Message #40182

[mccoy]

Yes, the autism spectrum can exhibit hugely different levels of abilities. Asperger's is a very slight anomaly, Aspergers themselves say they are normal but just a little different. They have sensorial alterations though and sometimes serious difficulties in relating to other people. They prefer to write on the internet rather than to speak directly to people.
They are at the upper level of the range.
On the other side, there are about 30% of individuals who are at the lower end of the range. they speak little or nothing, they do not conceptualize (except for basic necessities), their cognitive abilities are seriously compromised and they often exhibit comorbidities, with symptoms similar to schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorder, and depression.

My son belongs to the lower range. If left to their natural evolution, they may exhibit behaviors very similar to those of people possessed by demons, exploding in fits of uncontrolled fury and rage, hurting people and themselves. In these individuals, appropriate behavioral therapy and psychopharmacology are necessary and can be very effective.