Asperger Syndrome is a relatively mild form of autism that effects people in different ways than regular autism. Because it usually does not affect language, many people with Asperger Syndrome go undiagnosed. This is the one form of autism that is usually not caught at an early age and is instead a disorder that develops later in life. Asperger Syndrome, however, can be a very difficult condition to have, so as soon as you suspect yourself or your child of having communication and social behavior problems, see your family doctor.

Many famous and successful people were diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. Historians even suggest that Einstein and Mozart each suffered from this disorder. It is important to note that no form of autism is a form of mental retardation. In fact, most people with Asperger Syndrome are very intelligent. Asperger Syndrome does not dictate mental ability, but rather makes it difficult for people to communicate in social settings, much in the same way a typical autistic child has trouble with behavior in groups. When this disorder goes undiagnosed, children do not get the help they need, leading to problems in school such as bullying. Most children are relieved to find out they have Asperger Syndrome instead of just thinking they are less of a person. By getting diagnosed, not only can you or your child put a name to the problems, but it is then also possible to get treated to improve your overall situation.

Some symptoms to watch out for if you suspect Asperger Syndrome are some of the same symptoms that people with full-blown autism experience. This includes social confusion, first and foremost. Many people with Asperger Syndrome find it very difficult to deal with transition or change, wanting everything to stay the same. A quickly changing environment is especially confusing. People with Asperger Syndrome also may say rude or inappropriate things when they don’t mean to do so, and may not be able to understand others’ thought processes. Another common trait they share with autistic individuals is fixation, although people with Asperger Syndrome usually have more control over their fixations, which take the form of highly focused interests. If you suspect yourself or a loved one of this disorder, these are just a few of the signs for which you should be watching. Make yourself familiar with the behavior characteristics of autism. You doctor should be able to answer further questions and provide both reading material and treatment for this disorder.

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Entertainment Weekly’s Michael Ausiello quotes executive producer Betsy Beers as saying show creator Shonda Rhimes “thought it would be interesting to have an incredibly skilled surgeon who, socially, is initially misunderstood.” Grey’s seems to flourish with misunderstandings, so it might fit in well. McDonnell’s a very interesting actress, and it will be interesting to see what she does with the part.

I can only hope she is able to use the part to help others with Aspergers and the whole autism spectrum disorder. The media has a huge power over the public and this could be a huge break through for the Aspergers community.

Ausiello interviewed McDonnell about being on the show, and she described her initial reaction to the character: “In her first surgery she works primarily with Bailey and Karev, who are both sort of caught off guard by her difficulty in communication. They don’t really know until the end of the episode that she has Asperger’s. It’s challenging for them. On the one hand, you’re introducing a dramatic and comedic dynamic that people have to react to. On the other hand, you’re bringing on a very dignified real human being with a disability that can be very problematic for everyone.”

What do you think about the possibilities here? Will Grey’s and McDonnell be able to make this an educational and caring depiction of a person with Asperger syndrome, or will it just be more nighttime TV BS? Will this be good for our Asperger sufferers or will it just be make believe stories on TV. Please leave your comments.

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