Lexington, KY - For those living with the condition of Asperger's syndrome, everyday life can hold challenges that few understand. But recently, this mild form of autism has gained attention nationally not for the difficulties it creates, but for the potential advantages that may come with an intensely focused but socially limiting mind.
Asperger's syndrome, named after the Viennese pediatrician, Dr. Hans Asperger, who first identified the condition, manifests itself as "blinders" in social interactions, as well as personal and professional relationships. Today, Asperger's is often referred to as "high-functioning autism" or ASD, Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
While those with Asperger's have difficulty relating to others in social situations, they are often able to focus their concentration on narrow fields of interest without the distraction or need to conform to social norms that others often feel. Such characteristics could prove valuable in specialized fields such as finance, as illustrated by the case of Michael Burry, a hedge fund manager with Asperger's who accurately predicted the subprime crisis and amassed a fortune by betting against the market. Burry was featured in Michael Lewis's book, The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine.
Many exceptional individuals in their fields, like Burry, have been diagnosed with ASD or, for those who lived before the condition was identified in the 1940s, have been suspected of having had ASD. For those who have ASD and their family members, a wider understanding of both the abilities and limitations that come with the condition may help to address some of the universal concerns they have for the future, in areas ranging from jobs and education to finances and health care.
Tony Attwood, international ASD expert, describes the individual with ASD, in this way:
"ÖThe person usually has a strong desire to seek knowledge, truth and perfection with a different set of priorities than would be expected with other people. ÖThe person with Asperger's syndrome may perceive errors that are not apparent to others, giving considerable attention to detail, rather than noticing the "big picture." The person is usually renowned for being direct, speaking their mind and being honest and determined and having a strong sense of social justice. The person may actively seek and enjoy solitude, be a loyal friend and have a distinct sense of humor."
Labeled "mind blindness" in the 1990s by Simon Baron-Cohen, individuals with Asperger's suffer from social isolation because they have great difficulty interpreting facial and body language, understanding intentions and engaging in two-way conversation. Social skills do not come naturally; they must be learned and practiced.
ASD has no favorites. One in 110 children in the United States is diagnosed with ASD, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and it is far more prevalent among boys than girls. The results of CDC studies across selected areas of the United States document an increase in ASD ranging from 27 percent to 95 percent, with an average increase of 57 percent.
ASD research focused on cause and effect centers on genetics and diverse aspects of the environment. Dr. Paul Glaser, adolescent psychiatrist and pediatrician at UK, shared his support of findings that genetics play the greatest role in ASD involvement. Environmental factors must be considered, but there is most likely a genetic predisposition affecting each person's response.
Dr. Lisa Ruble has an extensive background working in ASD diagnostic centers operated by medical schools/hospitals. A member of the Educational and Counseling Psychology Department at UK, Ruble supports the major role played by genetics in ASD. She attributes the increase in cases in part to better diagnostic tools; increased awareness and education; federal education laws; and broadened definitions/labels of ASD.
In Lexington, families "shop" for services and coordinate appointments throughout the city, with family members becoming "case managers," in a sense.
Families also travel to Cincinnati, Vanderbilt and Louisville for ASD multidisciplinary evaluations conducted through specialized ASD clinics at university hospitals. Reports are coordinated and evaluation and treatment plans made available. Families advocate for services and respect for their children throughout their educational experiences, and graduation from high school is an exciting achievement that can be overshadowed by the search for meaningful employment, ongoing education, and opportunities to be self-sufficient.
Unemployment or underemployment of people with ASD is problematic in our area. Little training is given to corporate managers, human resource personnel or fellow employees. The contributions of workers with ASD are unexplored. Adults with disabilities seem to be "way off the radar" in local programs designed to work with diverse populations. However, their are exceptions, including local businesses such as Kroger's and Target, which support employees with diverse skills and social attributes.
Lexington recently hosted a Creative Cities Summit, attracting many curious about what makes a city truly "creative." Perhaps it is the thoughtful innovation exhibited by Danish entrepreneur Thorkil Sonne, technical director of a software company.
As a parent, Sonne became increasingly aware that his son, who is autistic, had an extraordinary memory and remarkable eye for detail.
He also saw the need for structure and routine in his son's life, which he also identified as critical qualities for successful software testers.
Sonne launched Specialisterne, a Copenhagen-based software testing firm, in 2004.
From the beginning, the company has been a competitive market firm rather than a "sheltered workshop" or government-funded endeavor. The majority of employees have Asperger's syndrome. All business is from the private sector and includes clients such as Microsoft and Cisco. The success of the company is based on maintaining the competitive edge through the quality of the work performance.
The Specialist People Foundation founded and led by Sonne supports nations in fulfilling the intent of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Specialisterne business model has spread through Sweden, The Netherlands, Belgium, Iceland, Japan and Scotland. Aspiritech, a software testing company in Chicago is Specialisterne-inspired.
More information on Sonne's work can be found online at www.specialistpeoplefoundation.com.
This article was written by Kay Wright with inspiration and guidance provided by her awesome son, Michael.