Ill-informed Public Searches for Information on "Assburgers" Syndrome

Last night NBC’s new sitcom, “Parenthood,” aired an episode about Asperger’s Syndrome, a disorder classified on the low end of the autism spectrum. Although initially wary of the plot-line, Jason Katims, who is the show’s writer and executive producer, has a 13-year-old son with Asperger’s Syndrome and hopes that such publicity will help to “normalize” the disease by decreasing the “mystery” and “stigma” which still surrounds it.

Those with Asperger’s experience difficulties picking up on social cues and also exhibit a heightened sensitivity. However, because they are extremely high functioning, Asperger’s patients often only come across as quirky or awkward.

It seems as though the show’s subject matter sparked public interest as “Asperger’s Syndrome” topped Google search trends this morning. However, it is obvious that despite everyone’s best intentions, there is still limited awareness of the disorder; “Assburgers,” which sounds more like an entree you’d find on the website This Is Why Your Fat, topped search trends as well. Way to go, guys.