Aspergers & The Misdiagnoses
BY MADELINE GELMETTI
What is Aspergers?
-Type of PDD (pervasive developmental disorder)
-Typically exhibit social awkwardness
-All-absorbing interest in specific topics
-Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Symptoms
 Problems with social skills
 Eccentric or repetitive behaviors
 Unusual preoccupations or rituals
 Communication difficulties
 Limited range of interests
 Coordination problems
 Skilled or talented
Difference Between Autism and Aspergers
Children with Aspergers syndrome typically function
better than do those with autism. In addition,
children with Aspergers syndrome generally have
normal intelligence and near-normal language
development, although they may develop problems
communicating as they get older.
Commonly Misdiagnoses for…
 Shyness
 Unpopular
 Children perceived as “weird”
 Quietness
 Children who are not “understood.”
Articles on Misdiagnoses
MyAspergersChild.com
http://www.myaspergerschild.com/2011/11/misdiagnosisof-aspergers-children.html
It’s Aspergers Syndrome…or is it?
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/04/opinion/itsasperger-syndrome-or-is-it.html?_r=0
My Mother Misdiagnosed Me
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/08/benjaminnugent-my-mother_n_2092999.html
Meet Hannah
About Hannah
-15 years old
-Current sophomore in high school
-Academic strengths are reading and writing
-Struggles in math
-Enjoys anime, theatre, singing, drawing, Lady Gaga
Aspergers Diagnoses
 Diagnosed at age 10
 Previous diagnoses of depression and severe anger
issues
 Very difficult as a child
 Say/do very hurtful things to family members and
feel no remorse
Effects on Hannah
 Depression became worse
 Burden on her
 Constantly focused on her social awkwardness and
became obsessed with the realization that she was
“different”
Misdiagnoses Revealed
A year after Hannah was diagnosed with Aspergers,
she started seeing a new psychiatrist. She presented
findings that Hannah did not in fact have Aspergers
(which my parents agreed with). Hannah is merely a
unique individual who is not effected by the pressure
of social norms. Now she has embraced her
“weirdness” and celebrates it.
Reason For Choosing This Topic
Diagnosing a child with Aspergers when they do not
have it can have negative emotional and social effects
on their life. It is important to keep in mind that just
because a student is “different” does not
automatically qualify them as Aspergers. Although
the checklists are broad and may declare that child
with Aspergers Syndrome, look at the whole picture
and get to know the child before assuming they may
have Aspergers.
Sources
 http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/mental-
health-aspergers-syndrome
 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aspergerssyndrome/DS00551
 http://www.autismspeaks.org/whatautism/asperger-syndrome