Like many cognitive disorders, much remains to be understood about Asperger syndrome. A relatively new disease associated with autistic disorders, Asperger syndrome is mostly a mystery. Although we have seen a dramatic increase in the social acceptance of autistic disorders such as Asperger’s, modern medicine has not yet been able to fully explain the causes of these the disease or complete remedies.
Historical Figures Affected by Asperger’s
There are many notable historical figures that modern day researchers believe had Asperger syndrome; they include Isaac Newton, Stanley Kubrick and Albert Einstein. Perhaps this syndrome is less of a disorder and more of a form of genius. Asperger syndrome is characterized, among other symptoms, by social problems and a focus on a particular subject while ignoring all others.
Many people are fascinated by one specific thing in their life; perhaps it is music or reading or a particular hobby. This preoccupation is noted in cases of Asperger syndrome as controlling the behavior of the afflicted. People who suffer from Asperger syndrome sometimes cannot focus on anything beyond the subject of their preoccupation. This must be the aspect that caused some to believe that the famous people I mentioned had the disease.
Society’s View on Asperger’s
As we come to understand more about Asperger syndrome and other forms of autism, I believe that we will find that it is less of a condition that should be viewed as unfortunate. Eventually we will come to understand that Asperger syndrome and other types of autistic behavior are more closely related to genius and a higher functioning brain than the average human.
The intense and unshakable focus that many people with Asperger syndrome exhibit may lead them to discoveries that would be impossible for other people to find. Having known and loved people with autism, I find it impossible to view these conditions as diseases. I do not believe that the people I have met are any less capable than me or other people without autism. In many ways, my loved ones with autism are much more talented than I am and I cannot view them as being damaged or less than in any way.
I hope that more research goes into subjects like autism and its cousin Asperger syndrome. I feel that people, especially children, ought to be more educated on these subjects so that those with the conditions do not feel so alien in schools and other environments. Understanding always breeds acceptance, and disorders, for lack of a better word, of the brain should be treated gingerly and those who experience them should be respected like any other person.