6 Asperger's Syndrome Myths That Need to End

Asperger's syndrome was a developmental disorder characterized by the inability to understand how to appropriately interact in a social setting. As of 2013, most mental health professionals have placed the symptoms associated with this condition under the umbrella of "autism spectrum disorder."

Despite the fact that Asperger's is no longer recognized as an individual condition, many myths continue to surround the set of symptoms associated with Asperger's syndrome. Below are six misconceptions about people who were formerly diagnosed with Asperger's that need to end.

1. "They suffer from a mental illness."
   There is a very big misconception about what constitutes mental illness in today’s society. Disorders on the autism spectrum are neurological/developmental disorders. Most people who would have been diagnosed with Asperger's in the past have normal mental health; they just struggle with communication and other social skills that hinder them from interacting in the same way as everyone else. 
2. "They’ll never get married."
   Although social relationships are a struggle for many people who have been diagnosed with Asperger's, there is a lot of variability in this area according to many mental health professionals. The reality is that many adults on the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum will get married and have children, while some will never have a romantic relationship at all.
3. "They lack empathy."
   This is false, because people who have been diagnosed with Asperger's simply experience a different type of empathy than we are used to. They are usually able to feel sadness for another person without any difficulty, and sometimes even more intensely than others. The difference is that it might take them longer to realize why certain situations would make someone sad, and they lack the skills to communicate their empathy.
4. "They have social phobia."
   "Social phobia” is used to describe someone who has the skills to interact and communicate with others but chooses not to use those skills because they are afraid of what will happen. People who have been diagnosed with Asperger's, on the other hand, might avoid interactions because of an awareness of their inability to read certain cues or know the appropriate thing to say; they have made mistakes and been embarrassed in the past, so they are trying to avoid future rejection.
5. "They are a danger to society."
   People who have been diagnosed with Asperger's might exhibit violent behaviors at times, but this usually stems from frustration or sensory overload. Very rarely would they ever act violently because of malicious intentions related to their condition.
6. "They’re all geniuses."
   Many people associate Asperger's and other autistic disorders with outstanding abilities in math and memory. While some people formerly diagnosed with Asperger's can calculate large numbers in their head or have a photographic memory, most will be below or at normal intelligence. A symptom of their condition, however, is becoming extremely interested in a specific subject. They therefore learn everything they can about it.