What is Asperger’s Syndrome?

From the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NINDS:
Asperger’s Syndrome is a developmental disorder characterized by a greater or
lesser degree of impairment in language and communication skills.

Asperger’s Syndrome is a neurological disorder with symptoms similar to those
of “classic” autism.  It was labeled "Autistic Psychopathy" by Hans Asperger.  He
noted that their pattern included a “lack of empathy, little ability to form
friendships, one-sided conversations, intense absorption in a special interest
and clumsy movements.”

Asperger’s is called a syndrome because the cause is not known, but it does
describes how a person thinks, feels, and acts as a human being.  There are
symptoms or characteristics that identify people with Asperger’s Syndrome
including verbal and cognitive abilities, behavior and social skills.

What does Asperger’s Syndrome look like?

Affected individuals are characterized by social isolation and eccentric behavior
in childhood. There are impairments in two-sided social interaction and non-
verbal communication. Though grammatical, their speech is peculiar due to
abnormalities of inflection and a repetitive pattern. Clumsiness is prominent
both in their articulation and gross motor behavior. They usually have a
circumscribed area of interest which usually leaves no space for more age
appropriate, common interests.

Specifics:

Verbal Abilities:
• Their verbal IQ is higher than their performance abilities
• They are prone to repeating the same information, over and over
• Their voice is often void of expression and can be ‘flat’
• They usually have a good understanding of grammar and vocabulary
• Conversations revolve around their interests and themselves
• Often an acute understanding of their subject or topic of interest

Cognitive Abilities:
• Enhanced mental ability to acquire and retain information.  Asperger called
children with Asperger’s Syndrome “little professors” because of their ability to
talk about their favorite subject in great detail.
• They are often obsessed with complex topics to include architecture, design,
music, science, history, etc.
• They are known for displaying eccentric behaviors
• It is common to have well above normal IQ’s
• May have dyslexia and writing problems
• They always struggle with social cues
• They are usually concrete learners

A person can not ‘outgrow’ Asperger's syndrome, but can adapt to the
challenges.  It is not a disease that can be cured or "recovered from."  With
advancements in therapy models, increased understanding of the syndrome,
and the push for early intervention, a person with Asperger's Syndrome can face
the challenges that the above symptoms create towards a bright future.

Visit our links page for more information.
Asperger’s Syndrome was added into the Autistic
Spectrum Disorder Umbrella in 1994, 51 years
after the word Autism was first used by Leo
Kanner in 1943.  Asperger's Syndrome is named
after Hans Asperger, whose statements and
findings were based on scientific investigations of
more than 400 children.  As a child, Hans
Asperger appears to have exhibited features of the
very condition named after him.

This page is for public awareness only, and
should not replace medical intervention or
diagnostic attention.
For an informed look at autism, please visit the following pages in our site:  What
is Autism, The Facts, and Ryan's Story.  Follow up with a view of Hawkeye Ranch
and the contributions page to read about the solutions to some of the
challenges that autism creates.  We urge you to continue your education
regarding autism by visiting our Autism Books page.