Aspergers and Top Model
Can a 21 year old woman with Aspergers be America’s Next Top Model? According to Entertainment Weekly its possible, as she is one of the top contestants.
Now, you all know that I’m an ANTM addict, right? AJ even tells me that “its time to watch Model” at 6 p.m., our wind-down, TiVo time.
As a child or teen, symptoms can be noticeable; sensory issues, delayed motor development, avoidant eye contact, lack of social cues, unusual facial expressions, talking about favorite subjects or scripting/echolalia, dislike of transitions or change in routine, appear to lack empathy, etc.
However, as an adult, people are much more functional. In fact, it is very possible that Heather does have Aspergers and is coping well. “Asperger’s syndrome is a lifelong condition, although it tends to stabilize over time, and improvements are often seen. Adults usually obtain a better understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses. They are able to learn social skills and how to read others’ social cues. Many people with Asperger’s syndrome marry and have children.”
Heather, in her interview with Tyra in tonights premier episode described herself as having both ADHD and Aspergers. However, on one of the forums I visited today people were stating that one can not have both. Untrue.
According to WebMD, people with Aspergers can also have co-existing conditions such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, social anxiety disorders, and nonverbal learning disorders like central processing disorders.
My hope is that Tyra and ANTM are not using Heather for her disability but will showcase her talent and her beauty…which I saw in the episode. Rumor has it that she will make it to the top and travel to China this year.
I am very interested to see what her quirks are, if she has social issues, sensory processing issues, etc. I caught a few in her video… Tell me what you see.
She’s gorgeous but can she withstand the social pressures, the catwalk, and the high society of the fashion industry?
February 14th, 2009 at 8:56 am
I keep listening to the news speak about getting free online grant applications so I have been looking around for the best site to get one.