The Symptoms of aspergers
Aspergers syndrome is on the spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders called Autism Spectrum Disorder, which is comprised of the more classic autism as well high-functioning autism. It is characterized by problems with reading social cues, responding appropriately to social cues, and by problems with verbal and nonverbal communication. It is common to find restricted or stereotypical patterns of behavior or interests in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Aspergers, which is what Dylan Emmons, today’s guest, experiences, is comprised of these symptoms and a few other commons symptoms. These include difficulty understanding emotional issues, having an exaggerated emotional response to stimuli, and having problems with sensory stimuli. For example, Dylan spoke about problems putting on his socks when he was a toddler. Individuals with Aspergers syndrome might show a lack of eye contact, speech difficulties, and might be clumsier physically. And importantly, they lack of first person focus. This means that people with Aspergers syndrome may have difficulty seeing things from another person’s point of view and may have a hard time expressing empathy. Dylan experiences many of these symptoms.
dylan emmons
Dylan is a writer and a Reading and Writing Instructor at Borough of Manhattan Community College (with the CUNY Start program) . He was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome at the age of six and now gives talks and other workshops for teachers, professionals, and parents of individuals on the autism spectrum. Dylan’s latest book is titled, Living in Two Worlds: on being a social Chameleon with Aspergers. He joined me today to talk about his experience of growing up and living with Aspergers syndrome.
My interview with Dylan is a bit longer, not because, as Dylan put it, he is “long-winded.” With each question I asked he was putting out an answer that was filled with perspective, empathy, and personal insight. And that is an important point because it represents a tremendous amount of work that Dylan has put into overcoming the symptoms of Aspergers syndrome.
There a quote from Dr. Stephen Shore, who conducts on research on autism spectrum disorder: “vibrant waves of sequence patterns emerged in my head whenever I looked at musical notes and scores. Like pieces of a mysterious puzzle solved, it was natural for to see music and its many facets as pictures in my head. It never occurred to me that others couldn’t see what I saw.”
This interview with Dylan, and his book, bring to light Dylan’s effort to join two worlds: that which he sees and that which others see. I encourage you to pick up his book, Living in two worlds: on being a social chameleon with Aspergers. It’s a powerful story. Dylan and his work can be found at http://www.dylanemmons.com
Check out more insightful True You! interviews at https://gregkovacs.com/true-you-podcast/ or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
