Aspergers Syndrome
by a fifth grader

I would like the people in the church to know that there is something different about me. I am a normal person, but I have a disorder called Aspergers syndrome. It is an autism-spectrum disorder, sometimes called high-functioning autism. I was born with it, and it is not something a person can catch from me. 

Aspergers syndrome affects the way my mind works. Sometimes I escape into my own little world, and it is hard for me to pay attention to what is happening around me. I don't always notice how other people are feeling, and I have trouble reading their body language. Being in a crowd makes me feel tired. I can't remember all those people's names, and who they are.

Sometimes I may act really weird, and do things without knowing I am doing them. If you see me doing strange things with my hands, or running around, it is because I'm thinking about things that interest me. It means that I am either interested, happy or excited.

I can focus on things I like. Some of the things that interest me are robots, computers, electronic games, computer programming and karate. Things I don't focus on well are writing, other people, and sometimes the sounds around me.

Some famous people, such as Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison are thought to have had Aspergers syndrome. There is speculation that Bill Gates shows signs of Aspergers. 

People can help me by making me feel normal and by understanding me. I just want to fit in, and I like being part of the church.