Asperger's Syndrome: What is it?
Asperger's Syndrome (AS) is a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) which falls within the
Autism Spectrum. The main features of this disorder become obvious during early childhood and
remain constant throughout life although adaptation and degree of ac tual disability vary. It is very
rarely recognised before the age of three.
Some Common Features of Asperger's Syndrome in Children
Excellent rote memory
Absorb facts easily
Often perform well at maths and science. May perform very well in other academic are due to high verbal skills.
Generally anxious and unable to cope with any form of criticism or imperfection
Are usually the victims of "teasing" (verbal abuse? bullying?) in a school environment, which may cause them to withdraw into
isolated activities
Often appear clumsy and may have an unusual gait or stance
Often seen as a bit odd and/or eccentric
Often have the appearance of good language but have very poor
social understanding
Generally attend ordinary primary and secondary schools
These children may be exceptionally intelligent despite these problems.
While children with Asperger's Syndrome have many of the features of the Syndrome in common,
they may vary enormously in other ways especially in the areas of intelligence and temperament.
Difficulties are Observed in the Following Areas
Communication
The child usually speaks at the age expected. A full command of grammar is usually acquired.
Content of speech may be abnormal, tending to be pedantic and often centering on one or two
favourite topics.
Sometimes a word or phrase is repeated over and over in a stereotyped fashion.
Usually there is a comprehension deficit despite apparent superior verbal skills.
Non-verbal
communication, both expressive and receptive is often impaired.
Social Interaction
There tends to be impairment in two-way social interaction due in the most part to an inability to
understand social behaviour. A lack of empathy with others and little or no eye contact may be
evident. The child appears to be stuck at the egocentric stage of social and emotional development
and therefore these people perceive the world almost exclusively from their own point of view.
Social Behaviour
Social Behaviour is often naive and peculiar. They tend to become intensely attached to particular
possessions. They engage in repetitive activities and are resistant to change, coping best when life is
predictable. They are rigid and prefer structure and may concentrate exclusively on matters in which
they are interested. They may appear non-compliant as they have difficulty taking direction and
coping with negative feedback.
Profile of a Person with Asperger's Syndrome
The typical person with Asperger's Syndrome is a 'loner' who never quite fits in because of eccentric
behaviour, peculiar ways of speaking and a lack of social skills. He or she may be interested in social
relationships but lacks the ability to understand and use the rules governing social behaviour. He or
she may try to make contact inappropriately, eg ignoring contextural cues or expressing inadequacy
aggresively. People with Asperger's Syndrome may graduate from regular schools and hold down
jobs, but they are often disadvantaged by their odd behaviour and resistance to change. They have
difficulty establishing relationships and children often refuse to return to their homes to play with
them. Older children may over time withdraw from the uncomfortable interactions which
characterised their early years and retreat into the safety of their family or even isolate themselves
from their family. They may feel rejected but do not understand how their behavioual responses
contributed to their isolation.
Some Anecdotes from Children
The following statements reflect the literal and unusual ways that these people think.
He referred to a hole in his sock as "a temporary loss of knitting".
Yes he did want to go to school but he wished that all the other children weren't there.
"Did you mop up the coffee you spilt on the carpet?" - "No, it was too wet."
Links to other sites on the Web
Asperger's Disorder Homepage
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