BBB
AUTISM SUPPORT NETWORK
ASPERGER'S SYNDROME
(AS)
Asperger's
Syndrome (AS) is another pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) which, like
autism, affects communication skills, social interactions and behavior. In the
1940's, at about the same time Dr. Leo Kanner was documenting the condition he
called 'early infantile autism,' Hans Asperger, an Austrian psychiatrist,
wrote about a similar pattern of behavior he observed in some of his young
male patients. What is now referred to as Asperger's Syndrome is considered to
be at the high end of the autism continuum, although there is some debate as
to whether it should be thought of as a separate condition altogether.
More males than
females are affected with both disorders. Difficulty with understanding social
situations and relating to one's environment is also characteristic of both.
However, by definition, individuals with AS have average or above-average
intelligence and their language skills seem to develop normally during the
preschool years. Although those with AS may have continuing feelings of being
disconnected with their surroundings, many learn to use coping skills and
become successful and productive adults.
 |
Social
- desires interaction, but
does not understand social rules or non-verbal cues for conversation or
play |
|
Emotionally
Fragile - self-critical,
easily stressed has difficulty coping
with demands of day-to-day life |
|
Speech -
formal or expressionless tone of voice rich vocabulary without
understanding subtleties of language |
|
Need for
Sameness - sensitive to
changes in daily routine may
find comfort in repeating ritualistic behaviors |
|
Limited Range of Interests - may be preoccupied with a particular subject continually talking or asking questions about one, sometimes eccentric or inexplicable, idea or thing. Very good memory for facts on one subject. |
July 24, 2002