Asperger’s Syndrome

This has been confused with high functioning autism which is due to a similarity of symptoms between the two. These include a higher than normal intelligence and an area of expertise in a particular subject, e.g. maths.

Their symptoms are often milder than many other types of autism and they are able to integrate into society without too much difficulty. They can lead independent lives and have satisfying careers in the same way as other people and are not viewed as suffering from a developmental disorder such as this.

People with Asperger’s are able to speak and communicate to a greater extent than people with other types of autism although they find it difficult to understand subtleties of speech or the use of irony and humour.

They have a tendency to take things at face value or to understand that conversation is a two way process between people.

Plus they have a literal interpretation of any conversation which means that they are unable to recognise humour or the tone of the conversation. Their speech is often stilted and robotic and along with their problems with non-verbal communication and empathy mean that they are often isolated.

Many people with this condition have over-developed senses which mean that they feel overwhelmed by bright lights, loud noises, particular smells and physical contact.

Children with Asperger’s syndrome

There are several signs of this condition in children which include obsessive behaviour, problems with social interaction, poor motor skills and a lack of co-ordination.

Obsessive behaviour

A noticeable sign with children is an obsession with trivia or a hobby to the exclusion of anything else. They will regurgitate facts and figures but without any awareness of why they are doing this. Plus they will fail to stop at an appropriate moment.

What often happens is that they continue to expound on their subject to the extent that the other person becomes bored by this subject. They fail to notice this lack of interest and will carry on until someone tells them to stop.

This intense focus on a subject can be esoteric or conversely, an everyday object. Examples include train timetables, a component of an engine or a variety of objects.

This obsession is also a feature of adults with Asperger’s Syndrome. They will develop an intense interest in a subject/object and are intent on knowing everything they can about it.

Children with this spectrum disorder are above normal intelligence and develop at the same rate as other children. They are aware of their surroundings and are able to function at the same level.

Problems with social interaction

But where they do have difficulty is with social relationships with others. They are able to approach other people and will join a conversation, unlike children with other types of spectrum disorders who typically shy away from social situations.

Children with Asperger’s have difficulty with their speech and body language which comes across as cold or unnerving to other children. They often speak in a monotone and are unable to detect changes in a conversation such as raising or lowering the tone of the voice or using sarcasm. They find gesture and body language problematic and do not how to respond to this, or respond in a strange or inappropriate manner. This can make them an easy target for teasing and bullying.

Poor motor skills

Whilst these children are highly intelligent they tend to lag behind in motor skills. These include being unable to throw or catch a ball properly or finding it difficult to ride a bike. They are often clumsy when walking, running or participating in other physical activities.

Lack of co-ordination

Their co-ordination is slower than others which mean that they will take longer to tie a shoelace or will require help with doing so. Many children engage in repetitive actions such as twisting their hands or rubbing their hands together. They may have a nervous tic and display jerky body movements. An inability to concentrate is another aspect.

Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome

Adults tend to demonstrate the same symptoms as children. So, they will develop an intense interest in a particular hobby, e.g. computers, which can remain with them for the rest of their life.

Adults with Asperger’s often do well in careers such as computer programming or computer maintenance. They find it easier to work with objects than with other people and are at their happiest working alone in a room away from others. Interpersonal skills are not their strongest suit.

Prefer routines

They also have a love of routines which is something seen in children as well. Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome feel safe and secure with a routine and use these to help them make sense of the world around them. They will organise their entire life around routines, for example leaving the house for work at exactly the same time every day.

Any change to their routine confuses and frightens them. They are unable to deal with change or spontaneity and find order and stability comforting.

Asperger’s Syndrome affects more men than women.