Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger's Syndrome (AS) is a neurological condition with benefits and deficits. For example, people with Asperger's Syndrome often develop extraordinary expertise in a given subject. They usually have normal to above normal intelligence. Indeed, Vernon L. Smith, a professor with Asperger's at Chapman University in Orange County, California, shared in the 2002 Nobel Prize in economics. Professor Smith ascribes his acumen in economics to Asperger's Syndrome.

Tim Page, who won the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for music criticism while chief classical music critic of The Washington Post, has Asperger's. He has previously written for The New York Times and Newsday. Professor Page teaches at the Annenberg School of Journalism and the Thornton School of Music of the University of Southern California. He has written Parallel Play: Growing Up with Undiagnosed Asperger's.

Not surprisingly, Professor Tony Attwood, one of the world's leading experts on Asperger's Syndrome, believes that many university professors are on the autism spectrum.

But not everyone on the autism spectrum can cope easily in society. People with Asperger's and other forms of autism often isolate themselves and are unable to work full-time or even at all. Some have found it impossible to complete their educations. And Asperger's and other forms of autism are often accompanied by clinical depression, chronic anxiety, AD(H)D, and other disabling conditions.

Thus it is important to provide support services and socialization opportunities. Currently most of these services focus on children and teenagers. But there are relatively few support services for Asperger adults. We are trying to help change that.