Analysis Of Henry David Thoreau : Did He Have Asperger's Syndrome

Diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome can be a challenge. An interview with a clinician must be conducted, including the family of the person being diagnosed. Also, an observation is conducted in two different social settings (i.e.: school and home) (Stoddart, 2009). The criterion to be diagnosed is straight forward. First, there must be a severe impairment in social interaction. For example, no eye to eye contact, posture, does not develop peer relationships, and not bringing up interests to other people (Stoddart, 2009). Second, there must be stereotyped behaviors. For example, not being able to adhere to a random routine or change of plans, hand flapping, and playing with parts of objects, not the object itself. Thirdly, the impairments cause strain on social, and other areas of functioning. Fourth, the child had no delay in speech. This is the difference between a child with autism and Asperger’s. Children with Asperger’s have no delay in speech and usually are advanced in this area. Lastly, the child has no cognitive delay. For example, self-help abilities, and adapting behaviors. Usually these children have very high IQs (Stoddart, 2009). The major criterion is the social impairment. Asperger’s Syndrome is very focused around social behaviors. These children do not socially interact,

Approximately 947,570 Americans have Asperger’s Syndrome (AS), however, it is not an easy disorder to explain (Bashe 19). With multiple conditions and characteristics in each case, AS is not an easy disorder to diagnose. Asperger’s Syndrome was named after Hans Asperger, an Austrian physician, who first described the disorder in 1944 after studying a group of children with similar, unusual characteristics. However, AS was not made an official disease until 1994. Consequently, Asperger disease is just now becoming published and popular so there is still research and questions being answered. Asperger’s Syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder, is noted by above-average

Autism spectrum disorders are a class of developmental disorders that impair social skills, behavior, and communication (Center for Disease Control). ASDs are considered ‘spectrum’ disorders because each patient has a unique experience in the nature and severity of their symptoms (Center for Disease Control). Under the umbrella of ASDs, there are three types of disorders, including Autistic disorder, Asperger Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (Center for Disease Control). Autistic disorder is the most severe of the three, and patients exhibit significant problems with language, communication, and behavior (Center for Disease Control). Furthermore, people with Autistic disorder often have some intellectual impairment (Center for Disease Control). Asperger Syndrome is a milder form of autistic disorder where patients have some developmental delays, but their language and intellect are not affected (Center for Disease Control). The mildest of the ASDs is the pervasive developmental disorder. These patients usually don’t meet all of the criteria for autistic disorder, but do show some signs of social and communication problems (Center for Disease Control). The number of children diagnosed with ASD is growing, and currently 1 in 88 children fall somewhere on the spectrum (Mari-Bauset et al., 2013). Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism, and while the exact cause of these disorders is unknown, both genetic and

It was my high school teacher, Anna Shaughnessy, who introduced me to Henry David Thoreau. His Walden was not part of the course of study. She asked whether I knew of this Massachusetts writer. I didn't. Without scaring me off by proclaiming how great he was, she said he had lived and died in obscurity. But not like some romantic poet in a dusty garret. He had done all kinds of work for a living-been a schoolteacher, surveyor, pencil-maker, gardener, carpenter, mason, lecturer, naturalist, as well as keeper of a personal journal into which he wrote two million words.

The relationship between Asperger syndrome and autism has been a controversial topic in psychology. There is not a definite correlation which has been decided upon between the two and chiefly due to the fact that they are both overly similar. Concisely, psychologists seek to identify the main difference between them. In a simpler way, it is not yet clear whether autism and Asperger syndrome should be defined as independent (distinct) terms, or whether Asperger syndrome should be categorized under the wider realm of autism. In their researche, multiple scholars have come upon differing opinions and theories in support of their own perceptions of the two disorders which either agree or disagree at some point. Asperger syndrome is derived from Hans Asperger who is highly recognized for his efforts in defining the disease which many scholars had described as not diagnosable (Mayes, Calhoun & Crites, 2001).

Henry David Thoreau, was an American author, poet, philosopher, and made many other historic comments with things such as abolition and leading transcendentalist. He lived in the mid-nineteenth century during a rough time in America. Thoreau attracts diverse perspectives because the individual and collective life he lived. Thoreau is best known for his book “Walden”, a reflection upon simple living. As well, “Resistance to Civil Government” or “Civil Disobedience”, which was an argument for disobedience to an unjust state. He has written over 20 full volumes, with his writings about personal life, and many other environmental things. “He was very deeply interested in the idea of survival in the face of hostile elements. (PAL)” Thoreau has

validation of the diagnosis” (Stiefel, I., Shields, A. K., Swain, M. A., & Innes, W. R., Asperger’s

Henry David Thoreau was born on July 12, 1817 in Concord, Massachusetts. Thoreau grew up in poverty; his dad was unsuccessful and had trouble maintaining a steady job. Thoreau followed in his father’s footsteps, ultimately bouncing from job to job, scorned by society for his unconventional way of living and lack of income (Henry David Thoreau, Discovering Biography). Thoreau began to write with the guidance of Ralph Waldo Emerson who became one of the most important influences in his life. Living with Emerson gave Thoreau insight and inspiration on how to write, and eventually led him to write Walden (Henry David Thoreau, Discovering Biography). Walden was also inspired by Transcendentalism, a literary movement that challenged the use and

Asperger’s Syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder that often presents itself in children during the elementary years. It is characterized by deficits in social interactions, normal developing language, fixation with specific objects, and average or above average intellectual functioning. It is highly debated over whether Asperger’s Syndrome is qualitatively different than high functioning Autism. Symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome will present themselves in a variety of ways that are unique to each individual child. Within

Religion and politics are perhaps the most important topics of discussion, and paradoxically, the ones least discussed. Our differences cause us to shy away from such depth in our conversations with others and it is a remarkable human being who can share her opinion honestly on the subjects, and even more so, transcend the current popular opinions of the time. Henry David Thoreau was a man such as this. He spoke out against an unjust society and challenged the comforts and distractions that society has become so accustomed to. He preached simplicity in daily life and peace in protest. His words of wisdom have influenced many great leaders since. Thoreau’s call for social reform, individualistic

What is Asperger 's syndrome (AS)? AS is a social disorder linked to autism which is often misdiagnosed as attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) because of their similar symptoms. The name comes from Hans Asperger, an Austrian that examined autistic children and used the term "autism" to identify them (Grinker 56). According to Bibbi Hagberg et. Al. , Approximately, 30–50 % of individuals with AS have symptoms (inattention and overactivity in particular) consistent with a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Research indicates individuals with AS may experience challenges with social interaction, coordination capabilities, and the ability to understand

Henry David Thoreau is a pre Civil War era transcendentalist and literary figure. Although he is not quite as well known as other leaders in the transcendentalist movement, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson or Louisa May Alcott, Thoreau is still one of my favorite philosophers, and now more than ever because Thoreau’s own political and social environment wouldn’t have been all that different than mine right now. In this essay I will be giving a somewhat brief description of his life, what transcendentalism is, his philosophy in detail, and my own opinion on his philosophy, beginning with his biography.

In the 1940’s, Hans Asperger, an Austrian pediatrician, observed children with autistic-like behaviors and social and communication challenges. These kids had normal intelligence as well as normal language development. Asperger syndrome is a type of pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). PDDs involve delays in the development of skills, mostly around social, communication, imagination, and abstract thinking skills. Many experts argue that Asperger syndrome is a milder form of autism, referred to today as high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD). Asperger’s work consisted of a historical review of specific Autism case studies that were not representative of the entire spectrum even though they were a great basis for the upcoming research in the field (Draaisma, 2009).

Asperger’s was first recognized by Hans Asperger in 1944 and Leo Kanner in 1943 as a developmental disorder; however, it was reintroduced again in 1981 “since Wing’s (1981) introduced to Hans Asperger’s seminal work of 1944, and since inclusion of the disorder as a diagnostic category in Diagnostic and statistical Mantel disorders-Fourth Edition “(Myles 130). Asperger’s syndrome diagnosis rely on the following criteria: 1- “Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior” (Khouzam et al. 186) such as being fully attracted to one pattern of activities, and having difficulties of changing these rigid models of behavior and interests. 2- Imperfections in social interactions such as difficulties in making friends and low understanding of non-verbal communications.3- Appearance of any other important developmental delays, such as occupational defects. The Asperger’s syndrome differentiates in developing appropriate language; “Cognitive development and age appropriate self-help skills and adaptive behavior are not clinically significantly delayed” (Khozam et al.187). In

This implicitly links with the observations of Attwood (2007 p 56) which describe Asperger syndrome (as part of the autism spectrum of characteristics) and social interaction as