2.25.11 Adam News & Info

O/T Scroll Alert



O/T but I am breaking the rules about because I have read so much wrong information about Asperger's on Idol blogs. For better or worse, I know a lot about Asperger's -- my family has a number of people with it but my son and my nephew were both misdiagnosed with it. My other nephew has Asperger's. Both are ADHD, LD and Gifted and have some social interaction issues that are similar to Asperger's.

The diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrom/Disorder is most often wrong. And not doubting James' issues, they are either under control with drugs or very minor because in the stressful situation of Idol, he is able to respond in appropriate ways and interact with people and the judges.

There are two parts to Asperger's... (from this article: www.sengifted.org/articles_counseling/Amend_MisdiagnosisOfAspergersDisorder.shtml)

1. Meeting DSM-IV criteria for a specific type of social impairment, which does sometimes appear in gifted kids, the highly gifted child's atypical social interactions or unusual modes of commenting and joking may often be misinterpreted as being characteristics of Asperger's Disorder. However, a closer look at the criteria shows differences between Asperger's Disorder and behaviors associated with gifted children. For example, a lack of social or emotional reciprocity is characteristic of Asperger's Disorder while gifted children most often show a tremendous concern for others. They may not always know how to express it appropriately, but the concern is there.

2. The second major DSM-IV diagnostic component of Asperger's Disorder includes restricted interests characterized by an "encompassing preoccupation with one or more...interest(s) that is abnormal either in intensity or focus." Professionals knowledgeable about Asperger's Disorder describe an intense fascination with a special interest that can come and go, but which will dominate the child's free time and conversation. Children with Asperger's Disorder may also show an uneven profile of abilities with remarkable long-term memory, exceptional concentration when engaged in their special interest, and an original method of problem solving. In contrast, they may also show motor clumsiness, and a lack of motivation and attention for activities that would engage age-peers. Social withdrawal, teasing by peers, and difficulties relating to others in an age- appropriate manner are other markers for Asperger's Disorder.

I am no doubt that James was told he has Asperger's Disorder, but mark me a skeptic. He does seem to have the capacity to respond emotional to other people. People with Asperger's usually have few facial expressions apart from anger or misery -- and that is just not one of his problems.

I think he has some vocal talent and he reminds me more of Danny Gokey than Adam. Someone who would benefit from vocal training. But he has vocal talent -- just is not much like Adam. I could even accept a comparison to SuBo -- if you set aside the difference in appearances.

My guess is that James refers to Adam for too reasons -- he is a male vocalist with a high vocal range and he was/is a bit off of the mainstream, and he is an outsider We all recognize that Adam is a role model to people who are not mainstream. And clearly, Adam is inspiring all kinds of people to persue their dream and not give in to pressure to be "normal" whatever "normal" is.

Finally, Asperger's is often coincident with musical ability and unusually good note memory. Susan Boyle fits into some area related to this IMO.