Aspergers

   

Asperger Syndrome is a disorder on the autistic spectrum that causes restrictions to normal functioning in communication, in socialisation, in imagination - the ability to behave and think with any level of flexibility, and, often, in physical co-ordination. It affects boys and girls, but affects boys in significantly higher numbers.
Children with autism exhibit, to a greater or lesser degree, a Triad of Impairment that is the defining characteristic of autism:

•Communication:   Language impairment across all modes of communication: speech, intonation, gesture, facial expression, two-way conversation and other body language.

•Imagination:   Rigidity and inflexibility of thought process: resistance to change, obsessional and ritualistic behaviour.

•Socialisation:   Difficulties with social relationships, poor social timing, lack of social empathy, rejection of normal body contact, inappropriate eye contact.

Like many autistic spectrum disorders, Asperger Syndrome (AS) is a very individual syndrome. There will be wide variations in the physical and mental symptoms, in the degree of difficulties it presents, and in any early signs that parents noted.

The presence of other disorders (see below) may confuse the issue.
In brief -

•People with AS are sometimes described as having High Functioning Autism but the two are  usually diagnosed as separate conditions.

•Usually, no significant language delay is noted during the early years.

•AS people are usually of average intelligence and above, who have good verbal skills -
but the content of speech may be abnormal, with lengthy discussions on a favourite subject, words may be invented, words repeated over and over.

•Good verbal skills mask a tendency to rely on literal meaning (e.g. hop off the bus) and an inability to read body language and facial expressions. Subtle verbal jokes may not be understood.

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