Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger's Syndrome 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, won the 2002 Nobel Prize in economics. Professor Smith ascribes his acumen in economics to Asperger's Syndrome.

Tim Page, winner of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for music criticism, also has Asperger's.

Professor Tony Attwood, one of the world's leading experts on Asperger's Syndrome, believes that many university professors have AS. And indeed Smith and Page have all taught at the university level.

But not everyone with Asperger's can cope easily in society. People with AS often isolate themselves and are unable to work full-time or even at all. Some have found it impossible to complete their education. And Asperger's is often accompanied by clinical depression, chronic anxiety, AD(H)D, and other crippling 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.