Metaphors.
I have been trying for a while to come up with a fairly accurate and workable metaphor for explaining Aspergers Syndrome to most people. I finally did tonight.
It's like computers.
Most people are running Windows OS - all have fairly standard software, so these people are able to communicate with one another fairly easily. (note that there are a few different versions of windows, but they are all still compatible with one another).
People with Aspergers are Running a form of Linux. So each system is custom to the person that has it. And while they *CAN* read Windows documents and run windows software, they need translation software or emulators to do so. Some Linux systems have trouble communicating with others. Each is designed to be really good at specific tasks (more so than any other operating system even, including *other* Linux programs).
Note that both systems are highly functional and useful. Each system is perfectly legitimate. But people who run Linux systems have a harder time relating on most points to people who run windows.
I hope this makes it a little easier for people to comprehend Aspergers as it relates to Neuro Normal types.
It's like computers.
Most people are running Windows OS - all have fairly standard software, so these people are able to communicate with one another fairly easily. (note that there are a few different versions of windows, but they are all still compatible with one another).
People with Aspergers are Running a form of Linux. So each system is custom to the person that has it. And while they *CAN* read Windows documents and run windows software, they need translation software or emulators to do so. Some Linux systems have trouble communicating with others. Each is designed to be really good at specific tasks (more so than any other operating system even, including *other* Linux programs).
Note that both systems are highly functional and useful. Each system is perfectly legitimate. But people who run Linux systems have a harder time relating on most points to people who run windows.
I hope this makes it a little easier for people to comprehend Aspergers as it relates to Neuro Normal types.