EFFECTIVE WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS AND UNMASK THE ABILITIES OF PEOPLE WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME

Abstract

People with Asperger’s syndrome often have superior abilities in various fields, including art, natural science, and solving social problems. However, they tend to become stressed easily due to difficulties in relating to others. This stress sometimes prevents them from showing their full potential. Their abilities and tendency to become stressed are similar to those of people with schizoid temperament. Recent evidence has shown that purpose in life (PIL)/ikigai, moderate aerobic exercise, and diet, which are related to each other and to prefrontal lobe function, are effective methods for coping with stress. PIL/ikigai, which is an attitude in which one seeks to establish meaning of life, is developed through positive experiences, such as cordial human relations with suitable role-models, spending time in beautiful natural surroundings, and being moved by people or events. PIL/ikigai for people without schizoid temperament develops through such positive experiences throughout their life. However, PIL/ikigai for people with schizoid temperament/Asperger’s syndrome develops through positive experiences during a limited number of life stages: infancy, childhood, and adulthood. Moderate aerobic exercise, such as walking, running, and swimming, were linked to finding food during the evolution of mankind. In turn, our diet supplies nutrients to our organs. Therefore, we propose that providing positive experiences during the critical periods and maturation periods of particular brain regions may influence PIL/ikigai, which is related to moderate aerobic exercise and diet. This process may help people with Asperger’s syndrome to demonstrate their full potential abilities and to contribute to various fields. Key words: Asperger’s syndrome, stress, purpose in life/ikigai, moderate aerobic exercise, diet.