What is Asperger Syndrome?

Asperger Syndrome (AS), or Asperger's Disorder, is a neurobiological disorder named for a Viennese physician, Hans Asperger, who in 1944 published a paper which described a pattern of behaviors in several young boys who had normal intelligence and language development, but who also exhibited autistic-like behaviors and marked deficiencies in social and communication skills. In spite of the publication of his paper in the 1940's, it wasn't unitl 1994 that Asperger Syndrome was added to the DSM IV and only in the past few years has AS been recognized by professionals and parents.

Individuals with AS can exhibit a variety of characteristics and the disorder can range from mild to severe. Persons with AS show marked deficiencies in social skills, have difficulties with transitions or changes and prefer sameness. They often have obsessive routines and may be preoccupied with a particular subject of interest. They have a great deal of difficulty reading nonverbal cues (body language) and very often the individuals with AS has difficulty determining proper body space.

By definition, those with AS have a normal IQ and many individuals (although not all), exhibit exceptional skill or talent in a specific area. Because of their high degree of functionality and their naivete, those with AS are often viewed as eccentric or odd and can easily become victims of teasing and bullying.
--Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support

Asperger Syndrome is a form of autism, a condition that affects the way a person communicates and relates to others. A number of traits of autism are common to Asperger Syndrome including:

*difficulty in communicating
*difficulty in social relationships
*a lack of social imagination and creative play

However, people with AS usually have fewer problems with language than those with autism, often speaking fluently, though their words can sometimes sound formal or stilted. People with AS do not usually have the accompanying learning diabilities associated with autism; in fact, people with AS are often of average or above average intelligence.

Because of this many children with AS enter mainstream school and, with the right support and encouragement, can make good progress and go on to further education and employment.
--National Autistic Society