingling feeling. I'd had this before on my lower dosage and it feels a bit like an electrical current is running through your skin. I found myself to be more touch-sensitive than usual. Although it didn't distract me too much, the feeling remained for several hours. I don't think I was in 100% health on my first dose and the tingling then was far worse than when I took the larger dose. My thinking - ritalin would be hard to bear if you had a fever at the same time.

Queasiness
Along with the tingling sensation (or perhaps because of it), I felt a certain degree of queasiness in my stomache. The queasiness continued for several hours - even after most of the other Ritalin effects had worn off. As a result, I didn't feel too interested in eating.

Talking
During my time under the influence of Ritalin, we had a meeting. I'm normally a bit talkative at these things but this time I found myself being even more "with it" - as a result, I talked even more. We were reviewing a development specification and I stopped the meeting at several points to question decisions. I felt much more in control of the situation and much more focussed. Towards the end of the meeting I started to feel as if I was annoying my colleagues by pointing out things (which they'd missed) and I attempted, not terribly successfully, to quieten down. I can see this being a double-edged sword for my son in class.

Increase in stamina and co-ordination
I noticed this the first time I tested Ritalin on the lower dosage but wasn't sure. The first time I went out to mow the lawn and ended up doing the lawn, the whipper-snipping, the edging and a huge amount of weeding without becoming tired. I only stopped when (after stomping in it) the bin was so full of grass that I couldn't get the lid down. While on the stronger dose, which definately lasted a little longer, I went to the Gym. I normally only use the exercise bike for about 15 minutes - and this time I was still tired from all that lawn mowing. Nevertheless, I still managed to do 30 minutes. I also followed the bike up with some weight lifting without feeling too much tiredness. I also felt much more co-ordinated and was almost going to try the dreaded cross-trainer (which I normally fall off). I eventually decided that there were too many people around to make falling off (again) discreet, so I didn't test this facility.

While on the bike, I tested my heart rate because I've heard that Ritalin can affect it. It started off slightly slower than usual and didn't go up as high as it normally does despite a significant increase in exercise.

I also ran through a memory exercise while on the bike... In this case, mentally reciting the name of every Dr Who story (in order) from An Unearthly Child 1963 to the Sontaran Stategem (2008). It's a special interest thing and a very long and difficult list. I found that I was able to move through the list faster without becoming distracted by my surroundings but compared to a non-ritalin test which I did two days later, I missed out a few items and got several stories in the wrong place. On Ritalin, I was faster, but slightly less accurate.

As far as depressive feelings, I looked out for them but didn't notice any. If anything I felt considerably more bouyant while on Ritalin. I also looked carefully for changes in feelings while "coming off" the drug. I didn't notice anything unusual.

I'm sure that the effects of Ritalin vary widely from one person to another but I figured it was worth sharing my experience.

An Aspie Video made by an Aspie

Today I want to talk about a you tube video made by an aspie, Alex Olinkiewicz.

Have a look at it, it's embedded below.



It's insightful, the way it talks about aspergers as a kind of half-autism. There are several places in the video where Alex talks about a kind of "split-personality". Aspergers isn't schizophrenia and I don't think that Alex is suggesting that. He's simply making a point that sometimes we "switch gears" and act in quite different ways.

He talks about having adult maturity combined with childlike behaviour. While it's a good analogy, I think that the childlike behaviour is probably more impulsiveness than anything else. I certainly don't seen any reason why a normal (NT) teenager couldn't or wouldn't watch cartoons like Spongebob. Of course, being obsessed with Spongebob would be different.

Alex also talks about not fitting in, which is a major part of Aspergers. Most aspies don't feel like they fit into society or even into aspie groups. Aspies are very solitary creatures and tend to like it that way. Of course, they're also often lonely and depressed as a result.

The key in the keyhole analogy is good, but he gives the impression that it is only a "music" thing. In truth it's all kinds of stimuli. Being deaf myself, I don't have such an issue with music, though I have problems with certain vibrations and I have issues with things that I see. Some of my greatest visual issues are with things like a book appearing upside down, or with a mismatching (not lined up) label or logo. I like order.

The "mind like a table" analogy is very good. Spot on, in fact. Alex is right in suggesting that it sounds like a plea for watching more TV instead of doing homework but unfortunately, this is how the aspie brain works.

Recently, when discussing my son's learning with my wife, I said; you concentrate on the English and Maths, and leave learning about things like Science and History to me. That's not to say that I won't help with the English and Maths, obviously I'll need to be involved, particularly when he reaches more difficult levels. The problem as I see it, is that subjects such as Religion, History and Science are mostly just exercises in English and Maths with a bit of "flavour" thrown in.

I firmly believe that TV/Movies can provide better history and religion lessons for aspies than written materials. In the case of science and geography there are some TV series which could help but practical experience (experiments and observations) are also quite effective.

Some things, like languages really aren't suitable for aspie learning while others, like art (not art history) would benefit from leaving the aspie to their own devices with only a "technique hint" here and there.

Finally, a lovely finish from Alex. He's happy being himself and wouldn't "cure" Aspergers. A sentiment echoed by most aspies I've spoken to.

Are there 8 Different Types of Aspergers?

I was recently directed to an interesting video on Youtube (embedded below this article). Basically it suggests that there are eight major types of Aspergers and that aspies are usually a mix of one, two or three of these.

Note: This is not accepted research - just a set of ideas that someone put forward to help those who were self-diagnosed.

The types are named after people. I'm not sure that I agree with the list or with the descriptions. I'm even less sure that these people are definitely aspies but it is still good food for thought. I've reproduced a lot of the content and added some of my own thoughts;

1. Spielberg (Based on Steven Spielberg)
A sociable, sporty, extroverted aspie with average IQ but poor spelling and grammar.

Of all the types, this is the one I disagree with the most - the traits aren't very aspie at all. In fact, I really can't see any commonality with this and other forms of Aspergers.


2. Einstein (Obviously based on Albert Einstein)
An Intellectual with a high IQ and excellent spelling/grammar. They're an expert in their special interest, often good with computers and usually quite argumentative - especially in areas of special interest.

I can relate quite well to this type. Probably too well in fact - though, unfortunately, I'm no "Einstein".


3. Powell (Possibly? based on Enoch Powell
An agressive/hostile/violent and intelligent aspie who is often bullied and may use drugs for stress. Possibly also having Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

I have met a few aspies who seem to be "fighters" or who see the world as "out to get them". I'm not sure where the drug bits came in but I can see how PTSD could have affected Enoch. I just don't see that it has much to do with Aspergers.


4. Numan (I think based on Gary Numan)
A spaced out daydreamer type who finds it difficult to understand others and is often misunderstood in return. Likely to have bonding issues and possibly bipolar.

I'm often spaced out... but not that spaced out.


5. Morrissey (Presumably the singer )
A unique, artistic and creative aspie who feels separated from people and is possibly schizophrenic. These people don't fit in well with society and often feel alien or like they belong in a different time period.

Yes, I can relate rather well to this though I'm not sure if I'm an alien or a time traveller. :-)


6. Nicholls (Presumably Aussie Craig Nicholls
A hyperactive, energetic and extroverted aspie who has no problems making friends - just problems keeping them. These aspies are often considered to be irritating, immature and childish. Unlike many aspies, they don't have much social fear and like to talk to people. They may also have Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD). In Nicholl's case, he claims to be a compulsive liar which goes against the general honesty normally associated with aspies.

Again, this description goes against a lot of well-documented aspie traits and personally, I'm not convinced that this is a type of Aspergers.


7. Carroll (It could only be Lewis Carroll)
A passive and very introverted aspie. Quiet, shy and deeply involved in their special interest. For these aspies, friends and relationships are secondary to their special interests. They're very passive, and show little emotion externally but are often very anxious inside. They're quite likely to be bullied.

I can relate a bit to this one too. Those special interests get you every time.


8. Warhol (From the description, this obviously Andy Warhol - not that there are any other famous Warhols anyway).
A confident and egocentric aspie who is full of ideas but feels that the world misunderstands them. While friendly in formal settings, the Warhol type can become revengeful and bitter when problems occur. They could also have Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) traits.

This looks to me to be simply a blending of several of the other types of aspie.

Finally, a credit, and an apology to Amy Nelson. The YouTube video, and probably the entire idea, is hers. I attempted to get permission to use these but was unable to contact her. Amy, if you're reading, I hope you don't mind.

The Video in Question

What does "low muscle tone" (Hyptonia) mean for Aspies?

Although it's not part of the official diagnostic criteria for Aspergers, low muscle tone is nevertheless an condition strongly associated with Aspergers.

Why is it so Confusing?
When most people hear about "low muscle tone" they assume that it has something to do with bodybuilding - I certainly did at first. This is particularly confusing since many newly diagnosed aspies are children and it's quite uncommon to see any child with a well-developed set of muscles. Most parents will either simply ignore the condition or assume that a bit of outdoor activity, eg: playing soccer, is required.

The other confusing thing is that there are adult aspies out there who regularly attend the gym and who have "better" muscles than many NT people. How do they fit the criteria?

I saw a great line on a web site discussing Hyptonia. "Your kid seems perfectly good with their muscles - they are strong, they run round with boundless energy, but they have trouble doing things. You have likely been given the standard explanation about your kid's muscles being floppy and you just cannot see it in your kid."

Defining Low Muscle Tone
Low muscle tone refers mainly to the distribution of muscles on the body, their initial state, speed and stamina. The affected muscles can be "trained" but that training won't come from sport or from and normal gym/weight training. It comes from some very specialized training - and it won't be 100% effective. In young children, the problems of low muscle tone will reduce in severity as they get older - up to about the age of 10, though aspies will likely continue to adjust and compensate for the rest of their lives.

Hypermobility/HyperFlexibility
Low muscle tone is often described as "floppiness". This is because the muscles are supposed to help support the skeleton and are supposed to prevent certain types of movement. Since the muscles aren't particularly tight, people with low muscle tone often experience "hypermobility", the ability to move limbs into awkward positions.

As children, aspies often find that they are able to easily perform feats which require flexibility but not strength or balance, such as splits, backbending and shoulder rotation. They may display unusual flexibility in other joints such as fingers.

The Bad News about Low Muscle Tone
Such flexibility comes with a price and aspies are usually quite uncoordinated and clumsy. In running, this contributes to the famed "unusual gait". It's easy to imagine that low muscle tone only affects the big muscles but this isn't the case, it affects all activities requiring muscles including most notably, speech, pencil grip and writing.

When sitting or standing for long periods, aspies tend to slump quite a bit. Sometimes, they will stand with their legs crossed in what appears to be an uncomfortable fashion. My mother was constantly trying to correct this stance and while I'm reasonably aware of it at work, I still find myself standing that way regularly. I'll point out now that although this looks uncomfortable, this is actually a very comfortable stance for aspies.

Aspies often sit with their head and shoulders rolled forward and will frequently lean on walls, furniture, door frames and desks. Parents of aspie children will probably be very familiar with being "leant on".

Low muscle tone does not prevent aspie children from enjoying themselves, they can run and play with other children without feeling any ill effects. The problem is that, they're a bit slower and they tire easily. This means that team sports, like soccer are often not well suited to aspies. In the case of my son, we turned to scouting as an alternative to soccer.

Dangers inherent in Low Muscle Tone
While the slumping and leaning behaviours aren't necessarily great posture, they're not particularly dangerous to the aspie unless the position is adopted for very long periods without proper breaks.

I have first-hand experience with this problem as I've had episodes of "overuse syndrome", a kind of RSI, with my hands, arms and shoulders from sitting at my computer for too long. It took quite a while for OH&S to work out that the issue wasn't with my hands, or even with my workspace. It was simply due to excessive time spent in an unsupported position.

Fixing the Problem
As I said earlier, the fix isn't normal weight training, it's physiotherapy and specialized muscle training. There is also a need for awareness and constant correction of one's position. In my case, the muscles most needing training were small ones high on my back. Correcting my keyboard "slump"moved my arms and shoulders back into less damaging positions. I have to be constantly aware of my position and correct it thoughout the day. I also do a bit of stretching and strengthening work on them at the gym.