Asperger's Syndrome in Laymen's Terms

A child or an adult can exhibit signs or symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome at any time in life that are attributed to other things such as being absent minded, awkward physically, brilliant but eccentric or socially inept. Many children are said to have a language of their own and eventually are diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. They may indeed have a wonderful vocabulary but do not understand the pragmatics of communicating that language. Individuals who have Asperger's syndrome are said to be clumsy. Individuals with this syndrome may avoid gazing directly at someone even in greeting. Children with this syndrome may have difficulty in social situations but can learn how to act socially over time. Adults who have this syndrome may experience difficulty with relationships, family life and being able to be comfortable in social situations for business or pleasure but they can learn to live happy and productive lives adapting to the syndrome and with therapy and certain medications.

The syndrome was named for a Viennese physician, Hans Asperger. He published a paper describing the pattern of behaviors witnessed of boys who had normal IQs and language development, but who were thought to be autistic in behavior with marked social and communicative deficiencies. In 1994 professionals recognized Asperger Syndrome and parents finally had a name for what they experienced in their children.

Common characteristics of individuals with this syndrome are deficiencies in social skills, difficulties when it comes to changes and they often have obsessive routines and are preoccupied with one subject of interest. Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome tend to have difficulty reading nonverbal cues of communication often referred to as body language. They can also have difficulty determining proper body space and can be overly sensitive to sights, smells, sounds and tastes. They will also have preferences for things that are soft, for certain foods, and can be agitated by certain sounds or by lights that others around them are not bothered by. Those with this syndrome are often teased as children for being "odd" and adults are accused of being eccentric. Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome can be extremely literal and have difficulty using language in a social context.

Asperger Syndrome is currently considered to be an autism spectrum disorder and is often described as being High Functioning Autism. Still, others describe the pattern of behaviors as a Nonverbal Learning Disorder. Many individuals are misdiagnosed or remain undiagnosed.

Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome usually have normal IQ ranges, in fact many show exceptional skill or talent in certain areas, so they can achieve high levels of achievements but experience difficulties in social situations or in making transitions or changes in work or home life. Individuals who have Asperger's Syndrome prefer to have stability in their lives and shy away from situations that would necessitate change.