Is there a link between Asperger's and scrupulosity?

[YoungIreland]

I would like to hear particularly from those with AS or loved ones with the condition. One would think that there is a link because anxiety disorders are prevalent with those on the spectrum, which could manifest itself in scruples in the case of a Catholic. Any thoughts?

 

[Joe_5859]

I would like to hear particularly from those with AS or loved ones with the condition. One would think that there is a link because anxiety disorders are prevalent with those on the spectrum, which could manifest itself in scruples in the case of a Catholic. Any thoughts?

I don’t have any concrete data, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see a connection. Those on the spectrum tend to think in extreme black and white terms. That lends itself quite easily to scrupulosity.

 

[crm0293]

I don’t have any concrete data, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see a connection. Those on the spectrum tend to think in extreme black and white terms. That lends itself quite easily to scrupulosity.

Hello, I am one of those people who have Asperger’s syndrome. Not only that, I am aware that I might have scrupulosity! To what you have said, There could be some link of having an extreme black and white attitude especially for some catholics to have scrupulosity.

Just a quick refresher about Asperger’s syndrome: It is a disability that hinders social skills and develops deep and obsessive interests. Most people with AS have a strict set of rules and schedules and if any of these are broken, people with AS can become extremely upset and have a temper tantrum. For example if a person with AS has an interest in car collecting, that same person would become upset or angry if at least one car is missing from the collection.

I myself for being a practicing catholic with AS, yes I have a strict rule about avoiding any sinful actions and following the church’s teachings carefully. Sometimes I take these rules too far and has become a hinderance of the Faith. I love Our Heavenly Lord God and his son Jesus Christ, I love the teachings, I admire them but if I were to use the computer at least once, read a non catholic book, or write I would feel guilty of falling into these and I say to myself it is very hard to avoid all sin. I go to daily mass but I would not take communion because of every action no matter how small is still very grave against Our Lord. I would also feel upset if I don’t read the bible or pray the rosary every day. So yes I have both AS and scrupulosity.

However having both of these are like carrying a huge cross, but also I see them as building up virtue. Having AS, I should pray and give support for people who have AS. I see them as God’s loving children as they are. And having scrupulosity lets me be more careful of not falling into sin and following what the church teaches. Look up St. Alphonsus Liguori, he claims to have scrupulosity. Although I should get some help, I still humbly accept myself of having AS and Scrupulosity. I should indeed pray for those who have both of these.

Hope this helps

 

[Xantippe]

There’s a link between Asperger’s and OCD (and Tourette’s and ADHD–they form a sort of constellation), and there’s a link between OCD and scrupulosity, so yeah, definitely. I’ve read a lot on Asperger’s, and these conditions sort of flow into each other. You can’t really say where one ends and the other begins, because they are so closely related. There’s also a high degree of comorbidity.

One thing I’ve heard about scruples is that the thing that the scrupulous person worries about is very unlikely to be the most glaring fault that other people notice. It might be especially helpful to trust in other people’s opinions on the subject, whether a priest, spiritual advisor, or other trusted person. They might say something like, “No, I don’t think that your being 5 minutes late to Mass is something that you need to confess, but you’re spending way too much time on your computer.”

 

[YoungIreland]

Hello, I am one of those people who have Asperger’s syndrome. Not only that, I am aware that I might have scrupulosity! To what you have said, There could be some link of having an extreme black and white attitude especially for some catholics to have scrupulosity.

Just a quick refresher about Asperger’s syndrome: It is a disability that hinders social skills and develops deep and obsessive interests. Most people with AS have a strict set of rules and schedules and if any of these are broken, people with AS can become extremely upset and have a temper tantrum. For example if a person with AS has an interest in car collecting, that same person would become upset or angry if at least one car is missing from the collection.

I myself for being a practicing catholic with AS, yes I have a strict rule about avoiding any sinful actions and following the church’s teachings carefully. Sometimes I take these rules too far and has become a hinderance of the Faith. I love Our Heavenly Lord God and his son Jesus Christ, I love the teachings, I admire them but if I were to use the computer at least once, read a non catholic book, or write I would feel guilty of falling into these and I say to myself it is very hard to avoid all sin. I go to daily mass but I would not take communion because of every action no matter how small is still very grave against Our Lord. I would also feel upset if I don’t read the bible or pray the rosary every day. So yes I have both AS and scrupulosity.

However having both of these are like carrying a huge cross, but also I see them as building up virtue. Having AS, I should pray and give support for people who have AS. I see them as God’s loving children as they are. And having scrupulosity lets me be more careful of not falling into sin and following what the church teaches. Look up St. Alphonsus Liguori, he claims to have scrupulosity. Although I should get some help, I still humbly accept myself of having AS and Scrupulosity. I should indeed pray for those who have both of these.

Hope this helps

I have AS too. I do feel like this sometimes as well. I enjoyed reading your story.