Wednesday, April 9

Symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome and A Bit of Fun

Since April is autism month, I thought I would make a list of some of the signs that indicate a child might have Asperger's Syndrome aka Asperger's Disorder. Children who have this disorder can exhibit many different symptoms and it depends on the severity of the disorder whether these are highly noticeable. Sometimes they are very mild and are not noticed until the child attends school, which was the case with Brandon.


Here is a list of the most common symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome, though just because your child has some of these symptoms it doesn't necessarily mean that he/she has it. If you are concerned, be sure to check with your family doctor .



* Unable to read body language.

* Walks or runs with a clumsy gait.

* Dislikes change in environment or routine.

* Speaks like a little professor.

* Doesn't make eye contact.

* Hast trouble starting or maintaining a conversation.

* Lacks social skills and has trouble making and maintaining friendships.

* Stands awkwardly.

* Has odd facial expressions.

* Is unable to differentiate different voice tones.

* Voice lacks tone or pitch and talks somewhat in monotone.

* Developmentally delayed motor skills. (Brandon can now do up a zipper but still cannot tie shoelaces. Luckily there are both running shoes and sandals with velcro.)

* Is overstimulated by textures of clothing and/or food.

* Is overstimulated by light or noise.

* Requires step-by-step instruction to do simple tasks.

* Appears to lack empathy.

The last one is one that I'd like to touch on. Lacks empathy. From what I've seen in the Asperger's children that I've met, they don't lack empathy, just don't know how to communicate it. I believe that most of these children are very sensitive and very in-tune with the feelings of those around them. They just are unable to express what they are feeling. I've seen a child with Asperger's laugh at an inappropriate time but think that he believed it was appropriate.

Have you ever laughed when someone fell? Some people do and this is because it is a nervous response. I believe that is why the child laughed inappropriately. He knew he should respond but wasn't sure how to go about it, so he laughed - a nervous type of laugh.

This is another reason that we should never judge people that are strangers to us. If someone you know responds inappropriately, you know that is out of character for that person - well, maybe not, depending on the person, but we do know if that is characteristic of him/her. We do not know that about strangers.

Asperger's Syndrome as well as other disorders on the Autism Spectrum make people act unusual. They are called weird, quirky, odd, eccentric and other names. This is very demeaning for the person who knows he has a disability but doesn't quite know how to cope with it. Most people with AS can be taught appropriate actions. If you know a child who exhibits several of these symptoms, have him/her checked by a health care professional. Education and knowledge is the key to acceptance.


When I dropped by to visit Storyteller at Small Reflections earlier today, I noticed that she had taken part in this fun quiz. I decided to give it a try and this was the result.

What dog breed are you? I'm a Border Collie! Find out at Dogster.com
I love border collies and am honored to be one. I love working dogs. The dog we had before Meeko was an American Eskimo. The dog that we had when I was growing up was part border collie and part German shepherd. Grandpa's dog was a pure German shepherd. So working dogs have been part of my life since I was a child. I hope you will take this quiz and let me know in the comments what type of dog you are.




Isn't this clipart of the robin pretty? I meant to post this last week. On Thursday I saw my first robin of the season. He had a beautiful red breast and was fat as could be. It didn't look like he'd suffered much over the winter or lost weight on his trip north. He was a beauty.

Robins love to sit on our terrace and look for juicy worms. I suspect that they also eat the crumbs that Meeko leaves in the grass when he has cookies outside. Whatever they're after, I enjoy watching them.

Robins have different songs and a special distinctive sound when it's going to rain. I listen for the robin's song and it's not often that they are incorrect. I have seen the rain pass us by but not often. When a "robin calls for rain," as Grandma used to put it, it usually does rain.


Another bird I love to hear sing is the red-winged blackbird. These birds can be found in marshy areas and along creeks, rivers and streams. They have a distinct call that I remember from my childhood. I saw my first red-winged blackbird last Friday when Meeko and I were walking along the canal. He was chirping his head off and I suspect he was calling for a mate because he was flittering and fluttering around and acting a little crazy. LOL

I'm hoping to get some bird photos this year to post here. I love songbirds and really want to see the indigo bunting that made its home in this area two years ago. I didn't see them last year but the male is truly amazing in color. Along the canal we also see finches, pileated woodpeckers, kingfishers and for years, we have watched a blue heron have breakfast in the canal that's not far from here. You have to be there very early in the morning though, just after dawn. It's awesome to see him catch a small fish.

Not much other news than that. I got most of the things on my to-do list done today, but not all of them. I have made another to-do list for tomorrow, but am going out with Mom and Dwight in the afternoon so we shall see what gets accomplished.

What is on your to-do list? Anything exciting? I would be interested in hearing what you have to do in the comments. Take care and have a Wonderful Wednesday. ~Blessings, Mary~

19 comments:

  1. Labrador Retriever
    The Caretaker

    Your family is what makes you tick, and you never "flea" from an opportunity to hang out with the whole gang. A family picnic complete with hot dogs, deviled eggs and a refreshing swim in the lake is hard for you to stray from. Your sparky temperament and dogged intelligence mean you are not only a blast to hang out with, but great to work with as well. Your close pals appreciate your patience and forgiveness, knowing you'd rather let sleeping dogs lie than dwell on the mishaps of the past. Your dashing good looks may one day lead to a modelling career, if only you can tame the unfortunate clumsiness that sometimes causes you to go flailing from the catwalk. Learn more »

    FAMOUS LABRADOR RETRIEVERS: Bill Cosby, Jackie Onassis, Dr. Phil, David Beckham

    LIKELY PROFESSIONS: Doctor, Sales Executive, Teacher

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  2. I'm a Chihuahua,,,,,, a Chihuahua.... oh no....... I hate Chihuahua's....... I wanted to be a German Shepherd... or something noble like that.........hahahhaha I am back but tired.... and I am out and about reading....... I will get caught up and comment on them.....

    Love ya!!!!!!! and the beautiful card...........

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  3. I am wishing you a beautiful Wednesday and hope you finish your to do list...Mary

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  4. That was a wonderfully informative portion about those with Asperger's...I learned a lot!

    We just got back from our ten day road trip last night...I'm still a bit tired so trying to catch up with all my blogging friends AND do laundry may take some time! ;)
    I just posted Part 1...

    Blessings,
    ~Tammy

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  5. Would you mind refreshing my memory Mary? While reading more about AS, I was wondering what it again that alerted you to the possibility it might be something like AS and not just a personality thing? I'm just waking up so some of the details are sketchy to me. I think what it is I really would like to know is if someone's children were diagnosed with Autism, could they actually be suffering from AS and not know it?

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  6. Good Morning Mary,
    I enjoyed reading more information on the Asperger's Syndrome. "THANK YOU" for sharing all of the information you have been sharing with us. It just breaks my heart to see or hear of anyone making fun of someone that is different. I took the quiz to see what kind of dog I am. Here is what it said about me:

    Wow, You're a German Shepherd!


    German Shepherd
    The Perfectionist

    Doggedly dedicated to getting the job done, you don't let silly little distractions get in the way of putting in a full day's work. And after you come home, chowing down on a little grub and taking a little catnap is all it takes to get you up and at 'em for round two, whatever that may entail. Your dogma emphasizes the importance of hard work, and you swim laps around your dog-paddling, time-wasting co-workers. Your cleverness leads to you often being entrusted with some pretty important tasks, which you are always more than happy to sink your canines into. You really dig being outdoors and love a bit of exercise, but you draw the line at the ridiculous stuff, choosing a game of beach volleyball over Pilates in the park any day. Learn more »

    FAMOUS GERMAN SHEPHERDS: Teddy Roosevelt, Queen Elizabeth, Humphrey Bogart, Oprah

    LIKELY PROFESSIONS: Professional Athlete, Policeman, Wilderness Guide, Meteorologist

    That was a pretty neat quiz and I enjoyed taking it. I do like German Shephards and had one when I was a small kid. My DH made it home around 11:00p.m. last night and I sat up with him till around 2:00a.m. I have only been up for about an hour now and am having my first cup of coffee. I enjoy seeing birds too. My MIL loves birds also and she knows alot about them and what kinds they are. We are suppose to have some sever weather tomorrow. I sure hope not, but all the weather models are predicting a severe weather outbreak and possibly tornadoes. Take care my friend and have a great day. May God Bless You and Yours.

    Love & Hugs,
    Karen H.

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  7. Thank you for posting the symptoms of Asperger's syndrome. Very interesting and you are right when you say we should never judge someone by their actions because we might not know the whole truth about them.

    How funny that you are a border collie! You know our 6 month old puppy is a border collie and we love her!!! They are a one of the smartest breads!

    Hugs, Sharon

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  8. Hello Mary!!! Rise and shine...no, it's probably coffee break time already. I'm getting a late start today online. rofl

    I did the test from Storyteller yesterday also, and got the Golden Retriever...I can't even remember what the 'characteristics' were now. [see? totally senior here!!!]

    In your Autism section, the words that stand out for me is the 'near end' of your writing...."Education and knowledge is the key..." So true, so true. In anyting in life, actually. But it holds true with disabilities and handicapped, or if you prefer like I do 'the challenged' people of our world...we should ALL become highly educated in what is around us with our children!!!

    [I have to laugh at Denise#2 in your comments as I type..."Chihuhua....I hate Chihuahuas..." They do remind me of big rats. LOLOLOL [but I like 'em.]


    Have one terrific Wednesday dear lady!!!!

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  9. Hi Mary! I posted a comment on yesterday post! Longer then this one! Thanks again for all the lovely awards!Kelly has been catching up on her work on the computer so I wasn't able to do anything yesterday!!
    I like reading your post today. I am going to take that test and see what kind of Puppy Dog I would be!! Love and Hugs Grams

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  10. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  11. I did the Quiz and I was a Bull Dog!!!! I have posted this!! You know me I love doing these!!! Love and hugs Carolyn

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  12. Mary,
    thank you so much for your lessons on Autism...they are very helpful in educating those of us not directly affected by autism to know and understand more about the disorder...
    thanks again,
    blessings,
    Mimi

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  13. just stopping by to say hope you had a fabulous day!
    hugs, bj

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  14. To do list:
    patiently wait for hot water heater to be installed.
    knit
    read
    teach kindergarten two more days this week
    decide what flower seeds to plant
    start tomato seedlings
    send your AS list to co teacher

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  15. Wow ... it's probably been 9 days since I was here last (because I just read your last 9 posts) unless you posted more than once a day. Life's been BUSY for me ... and I hate to 'rush' when it comes to reading what you publish because it's all of interest. I'm sorry about Rosie and her lambs ;--(

    I'm glad you enjoyed this Dogster quiz and decided to pass it along. I appreciate the link-love ;--)

    Although I've been busy with 'real life' I have managed to post daily at Small Reflections (and a couple of times at Sacred Ruminations) before heading out to do a variety of things, but it's left minimal time for blog visits until today ... so I'm doing my best to catch up. I've shared a variety of awards along the way ... there are links in today's T-13 to make finding them easier.

    I think the award you made for Mike is as perfect as the ones you've made for and shared with me. One of these days I plan to teach myself to create my own ;--)

    I found all the 'autism' info interesting and informative ... and the 'pay it forward' items nifty. Looks like you all had a great time with this. Seems like there might be something I'm missing ... oh yez ... your Message in the Bottle is MARVELOUS! I'm glad you finally got around to doing that one.

    Hugs and blessings,

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  16. Mary,

    Jack Russell Terrier
    The Artist

    You, my friend, are an artiste! Fuelled by a hounding sense of creativity and an untameable desire to express yourself, you see the world through rose-colored glasses one day and then wrestle the curtains closed and turn off the lights so you can ponder life the next. Your dog-eared journal is filled with brilliant ideas about rescuing the universe, yet you have trouble training your noggin on any one of them for any significant amount of time. Your originality occasionally manifests itself as performance art, and you love showing off your amazing athletic abilities in front of an audience. When it comes to taking on the leader of the pack, you’re not afraid to sink your teeth in - and won't loosen your grip until you've gotten your point across. Learn more »

    FAMOUS JACK RUSSELL TERRIERS: Vincent van Gogh, Virginia Woolf, Prince, Janis Joplin

    LIKELY PROFESSIONS: Painter, Architect, Software Engineer, Activist

    I couldn't resist taking this. The results suprise me about that athletic ability. That was long, long ago. LOL This was fun.

    Great information on your list of symptoms of Asperger's. Thank you!

    You know I love the snippets and clipart of the birds! ;-)

    Hugs,
    Tina

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