Brain differences found between Asperger's and autism

[Sportster]

. . .

 

[Ste11aeres]

Take that! DSMV! :bruised:

 

[Verum]

I found and read this same article in the Huffington Post yesterday. It's quite exciting to see some new discoveries being made as regards our comparative neurobiological functioning. It's very mull-worthy food for thought and I eagerly look forward to more future discoveries in this vein.

I must say, however, that I'm feeling very flustered about one particular aspect of this news... Following the recent DSM-5 classification change, I was just starting to get used to thinking of myself as Autistic rather than as specifically being an Aspie. Now it looks like I may have to un-learn this recent mental behavior modification, which is very frustrating for me! Anyone else feeling me here?

Also, this is the part where I succumb to the overwhelming urge to blurt out: "Long time lurker, first time poster." :wavespin:

 

[Jacki Cucinotta]

Very interesting article Sportster. I touched upon this notion a bit in my Honors Thesis to support my argument that autism and Asperger syndrome are not similar at all and that each condition that is considered an "autism spectrum disorder" should not be lumped into one condition.

 

[Verum]

I'm intrigued, Jacki. I've been reading over the comments section of the HuffPo article about this study and several posters there (including at least a couple of self-proclaimed Aspies) share your opinion regarding the inappropriateness of conflating Asperger's with Autism. While I was aware (and, for that matter, shared the sentiment) that many felt it a disservice to simply ditch the Asperger's diagnosis in favor the blanket concept of the Autistic Spectrum, I somehow missed the boat when it came to noticing just how many people felt that not only was Asperger's a noteworthy distinction in itself, but quite possibly a wholly separate and unique condition. This possibility is one that I had not yet considered (it's been less than a year since I've known what I am in that regard) and it's hitting me right between the eyes. Mind blown, yes, very intriguing... if you would be so kind as to share some of your reasons for taking the latter position I would be most grateful for the opportunity to ponder them.

Does anyone else here have similar theories, I wonder? Or even rebuttals against them? I'd love to hear what others are thinking about this.

 

[Slothie]

I think aspergers is just a slight variation of autism, I don't think it's entirely different. Plus I want to still be "allowed" into the local autistic social club I go to! and for the auties to still attend the group with aspies.
Though there are some differences as I sometimes get a feeling when someone is either autie or aspie, I can't quote describe it though. I'm more of an aspie where my brother is more of an autie despite being on my wavelength severity wise. (Mild)

Grrr silly spellcheck changed autie to auntie.

 

[Verum]

I think aspergers is just a slight variation of autism, I don't think it's entirely different. Plus I want to still be "allowed" into the local autistic social club I go to! and for the auties to still attend the group with aspies.

It's great that you have a local group like that which you can be a part of. :biggrin: While of course I tend to think that if they feel you fit in well with them they probably wouldn't just unceremoniously boot you out of there should the diagnostic categories be split someday, your statement does make me wonder what kind of impact such a theoretical event might have on the autistic/aspergers communities should a categorical shift of that nature ever occur.

 

[epath13]

first of all, I don't read and watch Fox but I did read the article though well.... what are my thoughts ... it doesn't prove anything. 26 children with Asperger's? in comparison with 400 with Autism. The way it looks to me that in children with Asperger's brain may "established" stronger connections to compensate for weaker ones and in children with Autism those connections weren't established I'm obviously not a brain specialist, but that's just the 1st thing that pops into my head. It's like one person can have migraine with headache and another one without.... One person will develop lesions in the brain, another won't even though both have the same condition.... (just an example) What does it prove exactly?

 

[Geordie]

Sigh, so there is indeed a difference between those who can talk and have social deficits, and those who couldn't talk until an advanced age and have social deficits (like me).

My job in my local autism society still remains the same. We do not just deal with social deficits, we want to bring the best of the talents we have with passion and vigor, with the world.

 

[Aspergirl4hire]

Very interesting article Sportster. I touched upon this notion a bit in my Honors Thesis to support my argument that autism and Asperger syndrome are not similar at all and that each condition that is considered an "autism spectrum disorder" should not be lumped into one condition.

Is your work available online for the curious?