What is Asperger Syndrome (AS)? That seems a simple question, but you will find the description expressed in a variety of ways in a variety of places. On our site we have attempted to provide you with clearly worded definitions and words of wisdom we've found from other sites, as well as the technical criteria used for diagnosis. We suggest you take time to read through several explanations of AS; the links on other pages in this section will help lead you to further information. |
| What is Asperger syndrome? |
National Institutes of Health: "People with Asperger Syndrome have autism-like problems in areas of social interaction and communication, but have normal intelligence and verbal skills. Asperger Syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder, a group of conditions that include autism and other disorders with similar symptoms, such as problems with language and communication, and repetitive or restrictive patterns of thoughts and behavior. It is usually thought to be the mildest of the autism spectrum disorders." (www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/asperger_syndrome.cfm) |
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| What are the symptoms of Asperger Syndrome? |
National Institutes of Health: "One of the most distinct symptoms of Asperger Syndrome is having an obsessive interest in a single object or topic—often so much so that the person ignores other objects, topics, or thoughts. Those with Asperger Syndrome tend to have good vocabularies and grammar skills. But they usually have other language problems, such as being very literal and having trouble understanding non-verbal communications, such as body language. Other symptoms of Asperger syndrome may include:
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| What is the treatment for Asperger Syndrome? |
| National Institutes of Health: "There is no cure for Asperger Syndrome, but people with Asperger Syndrome can live full and happy lives. "(www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/asperger_syndrome.cfm) |
| From A Survival Guide for People with Asperger Syndrome
by Marc Segar*: "Many of the problems experienced by
someone with Asperger syndrome can feel like nothing more than an
unexplainable continuation of bad luck. The only way you can really
make this feel any less frustrating is to see your problems as challenges
instead of seeing them as obstacles.
I certainly wouldn't want people to think that just one definition of autism or Asperger syndrome was sufficient but if I could explain it in just one sentence it would be as follows: Autistic people have to understand scientifically what non-autistic people already understand instinctively." (www.aspergersyndrome.org/) *Marc Segar was a young man with Asperger Syndrome. His personal insight is a non-medical, but interesting, addition as "food for thought" about treatment. |
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| Why haven't I heard of Asperger Syndrome before? |
| Autism Society of America: "Asperger's Disorder
was first described in the 1940s by Viennese pediatrician Hans Asperger
who observed autistic-like behaviors and difficulties with social
and communication skills in boys who had normal intelligence and language
development. Many professionals felt Asperger's Disorder was simply
a milder form of autism and used the term "high-functioning autism"
to describe these individuals. Professor Uta Frith, with the Institute
of Cognitive Neuroscience of University College London and author
of Autism and Asperger Syndrome, describes individuals with Asperger's
Disorder as "having a dash of Autism." Asperger's Disorder
was added to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) in 1994 as a separate
disorder from autism. However, there are still many professionals
who consider Asperger's Disorder a less severe form of autism."
(www.autism-society.org/site/PageNavigator/about_whatis_asperger) |
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| Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV) Description |
Diagnostic Criteria For 299.80 Asperger's Disorder
B. Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following:
C. The disturbance causes clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning D. There is no clinically significant general delay in language (e.g., single words used by age 2 years, communicative phrases used by age 3 years) E. There is no clinically significant delay in cognitive development or in the development of age-appropriate self-help skills, adaptive behavior (other than social interaction), and curiosity about the environment in childhood F. Criteria are not met for another specific Pervasive Developmental Disorder or Schizophrenia |
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