Two unique characters from current films, one fictional and one living, demonstrate the potential of people with Asperger's syndrome for extraordinary achievements.
Lisbeth Salander, the computer-hacking hero with a photographic memory from The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is described as having aspects of Asperger's syndrome while Temple Grandin, played by Claire Danes in the HBO film, Temple Grandin, attributes her early diagnosis as a reason for her breakthroughs in animal welfare.
Grandin, a doctor of animal science, is an expert on the humane treatment of animals meant for the dinner table and has been an advisor to the livestock industry. Her idea for a curved abbatoir ramp soothes the fears of animals because they cannot see the fate that awaits them around the corner.
Asperger's Syndrome: A Form Of Autism
Asperger's is a high-functioning form of autism – subjects possess language skills and are assessed as being within the normal range of intelligence. The condition was first described by Austrian paediatrician, Hans Asperger, in 1944 when he observed patients who lacked empathy with the children around them and had poorly developed non-verbal communication skills.
Early signs, as with autism, could include not being able to make eye contact, reciprocate a smile or share feelings. Without intervention these children have trouble developing friendships and integrating socially.
The fictional Salander wears a T-shirt with a picture of a fanged ET and the slogan, "I am also an alien." Her black clothing, tattoos and multiple piercings indicate her social isolation is a matter of choice. For Grandin, who has never married and prefers to live alone, the simple act of mixing with others is a chore and books or films that deal with human emotions are boring.
Yet this woman who has trouble relating to other people has been able to see into the minds of slaughterhouse animals. She likens her visual memory to movies that can be replayed at any time inside her head, revealing the smallest of details that might be relevant to an animal in captivity.
Asperger's Syndrome and Obsessions
Another characteristic observed by Asperger was a tendency to obsess about a particular subject. Diagnoses of autism, especially Asperger's syndrome, are on the increase and many referrals are coming from teachers with students who know everything about the planets or become obsessed with the intricate details of the Greek myths and legends.
For this reason, an Aperger's subject has described the condition as "an advantage except in social areas." Salander's obsessive interests are difficult mathematical problems and computer hacking and her computer hacking contacts help her solve a mysterious disappearance.
Without early support, Asperger's can condemn a person to a life of restricted interests and repetitive behaviour, being unable to cope with any change in routine.
Margot Prior from the Department of Psychology at the University of Melbourne has described autism as, "a magnet for quackery." Every day a new miracle cure seems to appear when in fact there is no real cure and a limited number of helpful interventions. Those that work best directly teach skills and people with Asperger's can find their obsessional interests to be their greatest advantage through encouragement to widen those interests.
Great Historical Achievers Had Asperger's Syndrome
While Asperger's syndrome is a condition that has only been identified in modern times, history has been littered with high achievers who demonstrated the typical characteristics of the syndrome. They range from Henry Cavendish, the man who discovered hydrogen, to Albert Einstein. The example of Temple Grandin shows that the key to many more high achievers may be early intervention and support.
References:
Tony Attwood, http://www.tonyattwood.com
Margot Prior on Saturday Morning with Hilarie Harper, Radio 774 Melbourne.
Stuart McCulloch - From the idyllic location of a national park in Tasmania Stuart McCulloch writes about his interests of sport, movies and history and ...
