I think you completely missed the point - there is no intention at all to imply that he may actually have aspergers, they only use him to demonstrate a particular type as they see it. I agree, Morrise probably isn't. And so does the author, in my opinion - but he is a brilliant person to use to demonstrate a type, wouldn't you agree?
Also - why do you feel that people who have aspergers suffer?
Quote "As someone who actually lives with an aspergers' syndrome suffer....."
I am dyslexic, and have been labeled as HFA (Tha'ts High Functioning Autistic for those who don't know) and my wife has Aspergers syndrome and neither of us suffer. It is a shame that you frase it in this way.
As you rightly say the Autistic spectrum, and aspergers is part of that, is wide and varied. You can be an Aspie and be very empathic, in fact. As can Autie's feel great emotion.
My wife and I have many problems communicating, but we do feel a great love for each other, and empathise with each other well. We are like two odd peas from a very strange pod! Funny how we found each other! I'm now 39, and to meet me you would have no idea, as I have grown and changed and learned new behaviour. Actually - you being 'in the know' about it might twig it - the lack of eye contacts, body language etc. - you would reccongnise that, I expect - but I have evercome so much through the university of life, as many of us do!
Also - take a look at www.wrongplanet.net where a lot of Aspie's find support, as do their partners and parents - it is a great sight.
Cheers
I am dyslexic, and have been labeled as HFA (Tha'ts High Functioning Autistic for those who don't know) and my wife has Aspergers syndrome and neither of us suffer.
Why do I feel that they suffer? Well, when I daily witness my brother (the person with aspergers' syndrome) tearing the house apart, falling on the ground screaming out of sheer frustration at not being able to communicate, I get the feeling that it's not very nice being him. My family also suffers because of his violent outbursts (and I am NOT blaming my brother for this - he has a condition which he can do nothing about, nevertheless, it isn't easy living with him, to say the least).
Doesn't it bother you to be labelled? All I'm saying is that everyone is being labelled as neurotic, depressed, bi-polar, schizophrenic even when they may have only one symptom of these mental illnesses/conditions (at a push). People aren't perfect - it's about time this was fully realised.
I understand. And I'm sorry to hear he is having such a hard time with it. All I can say is that he will learn - I and many others have been through that and come out the other side. I was lucky - my parents understood, and I had the best help they could get me. I'm not saying your family are not the same, btw Don't give up hope!
Actually - before I got my label I had no understanding of why I couldn't understand the world, or why it didn't understand me! I didn't realise there was any point in participating with it. Much less trying to understand it or even bother answering their stupid questions! "How do you do young man?" - Do WAHT? And why are you calling me a young MAN? I'm a little boy stupid! So I'd stand their silently looking at the guy like HE was the odd one!
Then I was told I was special, I had this big-word-label and it was because of that-big-word-label and I thought, OK, it's me. Now, whats going on out there. And actually, it was quite interesting! This first started when I was 7 and was first labelled as Dyslexic - at 13 while going through something simmilar to your brother I was re-diagnosed and it was explained to me again in more adult terms. It was a turning point for me.
From bottom of the class, failing everything - Head master told me I would never ever pass an exam - I was incompatible with the educational system and could not be educated - I Promis you this is what he said.
I'm now an IT Manager and I set up and run million pound systems for 500 or 600 users, I have 6 staff! And I did pass all my exams - 9 O levels , 3 A Levels - the UK system....
So my label helped me understand the world, rather than it undertand me. Perhaps these days a label would attract a little more understanding from the world at large than I got, these more enlightened times - I was 13 26 years ago! Oh, I feel old!
I totally agree that too many people ascribe themselves with too many labels these days - usually from online polls and such! Oh well, each to their own, eh! But perhaps if some of these people find some solace in that, if it helps them get through life, why not?
Chin up about your brother - he want's to communicate as much as you do, he'll find his way! And you guys will be there for him.
Matt