The Characteristics of Asperger's Syndrome

The individual with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) exhibits language, cognitive, and behavioral characteristics that are typical of the syndrome. Recognizing that the child has odd ways, is different regarding language and in having difficulty dealing in social situations is paramount to getting early intervention that is necessary for the best prognosis.

Language Characteristics:

The child with Asperger's Syndrome may have a large grasp of vocabulary at an early age with both grammar and vocabulary being at a high level. The speech though may be somewhat stilted and repetitive. The voice pattern tends to be monotone and emotionless and conversations revolve around self.

Cognitive Characteristics:

The individual with Asperger's Syndrome is usually obsessed with complex topics, such as history, music, patterns, and weather etc., and is often described as being odd or eccentric.

The IQ is usually normal to high especially in verbal ability and below average in performance ability. Many individuals with Asperger's Syndrome also have dyslexia, writing problems, and difficulty with mathematics. They may also lack common sense, and have concrete thinking versus the ability to think in terms of abstract.

Behavioral Characteristics:

They typically appear to be clumsy and awkward in movement, have off forms of self-stimulatory behavior, odd movements like flapping of hands. They exhibit sensory problems but not as dramatic as those who have forms of autism. They may show inappropriate reciprocal interaction and are unaware of personal space issues often times getting in your face when having conversations with you. They often avoid direct gaze when greeting individuals. They have a great deal of difficulty with non-verbal interpretation such as body language and facial expressions.

Cause:

At the present time there has not been any direct determination for a clear cause for Asperger's Syndrome though it is thought that there is a hereditary factor involved as many times when there is a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome there is found to be several "odd" or eccentric characters in the family tree.

Other conditions such as depression and bipolar disorder are often reported to be experienced along with the symptoms and signs of Asperger's Syndrome or they have family members who have been diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder.

With intervention and treatment, especially early in life, an individual with Asperger's Syndrome can lead a productive and functional life although they typically have to work harder at being successful at personal and work relationships, and being able to communicate effectively with others. Through early education, cognitive and behavioral therapy and also occupational therapy individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome are able to go to college, become professionals, have productive careers, and learn how to develop relationships even have families. Early intervention is essential for the best prognosis. Educating family members, teachers and other caregivers is also important so that they understand how to relate to the individual with Asperger’s Syndrome and to help the individual to learn how to overcome the characteristics of Asperger’s Syndrome.