<p>Aspergers Syndrome is a communication disorder which makes it hard for the person to notice social cues among a group of other people. Perhaps they do not read a person’s facial expression accurately or notice body language that tells him, “oh that person wants to keep talking with me…” versus “the person is packing up and about to leave, so I should be ending this conversation…” Sometimes they have difficulty making eye contact, or feel uncomfortable to shake hands, so the usual social niceties are hard to achieve and they get mistaken for unfriendly. It’s only a social cueing problem, and might be found in someone with normal or brilliant intellect or artistic talent. It is sometimes called “Autism Spectrum Disorder” because it is somewhere along a line which, at its worst, is Autism, a very extreme shutdown of communication with others. </p>
<p>Aspergers kids and adults also have a very hard time perceiving another
person’s point-of-view, motivation, or infer things from someone’s words or actions. If they ask me to take a walk, and I respond, “Yikes, it’s the coldest day of the winter!” they might not understand that I just declined their invitation to take a walk together. It’s confusing. Maybe they’re supposed to start talking with me about the weather? Shades of gray and subtle social messages get misinterpreted, so it’s hard to gain social confidence. The family learns to say exactly what they mean and give clear directions and verbal messages. Unfortunately, that’s not how the larger world works, so it takes lots of coaching to learn how to interpret words especially from new people or strangers. </p>
<p>When you bump into new terms such as these, we say “Google is your friend.” Also See what Wikipedia has to say about it. I’m not an expert, just an aunt and teacher who’s come into contact with a half dozen Aspergers Syndrome kids. With a lot of training and coaching, many kids can learn the skills they need, but it’s hard for them because it doesn’t come as naturally as to others. Therefore, any social invitations are highly appreciated by parents, and to be asked for a prom date is mighty exciting! </p>
<p>Grande Antilles, I hope I explained that okay, as a non-expert.</p>
<p>Missypie, Congrats and thanks for sharing the happy news</p>