Woman says Down 's syndrome diagnosis at 48 helped explain ` ` otherness '' People with Down 's are often ultra - focused on sometimes obscure topics . With intensified sensitivity she 's ultra - attuned to lights , sounds , textures , and smells . Down 's syndrome is one of the autism spectrum disorders .
Woman says Asperger 's syndrome diagnosis at 48 helped explain `` otherness '' People with Asperger 's are often ultra-focused on sometimes obscure topics . With intensified senses she 's ultra-attuned to lights , noise , textures , and smells . Asperger 's syndrome is one of the autism spectrum disorders .