In 2009, twenty-six-year-old Zev Glassenber, who has Asperger's syndrome, was a contestant on the Amazing Race. As you learn more about Asperger's syndrome, ask yourself, "How did Zev deal with social stress, physical challenges, and constant changes while running around the world with his best friend Justin Kanew?" (Bruckheimer, Amazing Race 15, 2009) Although Asperger syndrome (AS) has probably existed since the beginning of time, the first known research was conducted by an Austrian pediatrician, Hans Asperger in 1994. Hans noticed that some of the children who had was referred to his clinic had similar personality and behavioral traits (Attwood, 2007). They were socially awkward, lacked empathy, and were physically awkward. He also noted that they had an intense interest and knowledge of one or a few particular topics. Hans' work was not well known or used because it had been written during World War II, in German, and the magazine in which it was published had been discontinued. Hans did not live to see his research become an official diagnosis, much less take his name. Lorna Wing, a British child psychiatrist, was the first to use the phrase "Asperger's syndrome" in an article she wrote in 1981. In 1991 her work was translated into English, and in 1992 Asperger's syndrome was added to the International Statistical Classification of illnesses and diseases. Related Health Problems (10th revision, ICD-10), published by the World Health Organization (Slaughter, 2009). Some experts argue whether AS is truly a different disorder or simply a milder form of autism (Slaughter, 2009). Many traits are the same but the clear differences are that those with Asperger's have normal language and intellectual development and make more of an effort...... middle of paper ...... to win, and they don't give up never. He and his partner Justin had a great relationship and worked well together. Many thought Zev would be the cause of their eventual elimination and many admired Justin for his loyalty, support and trust in his friend with AS. Justin was the one who ended up losing their passports in Asia, causing them to be sent home. Zev and Justin took 9th place (Bruckheimer, Amazing Race 15, 2009). They were so popular with viewers that they were given a second chance and participated in season 18's Unfinished Business. They took first place in more stages of the race than any other team and placed fourth overall. They were eliminated after Zev took over an hour to learn some samba steps in Brazil. But he learned them. (Those damn motor skills) Zev did the race to prove to himself that he could do anything and to inspire others. And he did it!