Aspergers and You
By Nathan Weissler
http://www.aish.com/print/?contentID=59214957§ion=/jw/s
I am a 16-year-old with Asperger Syndrome (AS), a complex of autistic spectrum disorders living in Chevy Chase, Maryland in the United States. The most rewarding aspect of having AS is the strong sense of morality and honesty that is part of the deal, so to speak. However, on the negative side, the most frustrating aspect is the sense of social isolation that comes along with it. The community has supported me a great deal. However, there is a lot more that must and can be done.
For instance, the community should overall be more trusting of those with disabilities. For instance, it is wrong to assume that someone on the autism spectrum (or with any disability) cannot do anything simply because of the way God made them. Delving a bit more “beneath the iceberg” it is wrong to let buried prejudices and biases lead you to the conclusion that a Special Needs individual is incapable simply because he\she has Special Needs. In other words, the concept of b’tzelem elokhim (“All people are created in the image of God”), which is central to Jewish thought, is a vital outlet for Special Needs individuals.
This is the biggest mistake people have made in treating me and many others like me. Everyone can improve on this point: parents, teachers, even other kids.
On the positive side, however, many different people have made me feel trusted. For instance, my parents permit me to take long-distance train and bus trips alone to visit family. At my shul I have been permitted me to teach classes; give Divrei Torah etc.