‘I Am Different’ — Ways Chidren with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) React
by Helen Beeley (Mother 3 sons — 2 with Asperger’s)
This article was written based on information given by Tony Attwood in a seminar in June, 2007. I apologize to Tony if I have misquoted him, or quoted him out of context.
At a young age, children with AS realize they are different. There are 4 common reactions:
1. Internalising — leads to depression
2. Create their own world / escape to fantasy / Take on another persona
eg love dinosaurs, have imaginary friends, love sci-fi, Pokemon, Yugi-oh, superheroes, escape to fiction — reading and/or creating own stories
Boys with AS are often bullied by other boys, but will be shown kindness by girls. They will decide girls are kind. Many boys with AS will then take on female mannerisms/body posture.
3. Arrogance and denial — omnipotent God mode
Children with AS may become extraordinarily critical of others. They may deny they have a problem. Any advice given to them is taken as criticism. They see all others as having malicious intent and will hit our first. They decide the world is illogical and stupid. They decide they are superior/the best.
4. Imitation
The child with AS will ‘pretend to be normal’ by imitating/mimicking neurotypical children. They may take on others posture/mannerisms/speech patterns.
They are often misdiagnosed with Multiple Personality Disorder because of this.
People with AS are often very good at acting and good with foreign languages/accents because they have been ‘acting’ most of their life.
