The central paradox of Asperger Syndrome: individuals can be **exceptional at understanding some things yet have little or no ability to understand others**, especially those involving people. This manifests as: - Remarkable memory for facts and uncanny mathematical ability - Coexisting with communication difficulties, inability to understand others' perspectives, social struggles - Intense special interests (trains, timetables, equations) The syndrome mystifies everyone involved — the person with AS who knows they're different but can't understand why, and the people around them who can't figure out what causes so much miscommunication. **Source:** Lovett, *Solutions for Adults with Asperger Syndrome*, Introduction (Loc 100, ~19%) See also: [[Autistic Triad]]