Asperger's, giftedness and autism paradox: a case report

Abstract

The ongoing debate over the distinction between high-functioning autism, giftedness, and Asperger's syndrome is important to resolve because of the implications for understanding the etiology and prognosis associated with these conditions and diagnostic applications. But even decades later, the nosological status of AS is still unclear. In simple literature reviews on individuals with high-functioning ASD, the characteristics of these individuals were interpreted depending on both diagnoses, and were not explained by the data obtained as a result of empirical research. Moreover, Asperger's syndrome is currently used with high-functioning ASD. This poses greater problems for gifted individuals with Asperger's. This research, which was prepared to examine ten gifted and talented adult individuals diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and to determine the diagnosis process, its characteristics, and the reflections of these characteristics on their education, professional life and social life, is a case study. Semi-structured interview forms prepared in the research were used. Interview forms were prepared using the literature and were prepared from 15 open-ended questions that were parallel to each other. While preparing the questions, the opinions and consent of 3 experts in the field were obtained and the research questions were conveyed to the participants through online interviews. In some incomprehensible times, written responses were received. The answers given by the participants were deciphered and themes and codes were created. In findings, Gifted Asperger's individuals insisted on their routines, habits and obsessions during the interview. Although studies with children with Asperger's syndrome show that they are routine-attached individuals like high-functioning autistic children, it has been observed that Asperger's individuals share their interests and take pride in them from early infancy. In this context, individuals with gifted Asperger's differ from individuals with high-functioning autism. As a result of the study, this paradox was tried to be explained by discussing the similarities and differences between high-functioning autistic and gifted individuals according to the views of individuals with Asperger's.

Keywords

• Asperger
• high functioning autism
• giftedness
• paradox

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