Asperger Syndrome (AS) is a neurobiological disorder, which most researchers feel falls at the "high-end" of the Autistic Spectrum. Individuals with AS can have symptoms ranging from mild to severe. While sharing many of the same characteristics as PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified) and HFA (High-Functioning Autism), AS is a relatively new term in the United States, having only recently being officially recognized as a diagnosis by the medical community.

Individuals with Asperger Syndrome and related disorders tend to have typical intelligence as compared to their peers, but major difficulties in social and communication skills. They often have obsessive repetitive routines and preoccupations with a particular subject. Because of their disability, people with Asperger Syndrome are often viewed by their peers as odd, and are frequently a target for bullying.

Characteristics

Children  and adults with AS may have serious and chronic social, behavioral and communication impairments. Not every person with AS is the same but some characteristics a person with this diagnosis may be that they appear:

• socially awkward and clumsy in relations with other children and/or adults
• naive or gullible
• often unaware of others' feelings
• unable to carry on a "give and take" conversation
• easily upset by changes in routines and transitions
• literal in speech and understanding
• overly sensitive to loud sounds, lights or odors
• fixated on one subject or object
• physically awkward in sports

Some individuals with AS may also have:

• unusually accurate memory for details
• sleeping or eating problems
• trouble understanding things they have heard or read
• unusual body language or facial expression
• unusual speech patterns
• a tendency to rock, fidget or pace while concentrating

Diagnostic Terms

Some other terms or diagnoses for Asperger Syndrome include:

• High-Functioning Autism
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
• Atypical PDD
• Autistic

These different labels can cause confusion, and can sometimes make it difficult for both parents and professionals to access appropriate help and information.  At this time there is a great deal of debate as to exactly where AS fits. Some professionals feel that AS is the same as High Functioning Autism, while others feel that it is better described as a Nonverbal Learning Disability. AS shares many of the characteristics of PDD-NOS, HFA, and NLD.  because it was virtually unknown until a few years ago, many individuals either received an incorrect diagnosis or remained undiagnosed. For example, it is not at all uncommon for a child who was initially diagnosed with ADD or ADHD be re-diagnosed with AS. In addition, some individuals who were originally diagnosed with HFA or PDD-NOS are now being given the AS diagnosis and many individuals have a dual diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism.

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This page last updated:  Sunday, November 25, 2007