Asperger’s Syndrome
The name Asperger’s Syndrome has officially changed. However, many people still refer to it when discussing their condition. The symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome are now part of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is the term used for a variety of autism-like disorders. Some providers may still use the term Asperger’s Syndrome. Others may say “ASD – without intellectual or language impairment” or simply “autistic.” All of these terms refer to the same syndromes. Asperger’s Syndrome is now classified under ASD in the DSM-V.
What is Asperger’s Syndrome?
Asperger’s syndrome refers to a developmental disorder that falls under the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Individuals with this form of ASD often experience challenges in social interactions. They typically adhere to specific routines, possess limited interests, and may display repetitive behaviors like hand flapping.
Doctors often refer to Asperger’s as a “high-functioning” type of ASD, indicating that its symptoms are generally less severe than those of other forms of autism spectrum disorder.
The difference between Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder
The main distinction is that individuals with Asperger’s are typically very verbal and have normal to high IQs. However, they face social difficulties and may have more neurological issues. Sometimes, these individuals go undiagnosed until later in life. This can happen because common symptoms of Asperger’s may not be as evident, leading families to delay seeking a diagnosis.
Asperger’s Syndrome: Early Symptoms and Diagnosis
Asperger’s Syndrome, often classified under the broader umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental disorder that affects how individuals perceive and interact with the world around them. While symptoms of Asperger’s typically emerge early in life, many individuals are not diagnosed until later, sometimes even into adulthood.
However, most diagnoses occur between ages 5 and 9. The symptoms can vary widely among individuals. Typically, they relate to emotional, communication, and behavioral skills.
Common symptoms:
- Have trouble making eye contact
- Feel and act awkward in social settings
- Have trouble responding to people in conversation
- Miss social cues that other people find obvious
- Don’t understand what facial expressions mean
- Show few emotions
- Speak in a flat, robotic tone
- Talk a lot about one topic, such as rocks or football stats
- Repeat words, phrases, or movements
- Dislike change
- Keep the same schedule and habits, such as eating the same meals
- Difficulty with social interactions and social language
- Not understanding emotions well or having less facial expression than others
- Not using or understanding nonverbal communication, such as gestures, body language, and facial expression
- Conversations that revolve around themselves or a certain topic
- Speech that sounds unusual, such as flat, high-pitched, quiet, loud, or choppy
- An intense obsession with one or two specific, narrow subjects
- Unique mannerisms, repetitive behaviors, or repeated routines
- Becoming upset at slight changes in routines
- Memorizing preferred information and facts easily
- Clumsy, uncoordinated movements, including difficulty with handwriting
- Difficulty managing emotions, sometimes leading to verbal or behavioral outbursts, self-injurious behaviors, or tantrums
- Not understanding other peoples’ feelings or perspectives
- Hypersensitivity to lights, sounds, and textures
Children with Asperger’s Syndrome typically develop their language skills, including grammar and vocabulary, at a standard rate, but they may struggle to use language effectively in social situations. They can have average intelligence but often face attention span and organization challenges.
LeafWing Center can assist in creating a treatment plan to address developmental challenges for your child with Asperger’s Syndrome. We offer testing and develop a personalized approach based on your child’s needs. It’s important to share the results with the child’s education team to support the work of the ABA therapist.
