Imposter syndrome: what it is and how to deal with it

Asperger's syndrome is part of the autism spectrum disorder and is often called high-functioning autism. It is characterized by the same manifestations as autism itself (inability to assimilate into society, understand emotions).

At the same time, a person with this disorder can be very smart and gifted.

Asperger's syndrome - What is it?

I may seem strange to you, but that's because I have Asperger's syndrome.
But that doesn't mean I'm crazy. Oh no, no, I'm very reasonable. I'm smart. But there are things I don't understand. I come to visit and they tell me: “feel at home,” but how can that be, because I’m not at home. I don’t understand why people say one thing and think another. My name is Khan. Razia Khan

• 1.Asperger's syndrome - what is it?
• 2. In simple words about a complex disease
• 3. Asperger syndrome in children: signs, symptoms 3.1. In adolescents

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Asperger's syndrome - what is it?

Asperger's syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder.
It is characterized primarily by difficulties in communication, social behavior, which is in conflict with average and above average intelligence, and speech skills (passive vocabulary is very rich, speech development is not delayed). Emotional and social intelligence are reduced, as is the ability to understand general social situations. Due to poor awareness of the intentions of others, a person with this disorder (especially in childhood) is easily manipulated. People with Asperger's syndrome are sometimes considered uncaring, which does not mean they lack the ability to empathize. This is a lifelong violation.

The disorder was identified and described by Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger (1906–1980) in 1944. Autism was first understood in the 1940s. This disorder was called autistic psychopathy until 1981, then British psychiatrist Lorna Wing began calling it Asperger's syndrome.

Bruno Bettelheim (1903-1990)

Symptoms

An individual's symptoms range from mild to severe. Each child's level of functioning will also be different. Children may have all or only some of the characteristics described below. They may have more problems in unstructured social settings or in new situations involving communication problem-solving skills.

Social problems

Children with Asperger syndrome have difficulty communicating with peers and may be rejected by other children. Teens with the disorder typically develop depression and feel lonely.

Outside of immediate family interactions, the affected child may make inappropriate attempts to initiate social interactions and make friends with others. Children with the syndrome may be afraid to demonstrate sincere desires to communicate with peers. But family members can teach such a child to express his love for his parents through numerous rehearsals over many years.

It happens that the affected child cannot show affection to parents or other family members.

Children with Asperger's syndrome have special and narrow interests that exclude other activities. These interests may take precedence over their relationships with their family, school, and community.

Changes in a child's daily life (divorce of parents, change of school, moving) can also worsen anxiety, depression and other psychological disorders.

Communication disorders

Affected children have very limited use of gestures. Body language or nonverbal communication may be awkward and inappropriate. Facial expressions may be absent. When answering questions, the child usually makes mistakes. These children often give inappropriate answers.

Speech and hearing disorders

Children with Asperger's syndrome exhibit several abnormalities in speech and language, including elaborate speech and oddities in delivery, intonation, prosody (stress placement), and rhythm. Misunderstanding of linguistic nuance (eg, literal interpretations of figures of speech) is common.

Children often have practical speech problems, including:

• inability to use language in social contexts;
• interrupting another person's speech;
• irrelevant comments.

Speech is unusually formal or difficult for other people to understand. Children can voice their thoughts without censorship.

The volume of speech can vary greatly and reflect the current emotional state of the child, and not the requirements for communication in the social sphere. Some children may be talkative, others silent. Moreover, the same child can demonstrate both verbosity and persistent silence at different times.

Some children may exhibit selective mutism (failure to speak in certain situations). Some people can only talk to those they like. Thus, speech can reflect individual interests and preferences of the individual.

The form of the chosen language may include metaphors that are meaningful only to the speaker. A message that means something to the speaker may not be understood by those who hear it, or it may only make sense to some people who understand the speaker's personal language.

Children often exhibit auditory discrimination and distortion, especially when faced with 2 or more people speaking at the same time.

Touch Sensitivity

Children with Asperger's syndrome may have abnormal sensitivity to sound, touch, pain, and temperature. For example, they may demonstrate either extremely great or decreased sensitivity to pain. Possible hypersensitivity to food texture. Children experience synesthesia when a stimulus in one sensory or cognitive system triggers an automatic, involuntary response in another sensory mode.

Delayed motor skills

• visible clumsiness and poor coordination;
• deficits in visual-motor and visual-perceptual skills, including problems with balance, manual dexterity, handwriting, rapid movements, and rhythm.

In simple words about a complex disease

What is Asperger's syndrome in simple words?
This is a congenital mental disorder related to autism. This disease is more common than autism itself - it affects 30-70 people out of 10,000, and is more often diagnosed in boys. Although it is predominantly a childhood disease, many people experience symptoms throughout their lives. Asperger's syndrome - what is it, how to recognize the disorder? Unlike autism, the inability to interact socially is less severe. The disorder manifests itself primarily as egocentrism, accompanied by minimal or absent ability to connect with peers.

When answering the question of what Asperger syndrome is, it is important to mention the unusual hobbies typical of it, such as studying schedules and telephone directories. Other manifestations include truthfulness, motor clumsiness. At the same time, intelligence is maintained, sometimes above average.

Important!

High intelligence disorder is often diagnosed later than autism. Sometimes it remains unrecognized.

Asperger's syndrome in children: signs, symptoms

Research has shown that satisfactory relationships with peers are very important for the development of healthy self-esteem.
Lack of self-esteem can lead to dependent or dysfunctional relationships, causing learning difficulties and depression. In the context of Asperger's syndrome (what kind of disease it is, how it manifests itself) a lack of understanding of social situations, different interests of peers, and non-standard reactions are mentioned, often leading to exclusion from the team. A person becomes an object of ridicule, provocation, and sometimes a victim of bullying. He is rarely invited to social events, birthdays, which create and strengthen friendships.

These signs of Asperger's syndrome in children reinforce their belief that they are truly "weird", "stupid". The child is overly critical of his own mistakes, paying much more attention to shortcomings and failures, which he then compares with the achievements and strengths of others.

He is afraid to try something new for fear of failure, sometimes even mild criticism leads to an outburst of rage. If these negative feelings are confirmed by reactions from the environment, the child may react with affect, aggression, and self-harm. Sometimes, on the contrary, with Asperger's syndrome in children, symptoms include passivity and attempts to escape from an unpleasant situation.

Asperger's syndrome in children is also characterized by an uneven distribution of abilities (on the one hand, above average intelligence in a certain area, on the other - the inability to adapt to sudden changes, problems in establishing social relationships, inadequate emotional reactions, lack of independence, impracticality).

Some children are ambitious and underestimate their achievements and above average results in some areas, denying them or considering them to be the “norm”.

Important!

Children with the disorder set high goals, which is why they cannot achieve the desired result.

In teenagers

Adolescent manifestations of Asperger's syndrome - what is it?
In children of puberty, the frequency of signs and their severity vary greatly. Some skills may be completely absent, others are only delayed. Within autism spectrum disorders there may be various:

• language skills
  (dysphasia, good vocabulary, expressive linguistic abilities);
• intellectual qualities
  (mental retardation, below average skills or above average talent);
• degree of interest in social contacts
  (passivity, indifference, attachment to close people, activity in the absence of the ability to follow the rules of social behavior).

In Asperger's syndrome, signs include disturbances in communication quality:

1. Insufficient use of speech, regardless of the level of proficiency.
2. Lack of synchronization, reciprocity in conversation.
3. Reduced adaptability in verbal expression.
4. Relative lack of creativity and imagination in thinking.
5. Lack of emotional reaction to the friendly approach of other people (verbal and non-verbal).
6. Violation of cadence, emphasis in communication, reflecting the modulation of communication.
7. Insufficient gestures used when communicating.

Scientists at Wake Forest School of Medicine have taken the first step in developing an objective test for autism that uses brain data.

Types of "imposters"

Valerie Young, who is recognized as one of the world's experts on the syndrome, based on personal observations, identified 5 types of “imposters” [7]:

• perfectionist;
• expert;
• a born genius;
• soloist;
• superhero.

Perfectionist

Perfectionism and impostor syndrome very often develop in parallel. Both types, as a rule, set excessively high goals for themselves and, not achieving them, experience uncertainty, which then causes them to worry a lot. People of this type rarely feel satisfied with what they have done, because they are sure that everything could have been done even better.

What should “impostor” perfectionists do? Learn to be calm about your mistakes, perceiving them as a natural part of any process. Force yourself to start a project that you haven’t dared take on for months. Understand that there will never be a “perfect time”, and the work performed will also never be 100% perfect. The sooner the “impostor” realizes this, the easier it will be for him in life.

Expert

This type of people does not feel satisfied with a completed task until they know absolutely everything about it. The problem is that the time spent collecting information can significantly complicate the work itself.

Born Genius

It is important for these “impostors” to demonstrate that they can easily and quickly master new skills, but when faced with a difficult task, they experience shame, weakness and disappointment in themselves. Like perfectionists, they set too high standards for themselves.

What to do? First of all, realize that every person, even the most brilliant, learns and develops throughout his life. Instead of being angry with yourself because of an unattained goal, it is better to reconsider your behavior model and gradually approach your plan.

Soloist

It's okay to be independent. But only until the moment a person begins to refuse help just to demonstrate his own importance. Such people prefer to work alone, fearing that asking for help will be perceived as a sign of incompetence.

Superhero

This type of person constantly compares himself with his colleagues. Underestimating one's own abilities makes a person consider himself inferior. In order to reach the level of his colleagues, the “superhero” begins to work more intensely, which is fraught with problems with physical and mental health. For such people, work turns into a method of self-affirmation.

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How can you help yourself in this case? Accustom yourself not to seek self-affirmation in external factors, for example, at the cost of your own health, chasing the praise of your superiors. And also learn to perceive constructive criticism not as a personal insult.

Asperger's syndrome in adults: signs, symptoms

Asperger's syndrome in adults is characterized by poor tolerance of loneliness and the search for contact with people.
As people get older, they become more aware of their differences, which causes deep emotional pain. 2/3 of adults with Asperger's syndrome suffer from depression, 50% have an anxiety disorder. Many of them are addicted to drugs and alcohol.

Among women

Women with Asperger's syndrome
Manifestations of Asperger's syndrome in women
:

• problems establishing relationships;
• emotional sensitivity;
• decreased social intelligence;
• fixation on one person or object;
• lack of imagination;
• creating rituals;
• limited or atypical gestures, facial expressions;
• problems understanding irony and humor;
• motor clumsiness.

In men

Symptoms of Asperger's syndrome in adult men
have the same wide range of manifestations as in women:

• depressive states;
• tendency to underestimate oneself;
• sleep problems;
• disconcentration;
• increased sensitivity to sounds, light or touch, inadequate reactions to smells;
• excessive emotional reactions (unreasonable laughter or crying);
• emphasis on the accuracy of placed items;
• mood swings;
• attachment;
• anxiety;
• priority peripheral visual perception over direct;
• lack or lack of empathy;
• the emergence of paranoid thoughts;
• egocentrism.

Important!

A combination of Asperger's syndrome and selective mutism is often recorded - a person communicates a lot with some people, completely rejecting communication with others.

Prevention of professional burnout syndrome

To prevent the development of such a pathological process, it is necessary to take the following preventive measures:

• improving your physical fitness. It was not without reason that they used to say: in a healthy body there is a healthy mind;
• communication with colleagues and friends. It is necessary to periodically be distracted from the process of activity. It’s especially good if your friends work in a different field. By communicating with them, you compare and find positive aspects in your work;
• balance of ambitions. The excellent student complex is most often the source of major psychological problems. You shouldn’t get hung up on career growth and worry painfully about every failure. Perhaps everything that happens is only for the better;

Exercising will help in the treatment of this disease.

• training in new knowledge, skills and abilities in professional activities. New interesting technologies not only develop your thinking, make your work interesting, and open up new facets of professionalism.

To avoid such a disease, first of all, you need to explain to yourself that you are working for yourself, and not for the sake of work. You should find positive aspects in any situation and have an overall positive attitude. Then you will succeed in everything you plan, and the work will bring joy, not irritation.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of the disorder is very important for patients and their environment.
Many sufferers feel socially isolated and a diagnosis can help them understand their situation in life. Diagnosing the disorder is not easy because there is no specific test to determine it. The disorder can be identified using various diagnostic criteria focused on the typical clinical symptoms of Asperger's syndrome.

Diagnostic criteria according to ICD-10:

• Qualitative differences in social interaction.
• An unusually pronounced and narrow interest; restricted, repetitive, stereotypical patterns of behavior.
• Inability to attribute the disorder to other forms of pervasive developmental disorders, simplex schizophrenia, schizotypal disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anankastic personality disorder, etc.

Historical excursion

G. Freudenberg (a psychologist from the USA) was the first to focus on the problem of emotional exhaustion in his work in 1974. The scientist indicated how strongly the burnout syndrome affects a person’s personality, described in detail the causes, symptoms, as well as the stages of its development.

Freudenberg called this phenomenon burnout (professional burnout) and associated it with the characteristics of the work of people who constantly deal with the so-called human factor. Due to their duty, day after day they experience the consequences of someone else’s bad mood, negative manifestations, inappropriate behavior and, as a result, receive enormous stress loads. This category includes professions related to:

• with rescue services and law enforcement agencies;
• with teaching activities (schools and universities);
• with work in a hospital;
• with services to large flows of clients.

Simply put, these are social workers, medical staff of various categories, law enforcement officers and the Ministry of Emergency Situations, etc.

At the same time, the specialist did not rule out the appearance of this disorder in creative individuals, young mothers and housewives.

The term “emotional burnout syndrome” (abbreviated as EBU) was coined in 1976 by Christina Maslach, an American social psychologist. She defined it by the following criteria: emotional and physical exhaustion, negative attitude towards work, negative self-esteem, loss of empathy and attention to patients or clients, respectively.

We began to seriously study this phenomenon in the nineties of the last century.

Treatment

It is impossible to talk about a specific treatment method for Asperger syndrome.
This is more likely not a disease, but an atypical way of life, its atypical perception. But, since this is a developmental disorder, early diagnosis and the use of certain regime measures allows the person and his environment to adapt to the situation. Although the disorder is described as a milder form of autism, it should be emphasized that this diagnosis affects not only the individual, but also the entire family. The important fact remains that it, like other similar disorders, is not a consequence of improper upbringing, but a hereditary genetic developmental disorder that can be positively influenced by the right approach to upbringing.

Pharmacotherapy is aimed only at influencing some specific symptoms and is not, in the true sense of the word, treatment. Therefore, drug therapy is prescribed only in exceptional cases. Treatment is aimed at adjusting the daily routine and timely initiation of cognitive behavioral therapy.

Important!

Special education guidance primarily addresses low-functioning forms of the disorder. In the case of a highly functional type of disorder, a person is usually quite self-sufficient and is able to master knowledge in a normal education system.

Specific training recommendations include the following important points:

• a small number of students in the group;
• visualization of transmitted information;
• precise structuring of assigned tasks.

Who is susceptible to the syndrome

Imposter syndrome can develop in absolutely anyone. But there are some factors that can serve as triggers:

• new challenges - signs of the syndrome may appear after a recent appointment to a new position or after a resounding success, if the person feels that he did not deserve all this or will not be able to properly perform new responsibilities;
• family environment - if a person grew up with a more gifted brother or sister, then he may develop a feeling of inferiority;
• belonging to a marginalized group - people who have experienced discrimination at one time are more susceptible to impostor syndrome;
• anxiety and depression.

Famous people with Asperger's syndrome

The presence of the disorder in celebrities cannot be confirmed visually.
But this diagnosis is mentioned in the available facts and information. Famous people with Asperger's symptoms:

• A. Einstein;
• L. Van Beethoven;
• T. Edison;
• T. Jefferson;
• K. Jung;
• F. Kafka;
• Mozart;
• F. Nietzsche;
• R. Strauss;
• M. Twain;
• V. Van Gogh;
• A. Hitchcock;
• E. Warhol;
• W. Allen;
• B. Dylan;
• B. Gates et al.

Greta Thunberg

Greta Thunberg, diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome

A contemporary popular figure with Asperger's syndrome is Greta Thunberg, a Swedish activist who first publicly spoke about living with the disorder.

The young activist wrote on Twitter and Instagram that her disorder is different from other people, but under the right circumstances, it can be her superpower.

Greta Thunberg on Asperger's Syndrome Diagnosis:

“In the past, I refused to talk openly about my diagnosis, not because I wanted to hide it, but because uninformed people might react to it inappropriately.”

Nikolay Voronov

Asperger's syndrome was also diagnosed in the author of the well-known hit “White Dragonfly” N. Voronov.
As you can see, the disorder did not negatively affect Nikolai’s abilities. Rather, on the contrary, his creative intellect ensured the young man’s popularity.

Lionel Messi

Lionel Andres Messi Cuccitini is an Argentine footballer currently playing for FC Barcelona, ​​wearing the number 10 jersey.
His playing style has been compared to that of the famous football player Diego Maradona.

Steve Jobs

The next proof of the success of people with the syndrome is Steven Paul Jobs.
He is a world-renowned founder, CEO and chairman of the board of directors.

Savant syndrome: symptoms and treatment

Movies about Asperger's syndrome

Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory, Saga from the Swedish-Danish series The Bridge... Lately it seems that TV series are simply teeming with main characters who have psychological problems.
Modern filmmakers treat the problematic aspects of these characters' personalities with respect.

TV series "Sherlock", Sherlock Holmes

A certain intermediate stage between the perfect, brilliant crime and a completely believable person is B. Cumberbatch's Sherlock, one of the brightest stars in the current serial firmament.
Needless to say, Sherlock has been shown many times in both films and TV series, but Benedict Cumberbatch introduced the most original, completely new character, an eccentric genius, a high-functioning sociopath who exhibits many of the traits of a person with Asperger's Syndrome.

The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon Cooper

The next step leads to other characters beloved by audiences of modern series - partly strange people struggling with their mental disorder, but very human and in many ways normal.
An example is Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory. He is supposed to be one of the smartest scientists in the world today. He is associated with the word “mathematical physicist”: he is brilliant, challenging, a little “aspergeristic”, often unbearable. But he has (mostly similar) friends, a job, and sometimes a perfectly normal partnership.

Serial "The Bridge", Saga Noren

And finally – the Swedish-Danish series “The Bridge”.
Here, the main character is detective-investigator Saga Noren, who is completely committed to her work, for which she is highly regarded, although her social interaction skills are significantly less developed. The fun of the series lies in the interaction between the emotionless Saga and her new colleague, who gradually tries to adapt to the rules and conventions of complex social relationships.

Syndrome of “overqualified” specialists

Does this principle work when hiring? Would all employers be happy to hire such an ideal employee? And what does it really feel like to be too perfect? How can an applicant understand that he may fall under the overqualified category? And how can you edit your resume so as not to seem “too smart” to the HR manager?

There are two reasons why you may be rejected for an interview, provided that you are ideally suited for the position:

1. You have outgrown the vacant position. Your competence significantly exceeds the requirements of the position; in this case, in this position you will not have the motivation for development and self-improvement, because you are already sufficiently qualified. The company will not be interested in an employee with low motivation. In addition, in the new company you will want to take the place that you really deserve, but there will be no ways for development. Therefore, sooner or later you will have to leave the company.

2. Such people are not hired into an organization where the distance to the owner and general director is not far, and the manager thinks in terms of “planting” or fear that he may be removed from this position. That’s why they don’t hire specialists who will be able to replace their bosses in six months. It’s a rare boss who will agree to surround himself with stars; this requires courage, self-confidence and respect for competence.

First, determine what the company's needs for a new employee are. If you show up for an interview and the requirements are too simple, then they either can't find the person for a long time, or you're too good. But if you still want this position, then you need to use a trick: edit your resume a little and get serious about motivation.

There is no need to be too good a candidate, deliberately emphasizing your merits and high performance in comparison with those declared in the vacancy. Write simply, briefly and clearly. Be sure to talk about results, brands and achievements, just don’t decipher all the names, make it more modest. After all, writing a resume is not difficult, but writing something simple and easy will take a little more time. Don't be lazy to spend it.

Design is also of great importance: the simpler, the better. You don't want to complicate things and seem too smart.

He who does not think too much of himself is better than he thinks himself Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

You can keep silent about an MBA certificate, an international internship and a project in a large brand company at the stage of your first acquaintance with HR. Purely out of modesty. As S. Johnson said: “Nothing contributes more to the development of modesty than the consciousness of one’s own importance.” Yes, you know that you are a unique specialist that this company should dream of, but your task is not to show what a super-ideal candidate you are, but to demonstrate a desire to work in this company and develop with it. Since the employer knows very well that an employee whose abilities and skills significantly exceed the requirements of the position is unlikely to be motivated for development, the work may soon become boring, and there are no prospects for moving and developing, mastering new areas and technologies within the current position. And, as a result, a lack of motivation. Therefore, employers will prefer a young employee who is a little short of the vacancy, but who will have sparkling eyes and a desire for development and training.

Remember that the purpose of the interview is to identify the applicant’s work motivation. Almost any recruiter can do this. Don't think that just because you showed up means you've already shown your motivation, that won't be enough. During the interview itself, you need to show your interest in the vacant position.

Identifying motivation allows HR not only to cut off the “weak” ones, but also to prevent overly “strong” applicants from moving forward.

A too good candidate initially impresses the employer, strokes his vanity, and he “can’t get enough of him,” but soon he begins to think about the correctness of his choice. Therefore, to avoid this mistake, the employer should indicate the complexity of the scope of work and tasks.

And most importantly, think about whether you really need this job? You can always find more suitable options. Go for it!

Vladimir Yakuba, expert www.brainity.ru

Asperger's syndrome: slightly different people

Until a few years ago, diagnosis of this disorder was quite rare because even experts did not have enough information about it.
Currently, it is diagnosed in children after 3 years of age, with the vast majority of cases detected at 5-9 years of age. Unfortunately, the cause of the disorder is unknown, suggesting a significant role of inheritance. Asperger's syndrome is characterized by constant repetition of rituals, movement patterns, problems with maintaining attention, and inadequate expression of emotions. There are often difficulties with writing, reading, and mathematics. It is difficult for a person to maintain eye contact, and he often experiences excessive sensitivity to certain stimuli (loud noise, harsh light).

It is important to understand that a person with Asperger's syndrome has special needs. It is necessary to help him develop self-confidence, spare no praise, and provide support. Despite difficulties, problems, good relationships are the basis for overcoming a difficult situation.

Have you experienced Asperger's syndrome? Do you know anything about this disorder? Share known information, leave a comment, express your opinion on this topic.

Milyukova Yuno · 06 Mar, 2020

Causes

To date, there is no exact information about the causes of Asperger's syndrome. It is generally accepted that the development of this disorder is characterized by the same mechanisms as the development of autism:

• Hereditary factor. Parents who themselves suffer from Asperger's syndrome or autism, or have a family history of these disorders, are more likely to have children with similar conditions.
• Disorders of intrauterine development. Researchers working on Asperger syndrome are inclined to believe that fetal intoxication (viral, drug, etc.) can disrupt the formation of the central nervous system and lead to the development of autism spectrum disorders and Asperger syndrome.
• Traumatic brain injuries. Most often, this implies birth injuries or TBI in early childhood, which has a negative impact on the formation of synaptic connections responsible for the emotional response, recognition of non-verbal signals, etc.

It should be understood that although the listed reasons are considered the most likely, the influence of these factors on the development of Asperger's syndrome has not been 100% proven. Many researchers believe that this disorder may be multifactorial in nature - the syndrome develops or debuts, provoked by several circumstances present simultaneously.