Syndrome and Isolation

Aspergers Syndrome occupies a spot among the most undiagnosed and socially pervasive disorders in psychology. The news it's received recently had me thinking about it today. But before I share any commentary on it I should shed some light on the basics. If my details are a bit off I am sorry as this is coming from my rather poor memory.

Aspergers is a highly functional form of autism that effects the patients abilities to interact socially. It's most commonly found in males but recent studies show it may be more common in females then first thought; females who are naturally shy tend to be harder to diagnose. Aside from the social awkwardness it has few other side effects. The patients are more often then not fully functional in terms of logic and problem solving and other areas that autistic people suffer from. Aspergers patients have trouble reading the body and voice signals of others, they are socially and emotionally detached from others and have a difficult time forming lasting relationships. It's also commonly noted that Aspergers patients have a lack of "spiritual" feeling as well. Social problems are not always apparent and often mis-diagnosed leading to a host of other problems such as depression (even to the point of cutting or self-mutilation), extreme isolation (which leads to making the situation worse), or anti-social (perhaps even criminal) behavior.

I was thinking about it today and my own isolation lately. I've never had problems reading the emotional or physical cues of others... In fact it's something I've become very skilled in. As common as it's projected (in new theoretical research... Take it with a grain of salt) I could know someone with this disease and not even realize it. I can't imagine being born without the ability to read others feelings. So much of our life is interconnected and it would be like making the web of life one way; taking away that connectivity doesn't make a person any less human. But I have to wonder what kind of effect it would have on the psyche. Humans are social creatures and removing or mitigating that social aspect is like losing a vital emotional limb.

My own anti-social tendencies are defensive in nature. When I'm hurt or confused I isolate myself... In a way I am giving away the advantages of a social networtk. Not all defensive reactions are good and I think in this case it could be extremely bad for me. It's a common enough defense mechanism but how effective is isolation compared to community? It helps in avoiding hurt but would the healing effect of friends and family outweigh that? I have to wonder if those Aspergers patients would hold me in contempt for intentionally/reflexively isolating myself when I am (in theory) fully capable of being a social person.

All these things put my own problems in a different light. It reminds me of a saying: Ships in a harbor are safe... But that's not what ships are made for.
My goals sit unaccomplished because the social aspect of my life is in extreme atrophy. I am sick because of my own choices. The isolation was helpful (and one could argue essential) to my repairing myself but now the need has passed it's holding me down.
This reminds me of another quote. I think to do this one justice I will have to copy and paste it.

Man never reasons so much and becomes so introspective as when he suffers, since he is anxious to get at the cause of his sufferings.
-Luigi Pirandello

There you have it. Wise words from a truly gifted Italian writer. (Albeit quite an emo one)
Consider everything, reject the impossible and embrace the choices that lead you to happiness. (not a quote from anyone, just a random thought of mine) Even if those considerations require me to open up to new (and old) people. This is a theme I need to consider more in the future.