The Unprofessional Guide to Asperger syndrome

Chapter 1: What Is Asperger syndrome, Really?

Important notice: This guide is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice because of something you read in this guide.

First things first: take a breath. You just received a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome, and right now your head is probably spinning with questions, fears, and a hundred different thoughts that all sound like "what does this mean?" That is completely normal. Whatever you are feeling right now — scared, confused, relieved, angry, or all of those at once — it is valid. And it is also the exact reason this book exists.

Let's start with the most important sentence in this entire book: Asperger syndrome is not a disease. It is not an illness. It is not something that is attacking your brain or your body like a virus or a tumor. You did not catch it, and you cannot give it to anyone else. Asperger syndrome is a neurodevelopmental condition — which is a fancy way of saying that your brain developed in a slightly different way than most people's brains, and that difference affects how you experience the world, how you communicate, and how you process information. The word "neurodevelopmental" just means "the way the brain grows and organizes itself while you are developing." In people with Asperger syndrome, that growth and